# Roman Emperors Once Banned Men from Having Long Hair

Throughout history, fashion reflected social status and political alignments.

- **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9)
- **Published:** 2026-07-23
- **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business)
- **Original article:** <https://www.popsci.com/science/roman-emperors-ban-long-hair-men/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a51edefb-fe0a-4100-b0f8-c4bece84224a

## Fashion and History

Throughout history, fashion has not only been about style but also reflected social status, political alignments, and sexuality. This symbolism also led to resistance from those in power.

## Hair Ban in Rome

In 416 CE, Roman Emperors Honorius and Theodosius II banned men from having long hair. This law was not just about aesthetic preferences but was linked to a 'barbarian' problem.

## Barbarian Influence

The Roman government associated long hair on men with an increasing 'barbarian' problem. Germanic, Frank, and Goth grooming styles were influencing Romans.

## Lex Vestiaria Laws

Ancient Rome used lex vestiaria laws to maintain social order. These laws controlled clothing and personal grooming options.

## Alaric's Sack of Rome

Six years after the Visigoth king Alaric sacked Rome in 410 CE, Germanic clothing and hairstyles became popular. This situation increased the emperors' concerns about 'Germanization.'

## Outcome of the Ban

The ban on long hair and animal skin clothing did not prevent the fall of the Roman Empire. In 476 CE, the Western Roman Empire collapsed, and power passed to the 'barbarians.'

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.popsci.com/science/roman-emperors-ban-long-hair-men/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._