Oxford Graduate Gown Buy Guide for Ceremony Preparation

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”

University of Manchester graduate gown

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

 

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.