Cover page of a new dress code adopted by the Rat (city hall) of the Free Imperial City of Augsburg in 1582. This so-called expense order (Aufwandsordnungen) regulated the choice of fabrics, the cost of clothing, the wearing of jewellery, etc. according to the social status of the individual: gentlemen ("Herren"), merchants, craftsmen, servants, etc. Such sumptuary laws were common in many parts of Europe.