Academic dress is a traditional form of clothing for academic settings, mainly tertiary education, worn mainly by those who have obtained a university degree, or hold a status that entitles them to assume them. It is also known as academical dress, academicals, and, in the United States, as academic regalia.
A doctor of philosophy of the University of Oxford, in full academic dress
Academic dress of King's College London in different colours, designed and presented by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood
Erasmus of Rotterdam in a functional warm scholar's robe, fur-lined dark wool
Ceremonial robe of McGill University's principal and chief executive
Academic dress in the United States
Academic dress has a history in the United States going back to the colonial colleges era. It has been most influenced by the academic dress traditions of Europe. There is an Inter-Collegiate Code that sets out a detailed uniform scheme of academic regalia that is voluntarily followed by many, though not all institutions entirely adhere to it.
Contemporary bachelor gown and hood for Smith College.
American academic dress is typically closed at the front and is properly worn with the prescribed cap and hood. On the baccalaureate dress shown, other items, such as scarves, stoles or cords may be seen.
A young Ruth Bader Ginsburg wearing (now since superseded) Columbia Law School academic regalia. Recent Columbia Law School graduates wear doctoral regalia.
The doctoral hood of the California Institute of Technology. Note the blue velvet trim indicating philosophy; for degrees other than the Ph.D., the trim's color corresponds to the subject of the degree being awarded. The interior lining shows the school colors, in this case orange and white.
