Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the Western Emperor Honorius banning barbarian costume in Rome on April 7th in 397 AD:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorius_(emperor)

 

His edict specifically banned the wearing of pants (braccae) which were considered uncivilized. 

This edict was likely meant to preserve Classical tradition and the image of Rome as a capital city. The Roman army had long adopted braccae for cold weather, this may also have been intended to prevent Rome from beginning to seem like an armed camp. 

This was in fact not the first fashion decree in the Roman world. Sumptuary laws centuries earlier had banned extravagant and expensive dress during difficult times. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus