Hire Q&A

Help & Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to rent a gown and hood or can I purchase my own?
A. All Cambridge robes are available to purchase on-line and in store and are usually available from stock. Click here to go to our Academic Robes sales page.

Q. I’m graduating soon, how do I know which gown and hood I need to hire?
A. Simply answer all the questions on our on-line hire booking form and we will ensure you are wearing the correct robes on your graduation day. Once you have completed your booking, you will be emailed details of your hire.   

Q. I have a previous degree from Cambridge, which gown and hood can I expect to wear?
A. If you already hold a degree from Cambridge, you will wear the gown and hood of the highest degree you already hold, to collect your latest degree.

Q. I already have a gown, will I wear that?
A. If you don’t hold a Cambridge degree already, you will wear the gown you wore for Matriculation, however, if you have a previous Cambridge degree you will wear the Gown and Hood of that degree.

Q. I did my Undergrad at Cambridge and am returning to collect an MA under statute, can I wear my Undergraduate Gown?
A. No, as you hold a Cambridge BA, you will need to wear a BA gown (different to your College Undergrad gown) and hood as this is your highest Cambridge degree.

Q. What headwear should I wear for graduation?
A. Headwear is not strictly required, although some graduates choose to hire the mortarboard (also known as Academic Square or Cap) for photographs after the ceremony.  If headwear is hired it must not be worn during the ceremony, unless otherwise directed by your Praelector.

Q. I need a Cambridge PhD gown, do I choose fixed or detachable facings?
A. If you are employed by or study at the University of Cambridge, we would recommend detachable facings as there are very few occasions when it is appropriate to wear ‘scarlet’. If the gown is to be worn primarily at another university or overseas then you may prefer fixed facings.   

Q. Can I hire a Cambridge PhD gown?
A. Yes. However, a full dress (scarlet) PhD gown is not appropriate dress for Graduation days.   Graduation is not a festal day.  A full dress PhD gown can be hired for Festal Days.  Call into store the day of or the day before you need it.  

Q. Do you deliver robe hires?
A. No. All rentals are to be collected from our store unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.

Q. Your website is closed for on-line booking, what should I do?
A. The on-line form closes 3 days before each graduation ceremony. Call our store on (01223) 350371 as there may still be limited availability.

Q. Do I need to bring anything when I collect my robe rental?
A. A copy of your email booking, printed or on your smartphone, is helpful but not essential.

Q. When can I collect my robes?
A. You will be sent a confirmation email once the booking has been processed which will inform you when your robe will be available for collection. If you have not received a confirmation email within 48 hours of placing your order, please email us at sales@ryderamies.co.uk

Q. Can I collect my robes earlier?
A. You can purchase Early Collection for your robes, this is available for hires placed at least 5 days in advance of the ceremony.  If you purchase this option, you can collect your hires from the Monday before graduation. 

Q. When do I need to return my rental?
A. All hires must be returned by the end of the Graduation day we are open until 6pm on Graduation days.

Q. What if I need to cancel my robe rental booking?
A. Should your graduation be deferred we will honour your original booking at a later date with no admin charge.

Q. I’ve already booked my robes but just found out that I won’t be graduating until next year, can I transfer my booking?
A. Yes, email us sales@ryderamies.co.uk with your Confirmation Number and we will happily transfer your booking to a later date, no admin charge.

Q. Still unsure?
A. Should you have any questions regarding academic robes for rental or purchase then do email us on sales@ryderamies.co.uk, and we’ll do our best to help, with no commitment to rent or purchase your robes from us.