French Fashion Folklore: The Traditions and Superstitions behind Clothing
Today we realize that fashion is more than beautiful fabrics or closet items, it is about stories encapsulated in clothes, patterns and accessories. Many things familiar to us did not appear by chance, but were the result of centuries-old traditions, sometimes covered with superstitions. Why do brides wear white dresses and pearls are considered a symbol of tears? Why were French women once not allowed to wear pants, and why do they avoid wearing new clothes on Friday the 13th?
Sometimes things that seem ordinary to us hide a surprising past. This is similar to the situation with coins - for example, the 1957 nickel value may be insignificant, but if you dig deeper, you may find a rare piece worth far more than its face value. Similarly with clothing: behind the seemingly simple details are long-standing customs that still influence what we wear today.
So now we would like to look at some interesting French traditions and superstitions related to clothing from a different angle and find out why we wear what we wear and what it means in today's world.
The White Wedding Dress: A Borrowed Tradition
Today, the white wedding dress is an absolute symbol of purity and elegance, but few people know that this tradition did not originate in France. Historically, French brides wore multi-colored dresses, where each color symbolized a different desire associated with marriage:
Red was believed to bring wealth and good fortune.
Blue symbolized loyalty and fidelity.
Green was considered unlucky as it was associated with unhappiness and uncertainty.
So how did white become the standard color? The change began in 1840 when Queen Victoria of England wore a white satin dress to her wedding, breaking with tradition. Her choice was not for reasons of purity, as many people think today, but to show off the intricate lace trim - the white color was the best background to emphasize the details of the fabric. This trend quickly spread throughout Europe, including France, and soon white became the main symbol of bridal fashion.
Interestingly, some French brides today still break tradition by choosing wedding dresses in off-white, pastel pink or even black to stand out while maintaining a connection to the historic style.
Tip: If you like the elegance of a white wedding dress, but want to honor old French traditions, consider adding colored embroidery, accessories, or even a red sash to symbolize prosperity and passion.
Pearls: A Symbol of Tears or Prosperity?
Pearls for a long time were considered as a fashion staple, offering some delicacy and timeless elegance. However, not everyone considers pearls a successful accessory. According to Victorian superstitions, pearls symbolize tears and thus wearing them, especially at a wedding, can bring sadness and unhappiness to a marriage.
But not all cultures viewed pearls in a negative light. In ancient Greece, pearls were used as a protective amulet that was believed to save the bride from sadness and ensure happiness in marriage. At the same time, in China, pearls were associated with wisdom and wealth (which finally makes this jewelry a highly desirable wedding gift).
The superstition persists to this day, and some French brides are hesitant to wear pearls on their wedding day for fear that they may bring heartache. However, modern fashion designers see pearls as a luxurious, elegant and cult piece of jewelry, used by designers like Coco Chanel and Dior.
Lifehack: If you adore pearls but are worried about their symbolism, pair them with gold jewelry. Why? All because folklore holds that gold counteracts negative energy, neutralizing any bad luck associated with pearls.
Coins Sewn into Clothing: A Lucky Charm for Wealth
By the way, did you know that French fashion history is tightly linked to some superstitions about wealth and luck? One such superstition has to do with sewing coins into clothing - an ancient tradition that is said to bring prosperity and good luck.
Historically, French brides sewed coins into their wedding dresses, believing that the coins would ensure a rich and prosperous marriage. This tradition extended not only to weddings - coins were also sewn into the clothes of children to guarantee them good luck in the future. Moreover, people also placed coins in secret pockets or folds of cloth to protect the owner from misfortune and keep away evil spirits.
In many cases, these coins were more than just symbolic - they were often real currency passed down from generation to generation, or even special minted pieces that served as personal talismans. Each coin had a unique meaning depending on its origin. For example, a gold coin symbolized prosperity and wealth, while a silver coin attracted health.
These days, collectors still look for vintage coins that once were sewn into clothing for their historical value and symbolism. And by the way, if you have such a notable old coin that served as a talisman (or any other), you can easily find out more about it - just use the Coin ID Scanner app. In a couple of clicks you will learn all the interesting nuances: country and year of issue, features and even approximate value. And if you want to bring this tradition into your closet, add vintage coins to your accessories: things like bracelets or pendants.
The Ban on Women Wearing Trousers: Fashion vs. Law
Surprisingly, one of the most interesting and restrictive fashion laws in French history had to do with a woman's right to wear pants. Until 2013, French law prohibited women from wearing pants without special permission from the police. The law, passed in the 1800s, was originally intended to regulate the role of women in public life - it was considered unfeminine to wear pants, as they were a symbol of masculinity.
Over time, the girls dared to ignore the law, but it still remained in force for over a century. Exceptions were made for women in professions such as cyclist or actor (where pants were practical), but for the most part the law prohibited women from wearing “masculine” clothing. This ban symbolized the restrictive societal norms that women faced throughout much of French history.
It wasn't until 2013 that the French government officially repealed this law, giving women complete freedom in their choice of clothing. And nowadays, pants are not only acceptable, but rather a staple of women's fashion (from casual wear to high-end clothing collections). Today women's pantsuits, their clean lines and fitted cut, are considered as a powerful symbol of equality and female empowerment.
Do you want a tip? Well, to embrace the rich history of women’s fashion, try pairing modern pantsuits with vintage accessories, like brooches or scarves, to create a timeless look that nods to the past while showing progress.
Friday the 13th: The Day of Bad Fashion Choices?
Superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th are deeply rooted in French culture, dating back to the Knights Templar and their tragic fall in 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the legendary warriors arrested on that fateful Friday. Since then, the number 13 is considered unlucky, and some fashion-related beliefs have sprung up around this superstition.
One of the most curious beliefs says that putting on new clothes on Friday the 13th is unlucky. Many people in France avoid buying or wearing brand new clothes on this day for fear that they may tear, stain or deteriorate in some unexpected way. Even tailors and designers are known to postpone major fitting or delivery of dresses to avoid the risk of customer dissatisfaction.
However, not all fashion superstitions associated with Friday the 13th are negative. Some believe that an outfit you feel confident in can help ward off bad luck - a kind of psychological armor against bad luck. This idea fits into a broader belief that fashion affects mood and energy, and some people believe that due to making the right clothing choices it is possible to counteract bad omens.
Tip: If you're superstitious but love fashion, on Friday the 13th wear an outfit you already trust - comfortable shoes that won't give you blisters, a favorite dress or a well-fitting jacket. Try not to wear new clothes on this day, and then you will be able to avoid closet mishaps.
A Mirror of History and Tales
Fashion is not only about what we wear, but also about what is covered behind each item. French traditions and superstitions, like white wedding dresses or coins in clothing, remind us that even the most familiar things can have a surprising story behind them. So next time you wear something special, think: perhaps your outfit carries a piece of tradition as well as style.