We at Tailor De Jure Legal Attire have just launched a survey to allow barristers to share their thoughts on their legal wear shopping experiences, with the chance to win one of our vegan barrister wigs!
We’ve always been interested in hearing from you and other barristers about what apparel you are having difficulty finding, and now we’ve created a plant-based vegan wig, we want to know what we should focus on next. For instance, we’re already looking into subscription models and clothing that is made in an environmentally friendly manner.
To voice your opinion we have a survey available here for you and any others to complete.
The winner of the vegan barrister wig will be chosen at random via a lucky draw on Tuesday 31st May and will be contacted via the details left in the survey.
Martin Lewis, our Managing Director said: “We’re really excited to be given this opportunity to help in guiding the barrister community move to a more environmentally sustainable legal wear. The vegan barrister wig was our first step towards that and the responses in this survey will guide where we go next.”
After completing the survey you can find a wide range of professional gowns, wigs and more at our store.
Are you looking to find out more about subjects like what are barristers wigs made from and other related topics? Check out the other posts on our helpful, informative blog. Also, if you’re in the market for a new legal wig or legal gown, you’re in the right place!
Legal dress is not only steeped in tradition dating back from the 14th century – it is a symbol of professionalism and impartiality. As a Barrister or solicitor, it is important to dress appropriately, emphasising the seriousness of proceedings.
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If you’re practising law in the United Kingdom, here is everything you need to know about the court dress code:
What is the history of courtroom wear?
We often associate the court dress code with black robes and wigs, however, barristers didn’t start wearing wigs in court until the 17th century. Wigs became popularised during the reign of King Charles II as they were worn as more of a fashion statement. As wearing wigs went out of fashion, wearing them in the court became more a symbol of authority and a mark of their profession.
The black robes that we see barristers wear today, date back from the 14th century when lawyers were part of the clergy and often wore clerical robes. Originally, clerical robes were coloured, but after the death of King Charles II, black robes were worn as a sign of mourning. The black robes remain to be worn today and are most commonly worn in criminal courts rather than civil courts.
What is formal lawyer attire?
Formal lawyer attire usually consists of a dark suit, preferably black, for men and a skirt or trouser suit for women. In some cases, particularly in criminal court, you will also need to wear:
A black gown
White winged-collar shirt with bands for men
Round collared shirt with tab down the front for women
A wig (this will depend on the type of court)
Black shoes
Criminal cases are generally considered more serious, so a more restrained attire would be expected. In civil court, it may not be necessary to wear a gown and wig.
When does a gown and wig need to be worn?
Traditional courtroom wear of a wig and robe will depend on the type of court hearing you are attending. With a magistrate court, business attire will usually suffice.
Legal gowns and wigs are typically required during:
Most trials, including crown court
In cases of liberty
Chancery Division of the High Court
Family court
Public examinations of bankrupts
Call to the bar ceremonies
If unsure, you can find advice on the correct legal dress from the Bar Council or the Legal Services Committee.
What are the different types of robes?
In the UK, the type of robe worn indicates the role and rank in the court.
The style of gown, its colour, and the use of a wig all depend on the type of court, the nature of the case, and the wearer’s role within the legal system.
Here’s a breakdown:
Judges’ court dress code
High court judges wear red robes for criminal cases
In civil cases, they wear the civil robe, which is partially black with red tabs at the neck of the gown, and usually no wig is worn
During ceremonial occasions, a scarlet gown is worn
Court of appeal judges wear a black silk gown and a short wig
County court judges wear a black gown with a lilac edge and a short wig. When hearing criminal cases, circuit judges wear a red sash over the left shoulder.
Barristers and solicitors
Wear a plain black gown with an open front, bell sleeves, court bands, collar and wig (in the crown court)
Kings Counsel will wear a more elaborate gown made of silk, and they sometimes wear a waistcoat (bar jacket)
Solicitors tend to wear business attire in court, but gowns are sometimes worn.
Why is formal lawyer attire important?
Legal dress is important because it maintains a link to centuries-old tradition.
Represents equality and respect for the court
Symbol of impartiality
Helps distinguish lawyers from the public
Emphasises the seriousness of the court of law
Represents professionalism
Where can I purchase a robe?
At Evess, we can help you look the part. We sell Tailor de jure, beautifully crafted courtroom wear and accessories for courts and legal professionals worldwide.
If you need help finding your legal attire, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our dedicated team.
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Legal attire is made up of a number of accessories in addition to the court gown and wig. These components bring the whole ensemble look of your court dress code together to maximise your authority and professionalism during court hours.
We’ve put together a guide below to help you become more familiar with these additional components of courtroom dress, including information on what they are and why they’re important.
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What are the Different Accessories of Courtroom Dress?
There are a few different courtroom dress accessories you’ll need to know about before you start purchasing all the new legal attire for your new job as a barrister, enabling you to always look your best and adhere to the dress code of court.
Court Attire Tabs and Bands
Tabs and bands are worn around the neck. They are a little similar to ties though these are made from two strips of starched white cloth that are attached to the collar. They are worn on the outside of both your formal suit and your court gown.
Tabs and bands are designed to lie flat against the chest. Ours are made from the finest cotton and come with an elasticated fastening for the perfect fit.
