Subfusc
Subfusc is the dark formal clothing Oxford students must wear under their academic gown for matriculation, degree ceremonies and every University examination. The name comes from the Latin sub fuscus, "of a dark colour".
In practice
The University's rules allow a dark suit, a dark skirt or dark trousers, with a dark jacket if needed, black socks or tights, plain black shoes and a white collared shirt or blouse. At the neck goes a white or black bow tie, a black tie or a black ribbon. Over it students wear the gown of their status and carry or wear a mortarboard or soft cap. In examinations the gown and cap may be taken off once the paper starts; the subfusc stays on. Students have voted more than once to keep the rule.
Why it matters to newcomers
From late April to June, groups in black and white walking towards the Examination Schools on the High Street are students sitting their exams, and a carnation in a buttonhole tells you which paper it is. If you are invited to a degree ceremony, the graduate will be in subfusc; guests wear ordinary smart clothes.
Related
- Finals - the examinations subfusc is best known for
- Collections - the college tests that do not need it
- Encaenia - the ceremony where academic dress is at its grandest
Source: University of Oxford: academic dress.