Graduation at the University of Oxford is steeped in centuries of academic tradition, and one of the most visible symbols of that tradition is academic dress. For many students, purchasing an Oxford graduate gown is both a practical necessity and a meaningful keepsake. If you’re preparing for matriculation, exams, or your degree ceremony, understanding which gown to buy — and how — will save you time, money, and stress.

1. What is an Oxford graduate gown?

At Oxford, “academic dress” refers to the full set of clothing worn for formal university occasions, including:

gown

hood (for degree ceremonies)

mortarboard or soft cap

The gown itself indicates your academic status (undergraduate, graduate, or degree-holder). Graduate students wear a different style from undergraduates, and those who have already earned an Oxford degree may wear yet another variation.

2. Types of Oxford graduate gowns

Which gown you need depends on your current academic status.

a) Graduate Student Gown (for those without an Oxford degree)

This is worn by:

students on taught master’s courses

DPhil and research students

graduate students who do not yet hold an Oxford degree

Features:

plain black

open-fronted

shorter than other gowns

simple sleeves with minimal decoration

b) Advanced Student Gown (for those who already hold an Oxford degree)

This is for:

graduates continuing to another degree at Oxford

e.g., BA to BCL, or BA to DPhil

Features:

similar to the commoner’s gown but longer

more elaborate sleeve streamers

c) Bachelor’s / Master’s / Doctoral gowns (worn after conferral)

These are usually worn:

at your graduation ceremony after receiving the degree

during certain formal events

These gowns are more ornate and often paired with specific hoods according to your degree.

3. When do you need the gown?

You will usually need a graduate gown for:

Matriculation (your formal admission to the University)

University examinations

Graduation ceremonies

Formal halls (in some colleges)

Certain college events and photographs

Many students buy their gown early in their first term to avoid last-minute stress.

4. Renting vs buying your Oxford gown

Both options are common.

Buying

Pros:

long-term keepsake

often cheaper over multiple years

always fits and available when needed

Cons:

higher upfront cost

Renting

Pros:

cheaper for one-time ceremonies

convenient if you are only in Oxford briefly

Cons:

repeated rentals add up

limited sizes

may show wear

If you will attend matriculation, formal events, and your final degree ceremony, buying is usually more economical.

5. Where can you buy an Oxford graduate gown?

Oxford has several traditional academic outfitters, typically located near the city centre. They sell:

graduate gowns

hoods

mortarboards

white bow ties and ribbons

sub fusc accessories

In addition, some suppliers offer:

online ordering

used or second-hand gowns

student discounts

If purchasing online, ensure:

the gown is specifically for the University of Oxford

it matches your academic status

returns are possible in case of size issues Nottingham Trent University graduate gown

6. How much does an Oxford graduate gown cost?

Prices vary based on:

condition (new vs used)

material (polyester vs wool blend)

supplier

Typically:

Graduate gown: modest to mid-range pricing

Bachelor’s/Master’s: higher due to design

Doctoral gowns: most expensive

Second-hand options can significantly reduce cost while maintaining authenticity.

7. How to choose the right size

Oxford gowns are usually sized by height, not body shape. When buying, you will typically be asked your height in centimeters or feet/inches. For a good fit:

stand straight when measured

check the supplier’s sizing chart

consider sleeve length preference

try it on if buying in-person

8. Tips before buying

Confirm which gown your college or degree status requires

Don’t confuse undergraduate and graduate gowns

Ask your college office if uncertain

Buy early in term to avoid ceremony rushes

Keep it safely stored and crease-free

9. A meaningful academic keepsake

Beyond its functional role, an Oxford graduate gown is a symbol of achievement. For many graduates, it becomes a cherished reminder of supervisions, libraries, formal halls, friendships, and one of the world’s oldest academic communities.