Robe Rentals
Graduation Hire Robes are available from 8.00am on the ceremony day itself or the day before graduation. Your confirmation email will inform you when you should return your robes.
For General Admissions in June, collection is from 1pm the day before graduation (or day of graduation) and return is on the day of graduation after the ceremony (unless otherwise pre-arranged with our robe department).
Book Robe Rentals online and save 10%.
Robe Rental bookings made online are discounted by 10% compared to in-store and telephone bookings. Discounted prices are shown.
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Graduation Frames
Made in England these black and gold painted wooden frames are beautifully finished with a black mount, embossed with a gold flake College crest. The frames measure 47cm x 36cm with the mount snuggly fitting the University Graduation Certificate. If you order with your robe rental you will save the 10% online discount. Frames can be collected with your rental or after graduation when you return your robes, whichever is more convenient to you.
University Alumni
As a graduate of the University of Cambridge, you are now eligible to purchase the University of Cambridge Alumni Scarf and Tie. These products have been designed and developed in association with the University of Cambridge Development & Alumni Relations.
Click here to view and purchase the products.
Prefer to Buy?
We offer a full range of academic dress to purchase as well as a rental service. If you would prefer to purchase and keep your graduation robes click here
Cancelled Ceremonies
We offer two options, you can transfer your booking to an alternative date or you can have a full refund. Simply email us with your original Confirmation Order Number.
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 rent?
A. Simply answer all the questions on our on-line rental 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 degree you already hold, to collect your latest 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 the Academic Square) for photographs after the ceremony. If headwear is rented 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. They cost £25.00 to hire and can be hired by calling us on (01223) 350371.
Q. Do you deliver robe rentals?
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 call our store on (01223) 350371.
Q. When do I need to return my rental?
A. Your confirmation email will also inform you when your robe needs to be returned to the store, usually by the end of the day of your graduation.
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 additional charge, if your Graduation Ceremony is cancelled we will offer a full refund.
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, pop into the store or email us sales@ryderamies.co.uk with your Confirmation Number and we will happily transfer your booking to a later date.
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.
As graduation is a formal occasion, there are requirements to wear formal wear as well as academic dress. You should choose Dress Option One or Dress Option Two.
Dress Option One
- A dinner jacket or black, very dark grey or very dark blue lounge suit. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown.
- A plain, long-sleeved, collared, white shirt.
- Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted.
- Unpatterned black or very dark grey socks.
- White bow-tie and bands must be worn.
Dress Option Two
- A black, very dark grey or very dark blue skirt suit or trouser suit, or a dark skirt without a jacket, or a dark, long-sleeved dress. These must be dark enough not to contrast obviously with a black gown.
- A plain, long-sleeved, white shirt or blouse (unless a long-sleeved dress is worn).
- Formal black shoes. Sandals are not permitted.
- Unpatterned black, nearly-black, or natural coloured hosiery.
- A white bow-tie and bands may be worn (optional) but only with a properly collared white shirt.
A black cassock may be substituted for a dark suit, skirt or dress in either Dress One or Two, but it must be worn with either a white bow-tie and bands or a clerical collar and bands.