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The Renaissance was a time period and movement that mainly affected European culture. During the Renaissance, a person’s social status could be determined by their clothing. Wealthier families wore elaborate and ornate renaissance clothing that was made from expensive fabrics. The more expensive the clothing, the richer the family.

In addition to social and financial status, renaissance clothing was also a form of financial investment. If a family needed money, expensive clothing could be resold to pay off debts. Fabrics during the Renaissance era were hard to produce, which made renaissance clothing for the wealthy exclusive. Producing cotton, velvet and silk fabrics took a lot of work and were made in Egypt and other countries. Additionally ribbon, pearls and elaborate threads were used which added to the expense of renaissance clothing.