Sub fusc, a term derived from the Latin ‘sub fuscus’ meaning ‘dark’ or ‘dusky,’ refers to the traditional academic attire required at Oxford University for a range of formal occasions.

Usually, the next time you will wear sub fusc is for your preliminary exams, which are usually taken at the end of the first year. This can vary slightly – for example, if you are doing classics you will have ‘mods’ during your second year when you will wear your sub fusc. You will also wear it for finals. Sub fusc is not required for collections.Driven by environmental, economic and social responsibilities,everyone from our elite sports teams through to grassrootsorganisations now have an opportunity to join us, as we playwith purpose and look to the future of recycled performancefabrics. The “undergraduate gown” or “commoners’ gown,” is for undergraduate students. The gown doesn’t have sleeves and will fall to around your hip. While plastic consumption is on the rise, we’re doing our partto give single-use plastic bottles a second life. Envyro is thecornerstone of our sustainable eco-conscious program, wherewe have proudly reduced our water and energy consumption,invested in product development and realigned ourenvironmental values for a sustainable future. The postgraduate gown also has no sleeves and should finish at the knee. Both these gowns should be worn open at the front. There are exceptions to the rules of which gown should be worn; for example, if you are an organ scholar or get a distinction in Preliminaries at the end of your first year, then you would be entitled to wear a scholars’ gown. This is a more traditional gown – it has sleeves and is knee length.

This distinctive dress code is a deeply rooted aspect of Oxford’s history and heritage, symbolizing the academic unity and tradition of the institution. While there are specific guidelines to follow, Oxford’s policy allows for personal expression within these rules, accommodating all students irrespective of gender. Sub fusc can be hired but we recommend you buy it as it will need to be worn on multiple occasions. When do I need to wear it?

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The first time you will probably be required to wear it is at your matriculation ceremony, at the end of the first week in your first Michaelmas term. This is the formal process of entering the university and filing your intent to attend! You will need to wear full sub fusc, including your gown and carry your mortar board. As a new student, you’ll need to wear sub fusc under your gown for events such as matriculations, degree ceremonies, and end-of-year exams, as well as for Formal Hall dinners, although the exact requirements may vary by college.