Academic Dress (sub fusc)
Full Oxford academic dress should be worn at all formal University ceremonies including matriculation and degree ceremonies. Sub fusc (from the Latin sub fuscus meaning dark brown) should be worn beneath your academic gown and is also required when sitting examinations.
Exceptions are made for serving members of HM Forces, who are permitted to wear uniform, and for members of religious orders, who are permitted to wear religious dress.
The University website gives clear guidance on academic dress.
- A dark skirt with black tights or stockings, OR dark trousers with dark socks
- A dark coat or jacket, if required
- Black shoes
- A plain white collared shirt or blouse
- A black tie or ribbon, or black or white bow tie
- A gown and a mortar-board or soft hat (and see below)
In addition, for graduation ceremonies you must ALSO bring with you the gown and hood (or just gown if you will be receiving your DPhil) of the degree you are going to receive at the ceremony.
HIRING OR PURCHASING ACADEMIC DRESS
You will need to provide your own sub fusc. You can hire or purchase academic dress from several specialist clothing shops in the city: the staff there will be happy to help you if you’re in doubt about what you need. The two main outfitters in the city are Ede & Ravenscroft and Shepherd & Woodward.