sehogi6860
604 posts
Jan 07, 2026
5:23 AM
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Oxford’s academic dress is one of the most recognisable traditions in higher education. If you are graduating from the University of Oxford— or beginning post-graduate study— you’ll almost certainly need to obtain a graduate gown. Below is a clear, practical guide to understanding what an Oxford graduate gown is, who wears it, how to choose the right one, and what to consider before buying.
What is an Oxford graduate gown?
At Oxford, a gown is part of formal academic dress, usually worn with sub-fusc (white shirt/blouse, dark suit/skirt/trousers, black shoes, and a white or black bow tie or black ribbon). Students and graduates wear gowns for:
Matriculation
Examinations
Degree ceremonies
Formal hall and special college occasions
University events and some college photographs
The graduate gown is distinct from undergraduate gowns and from the elaborate robes worn by doctors or university officers.
Types of Oxford graduate gowns
The specific gown you need depends on your status and degree. The main categories include:
1. Graduate student gown (for taught and research postgraduates)
Often referred to simply as the graduate gown, this is worn by students studying for:
MSc, MPhil, MSt, MTh, MLitt, DPhil (before conferment), etc.
It is a simple black gown with open sleeves and no streamers (unlike some undergraduate gowns).
2. BA/MA gown
Graduates who already hold an Oxford BA and proceed to the MA later wear the MA gown, which is more elaborate, with longer sleeves.
3. Doctoral robes (worn after the degree is conferred)
These are not the same as the graduate gown. Doctoral robes are scarlet or black with distinctive facings and are more expensive and ceremonial. Most buyers searching for a “graduate gown” are looking for the simpler black graduate student gown.
If you are unsure, check the dress requirement for your ceremony or college: your status (graduate student vs. degree-holder) determines the correct gown.
Buy or hire: which is better?
Whether you should buy or rent depends on how often you expect to wear the gown.
Consider buying if:
You will be in Oxford for 1–3 years
You expect to attend formal hall frequently
You will sit multiple examinations
You prefer having your own correctly fitted gown
Consider hiring if:
You only need it for a single graduation ceremony
You are visiting briefly from outside Oxford
Budget is your main concern
Many students hire for matriculation or graduation and buy if they stay longer.
What to look for when buying an Oxford graduate gown
?? Correct type
Ensure it is specifically labelled as Oxford graduate gown (not Cambridge or generic graduation gown). Oxford designs are highly specific.
?? Material
Common fabric options:
Polyester (lightweight, budget-friendly)
Wool-mix (more traditional and durable)
Premium “court wool” or “barrathea” (high-end, formal appearance)
Choose based on:
Climate comfort
Frequency of use
Budget
?? Fit and length
Oxford gowns are not sized like standard clothing. They are usually chosen by height, not chest size.
Check:
Hemline should fall between knees and mid-calf
Shoulders should sit flat without pulling
Sleeves hang correctly without twisting
?? Authenticity
Look for:
Retailers that specialise in academic dress
Mentions of “University-approved outfitters”
Clear reference to Oxford specifications
Avoid generic costume gowns often marketed online.
Where to buy an Oxford graduate gown
You typically have three options:
Academic outfitters in Oxford (often near the Bodleian and colleges)
Online academic dress suppliers
College-recommended vendors during events
Buying locally has advantages:
Staff know the correct gown for your status
University College London (UCL) ?graduate gown
You can try on sizes
Advice on cap (mortarboard/soft cap) and hood is available
Online purchasing is convenient if you’re travelling to Oxford only for the ceremony.
Typical price considerations
Prices vary based on:
Material quality
Brand/outfitter
Whether it’s a full set (gown, hood, cap) or gown only
Budget polyester gowns are usually cheaper, while wool barrathea gowns cost more but last many years. If you plan extensive use (formal halls, repeated ceremonies), a durable gown is worthwhile.
Other items often purchased with the gown
When buying your gown, you may also need:
Hood – depends on the degree being awarded
Mortarboard or soft cap – rules vary for wearing vs. carrying
Sub-fusc – tie/ribbon, white shirt/blouse, dark clothing
Oxford has formal regulations about what combinations are permitted, so confirm requirements before the ceremony or exams.
Caring for your Oxford graduate gown
Hang it on a broad coat hanger to prevent creases
Avoid machine washing; dry clean if wool
Keep it covered in a garment bag between uses
Steam lightly to smooth travel creases
Proper care means the gown will last decades—many alumni keep theirs for life.
Final thoughts
Buying an Oxford graduate gown is both a practical purchase and a symbolic one. It represents entry into a longstanding academic tradition and will accompany you through matriculation, examinations, formal halls, and finally your graduation ceremony. By choosing the correct gown type, ensuring a good fit, and deciding wisely between hiring and purchasing, you can enjoy the experience with confidence.
If you’d like, tell me:
whether you are graduating or starting postgraduate study
your degree type
whether you prefer to buy or rent
…and I can help you choose the exact correct gown and accessories.
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