The Law Of Clothing

May 5, 2010

Society as we know it has the freedom to wear pretty much what he or she wants to. There are exceptions where fashion is not a freedom and laws do govern how we wear clothing. There are some strict guidelines in some cultures and religious sects. For instance; Islamic culture requires women to wear a burqa, a head to toe enveloping outer garment worn for the purpose of hiding a female's body when out in public. Nuns and Monks are required to wear habits as their daily wear. For the most part, these examples can be said that they are a person’s freedom to choose as well. She chose to be a Nun; therefore her clothing depicts her choice.

I would like to be perfectly clear on this subject. I am not disputing or debating the rules of fashion: “Can’t wear white after Labor Day” or “Women over 30 shouldn’t wear mini skirts”; I’ll leave that to Stacy London and I am not wanting to discuss freedom of personal attire. Let’s talk about laws for a moment. There are several laws or ordinances on the books right now concerning fashion. They currently may not be enforced; but, there was a time and a thought behind them for lawmakers to think that they were necessary.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND- it is illegal for a woman to be topless in public unless she is employed in an exotic fish shop.

JAPAN- It is illegal to wear purple unless you are in mourning.

THAILAND- a man must always wear a shirt if he is driving.

OREGON- Women must not wear see through clothing in the presence of a man.

CARMEL, NEW YORK- A man cannot be seen in public while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match.

FLORIDA- Men may not be seen publicly in any kind of strapless gown.

NORTH DAKOTA- It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.

OHIO- Women are forbidden from wearing patent leather shoes, lest men see reflections of their underwear.

OKLAHOMA- If you wear New York Jets’ clothing, you may be put in jail.