Court Attire Collars
The collar on a court gown is detachable, allowing you to swap it out for a clean band or a new style if you want to try something different at your next court session.
Wing collars are popular choices. They are high, stiff shirt collars that are commonly worn above your barrister bands. Collarettes meanwhile often take on the form of a bib with the collar section on top. It is comprised of a white band with two straight pieces of fabric hanging on the chest.
Court Attire Cufflinks
For those wearing shirts underneath their courtroom attire, having a smart pair of cufflinks can help to tie the whole outfit together and help you to finish off your professional and dignified look.
You can select plain cufflinks that match your shirt or add a little extra flair by selecting custom cufflinks or designs that have significance to the law such as cufflinks decorated with the scales of justice.
The History of Courtroom Attire Accessories
Traditional courtroom dress as we know it today dates back to the 17th century. Wigs were popularised by Louis XIV with many court officials following the fashion of the monarchy. And with the fashion of wigs and robes, comes the traditions of additional accessories that bring the outfit together and create a complete professional veneer.
In the time of Queen Elizabeth I, ruffs were worn in place of bands and tabs. When ruffs fell out of fashion, plain linen bands were worn instead. Though these were originally wide, by the late 17th century, they transformed into modern strips of rectangular linen, tied at the throat.
The clerical collar itself has undergone a wide range of historical updates as the years have gone on. The history of the detachable collar in fashion began in 1827 with Hannah Montague, who was allegedly tired of washing her husband’s clothes when only the collar needed cleaning.
This fashion eventually made its way to religion and church services with the detachable clerical collar being invented in 1865 by Reverend Donald McLeod, a Presbyterian minister in Glasgow.
With the strong historical ties between religion and the law, the detachable white band has also become a staple of courtroom dress.
How to Put on Legal Attire Accessories
Wearing your courtroom accessories is an important part of helping you to feel confident and professional while wearing your court attire, helping you to look more respectable and authoritative while carrying out your duties.
How to Measure for Court Attire Accessories
The first step you’ll have to take is to make sure you have the right measurements so that your courtroom attire will fit perfectly, making sure you stay comfortable during long hours on the job.
Tabs, bands, and collars will generally require the same measurements around the neck. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the circumference of your neck, removing clothing obstacles so that you’re only measuring on the skin.
After measuring, add 1 inch to your measurement to allow some breathing room depending on the make of the band or collar. If you want a more relaxed fit, you can add 2 inches to the measurement.
Standard cufflinks meanwhile will generally fit most shirt types while larger cufflinks are designed for wider and thicker fabric. When shopping for cufflinks, make sure you’ve measured the cuff of your shirt sleeve so that you can buy the right size.
Unbutton all the buttons on your shirt sleeve and keep the fabric straight and tight. Measure from the furthest edge of the button hole to the centre of the button on the other side. Make sure to keep the tape measure straight for an accurate reading.
Putting on Your Courtroom Attire Accessories
After you have measured for purchased your court attire accessories to go with your court robe and wig, it will be time to put them on. Wearing the accessories properly will help to accentuate your formal work appearance as well as keep you comfortable so that you don’t feel the need to constantly fidget and readjust your attire.
Wearing Your Court Band
Place the two bands between the wings of your collar evenly and then cross the strings at the back of the collar and back around underneath the flaps. If the strings are long enough, you will be able to tie them into a bow. Afterward, just tuck them away under the flaps to complete the neat and tidy look.
Wearing Your Court Collarette
When doing up your court collarette, place the front piece at the back so you can see the back part in the mirror. Do up the velcro, poppers, or other fastenings evenly before turning the collarette around into its right position.
Tie up the strings on each side to connect the front and back flaps of the collarette and straighten it out before putting on your court robe and wig.
Wearing Your Court Cufflinks
Fold back the cuffs evenly and align the cufflink holes and then attach your cufflinks. There are a variety of different styles of cufflinks that will require different methods of attachment.
Bullet back cufflinks – twist the bullet back to align with the cufflink hole and after popping the cufflink through, twist the bullet horizontally to the hole to secure.
Whale back cufflinks – similar to the bullet back, twist the whale back to slot into the cufflink hole and then twist it horizontally to secure.
Fixed back cufflinks – push the back through the two cufflink holes the same way you would a button.
Chain link cufflinks – push the back of the cufflink through the top cuff’s holes. Bring the bottom cuff up to meet the top cuff, and push the back of the cufflink through.
Reversible cufflinks – These are attached the same way as fixed back cufflinks. The cufflink will be secured like a button.
Ball return cufflinks – these are also similar to fixed back cufflinks and can be attached in a similar way.
Locking closure cufflinks – Unfold the hinges and put the small back part through the holes on your cuff. Hinge the cufflink after it’s through to lock the cufflink in place.
The Importance of Court Attire Accessories
Wearing court attire accessories allows you to put the finishing touches on your legal outfit, showcasing your dedication to the law and your faith in upholding justice in a formal and professional manner.
Looking after your court attire accessories will enable you to build trust and respect for your skills and expertise, allowing you to inspire confidence and authority and do your best job for your clients.
Legal accessories complete the court dress code, bringing each individual item together and enhancing your professionalism and authoritative image. You can buy accessories for your legal wear today from our Tailor de Jure collection of courtroom accessories.
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