(1) the desire to preserve class distinctions, so that any stranger could tell by merely looking at a man's dress to what rank in society he belonged; (2) the desire to check practices which were regarded as deleterious in their effects and the feeling that luxury and extravagance were in themselves wicked and harmful to the morals of the people; (3) economic reasons: (a) the endeavor to encourage home industries and to discourage the buying of foreign goods, and (b) the desire on the part of the sovereign to have his people save up their money, so that they might be able to help him out in time of need.
… shall not take nor wear cloth of an higher price for their vesture or hosing, than within forty shillings the whole cloth, that they shall neither buy such cloth, nor acquire it in any other manner. They are elso forbidden to wear precious stones, cloth of silver, silk, girdles, knives, buttons, rings, brooches, chains, etc. of gold or silver, and embroidered or silken clothing. This prohibition is extended to their wives and children, who are also directed not to wear any veil or kerchief made of silk, "but only of yarn thread made within the realm," nor any fur nor budge, except lamb, coney, cat and fox.