Please select your jurisdiction from the list below
Hired Academic Dress
Placing your order
Q:
When can I pre-order my academic dress?
A:
You can pre-order your academic dress once your institution has officially confirmed your graduation. In some cases, there may be a short delay between the announcement and the opening of pre-orders.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to guarantee availability. Pre-orders typically close up to 21 days before your ceremony.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to guarantee availability. Pre-orders typically close up to 21 days before your ceremony.
Q:
What should I do if I’ve missed the online ordering deadline?
A:
If online ordering has closed, you may still be able to hire a gown on the day of your ceremony. Availability is limited, so we recommend arriving early.
To check whether this service is offered at your institution, please contact us via our online contact form.
To check whether this service is offered at your institution, please contact us via our online contact form.
Your Academic Dress
Q:
How do I measure my height?
A:
Measure your full height from the top of your head to the floor, without shoes. The easiest method is to stand straight against a wall, mark the top of your head with a small piece of tape or a pencil, then step away and measure from that mark down to the ground.
Q:
How should I measure my head?
A:
Place a flexible tape measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows and wrap it around the widest part of your head. Be sure to allow for your hairstyle on the day, as this can affect the fit.
If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it with a ruler.
If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and then measure it with a ruler.
Q:
Why can’t I add a hat to my order?
A:
Hats are only available if they’re part of your institution’s official academic dress regulations.
Q:
Can I buy a hat even if it’s not part of my ceremony outfit?
A:
Yes, you can buy a hat even if it’s not required for your ceremony. However, your institute may not allow it to be worn during your ceremony if it’s not part of their dress regulations.
Q:
What does a “full outfit” include?
A:
A full outfit includes all the pieces of academic dress required for your award. This usually consists of a gown, hood, and hat, though the exact combination may vary depending on your institution’s requirements.
Q:
Will someone help me put on my academic dress?
A:
Our experienced ceremony staff are on hand at most ceremonies to help you put on your academic dress, ensuring you look your best for your special day.
Q:
How do you know which academic outfit I need?
A:
When placing your order, we’ll ask for details such as your institution, award level, and exact degree title. This information ensures we supply the correct gown, hood, and hat for your ceremony.
Q:
What will my academic dress look like?
A:
The style and colours of your gown and hood are set by your institution. You’ll see the correct details when placing your order, and they’ll also be confirmed in your booking email.
Please note that stock images are used for illustration purposes only and may not exactly match your specific gown and hood.
Please note that stock images are used for illustration purposes only and may not exactly match your specific gown and hood.
Q:
What should I wear to my graduation ceremony?
A:
Graduation is a formal occasion, so we recommend wearing smart clothing. While your gown will cover most of your outfit, many graduates choose to wear formal attire to feel confident and look their best on the day.
Q:
Can I have my measurements taken at an Ede & Ravenscroft shop?
A:
We don’t offer in-store measurements, but our simple measuring guides make it easy to take accurate height and head measurements at home.
Q:
What does “Extended Hire” mean?
A:
Extended hire allows you to keep your academic dress for up to 7 days. A pre-paid returns bag and instructions will be included with your order. We recommend obtaining proof of postage when returning your outfit. Please note that gowns cannot be taken outside the United Kingdom.
Collecting/Returning Your Academic Dress
Q:
Do I need to bring a printout of my order to collect my gown?
A:
No, you don’t need a printed copy. However, you’ll need your order number for collection. You can find these details in your Account, via the reminder text message you’ll receive, or by showing your confirmation email on your smartphone or tablet.
Q:
Where do I collect my academic dress on the day?
A:
Your institution will assign a collection area, which will be clearly signposted on the day of your ceremony. If you’d like to confirm the location in advance, please contact your graduation office.
Q:
When can I collect my academic dress?
A:
You can collect your academic dress from our designated gowning location up to 2 hours before your ceremony begins. If your institution has made different arrangements, they will communicate with you directly via email.
Q:
Can I return my gown to an Ede & Ravenscroft shop?
A:
No, gowns can’t be returned in-store. Instead, you can return your outfit quickly and easily at one of our gown drop-off points on the day of your ceremony. These will be clearly signposted at the venue.
Q:
What happens if I don’t return my hired gown on time?
A:
Please contact us via our online contact form as soon as possible. We can provide a returns bag and label for a charge. If we don’t hear from you within 24 hours of your ceremony, the full replacement cost of the outfit may be charged.
