Court attire has long served as a visual symbol of authority and impartiality in the courtroom. To the untrained eye it might be hard to distinguish between Barristers and judges’ legal attire.
So what exactly is the difference?
History of UK court attire
The origins of legal attire in the UK can be traced back as far as the 14th century, when barristers and judges adopted robes influenced by clergymen and academics.
The wearing of wigs came a little later in the 17th century, after wearing wigs became a fashion statement during the reign of King Charles II.
Over time the wearing of robes and wigs became a requirement in court with the tradition still being upheld today.
Judges Robes UK
The main difference between Barristers and Judges is the robes that they wear. Depending on the type of court, judges wear different colours and variations.
Heads of Division and Court of Appeal judges
A traditional judge outfit consists of:
- Court coat and waistcoat
- Skirt or trousers
- Bands (two strips of fabric hanging from the front of the collar)
- Black silk gown
- Short wig
During civil cases judges’ robes have gold tabs at the neck and no wig is worn.
High court judges
Red robes are usually worn by judges during criminal cases and are often the traditional judge outfit we think of.
During civil cases, a high court judge will wear the civil robe, which has red tabs at the neck of the gown and no wig.
On ceremonial occasions a scarlet robe and a full long wig is worn.
Circuit Judges
Circuit judges handle more serious cases in the crown and county courts.
Circuit judges wear:
- A violet coloured robe and a short wig.
- During criminal cases a red sash (tippet) is worn over the left shoulder
- During civil cases a lilac tippet is worn with no wig, bands or collarette
District judges
A district judge normally deals with a range of civil and family law cases.
District judges in county court wear:
- Plain dark Navy zipped gown.
- Blue tabs on the facing of their collar.
District judges in the Magistrates court wear no robes.
Barrister attire
During court proceedings Barrister attire consist of:
- short curled court wig usually made of horse hair
- The wig is worn in criminal courts and some civil cases.
- Barrister robes– A black gown with a square collar.
- A dark suit is worn underneath their gown.
- A white shirt with winged collar with tabs hanging down.
In recent years there has been much debate about modernising UK court attire. Now in civil courts, wigs are not always worn. There has also been the recognition of more gender neutral and inclusive court attire needed. We have also seen a shift to more sustainable attire with more emphasis on gowns and wigs being made from vegan and recyclable materials.
Whilst both Judges and Barristers wear robes as a symbol of legal tradition, what they wear reflects different roles and hierarchy within the legal profession. Barristers wear more simple black robes and sometimes a short wig whereas judges tend to wear more elaborate robes and longer wigs.
These differences signify not only hierarchy, but formality and centuries old traditions.
At Evess we sell Tailor De Jure Barrister robes and judge robes along with all the accessories needed for a traditional judge outfit and barrister attire.
Contact us for help purchasing your court attire.
