The use of this traditional Carnival outfit started in London to tease the way the people of the Anglican Church (not the Catholic!) would dress.
It was prohibited in France because it would let to hide well underneath it, but was accepted in Italy, even in Rome (the Church!).
Women would use it too, as it would help to completely conceal their body. This was unusual, as normally woman weren't allowed (by the family) to go around with a disguise during Carnival time.
But it didn't catch up in Venice, too ordinary maybe, who knows ...
