Academic Gown

University scholar's black formal robe

The academic gown is the long black robe worn by scholars and degree holders since the founding of European universities in the 12th century. Derived from medieval monastic habits, it preserves the deep link between early universities and the church — professors at Bologna, Paris, and Oxford adopted secularized versions of monk's robes as their professional dress. Degrees are marked with precise distinctions: plain gown for Bachelors, wide-sleeved for Masters, three velvet bars and field-colored hoods (purple for law, green for medicine, red for theology, blue for philosophy) for Doctors. Oxford and Cambridge still retain forms nearly unchanged from five centuries ago. The mortarboard cap and tassel complete the ensemble — moving the tassel from left to right is the iconic American graduation gesture. In fantasy, academic gowns are the emblem of archmages, sages, and magic-school professors, epitomized by the Hogwarts masters in Harry Potter.