Barrister Gowns, Wigs and Suit... help?

hullaballoo · 15-07-2012 04:46PM

Incidentally, there's a good-quality cotton gown available from Ede & Ravenscroft. It's quite expensive but worth it because it's practically impossible to tear. It's heavy, but because it's cotton, it isn't too warm in summer etc.

Definitely worth the investment imo.

GeorgeOrwell · 16-07-2012 05:14PM

Out of interest, how many gowns and so on, do you barristers own? Do you buy a few of them, or can one be worn for ever?

I know we've had this before, but I'd be interested in your thoughts on the wig, from a practical perspective? Are they itchy? Do they fit OK?

FreudianSlippers · 16-07-2012 08:10PM

I don't know anyone that has more than one tbh... I'm sure some more senior juniors have replaced theirs as times goes on. Buy well once and you will have it forever IMO.

As for the wig, I used to wear mine all the time. Fits great (they size your head) and I never found it uncomfortable. It gets hot when it is hot out... and the humidity as of late has forced me to retire it. I now almost never wear it to the Master's/County Registrar's Court but would wear it doing Motions in a Monday list, if going to trial and when working on circuit.

nuac · 16-07-2012 09:46PM

A barrister showing up at Co Reg court wearing a wig would be considered over-dressed by the people who matter - the solicitors.

Tom Young · 16-07-2012 10:02PM

nuac wrote: »

A barrister showing up at Co Reg court wearing a wig would be considered over-dressed by the people who matter - the solicitors.

Eh, if they mattered that much they'd not need Counsel before a County Registrar

Sorry I couldn't resist.

A barrister can wear a wig in any court in which he or she appears, by right, not by invitation.

All that said, I'd not wear mine before a CoReg and the heat and wig head -1.

FreudianSlippers · 16-07-2012 11:47PM

I'd only wear it to the Dublin County Reg if I was wearing it for the day and I happened to be doing something in there. On circuit they seem to just do whatever they want in front of the County Registrar... I find it unsavoury

nuac · 17-07-2012 09:31AM

"unsavoury" - Co reg courts are some of the most efficient of the lot. I have seen barristers there in plain clothes.

Tom Young · 17-07-2012 10:33AM

nuac wrote: »

"unsavoury" - Co reg courts are some of the most efficient of the lot. I have seen barristers there in plain clothes.

I was just availing of a cheap shot. The rule is if no robing room, no robes. Though that only arises in two or three courts nationwide.

I agree. The Dublin County Registrar is a pleasure to deal with. Process clear, no messing, etc. A exemplary model of efficiency and administrative justice.

johnnyskeleton · 17-07-2012 11:26AM

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

I find it unsavoury

Oh those salty County Registrars.

valleyoftheunos · 17-07-2012 03:27PM

FreudianSlippers wrote: »

I'd only wear it to the Dublin County Reg if I was wearing it for the day and I happened to be doing something in there. On circuit they seem to just do whatever they want in front of the County Registrar... I find it unsavoury

Have been ithe Dublin Co Reg of a Monday once or twice and only a handful were wearing their wig and those who were looked like they were either coming from or going to some place else straight away.

Brother Psychosis · 18-07-2012 06:34PM

Tom Young wrote: »

The rule is if no robing room, no robes. Though that only arises in two or three courts nationwide.

that only really arises in district courts as i am not aware of any circuit court building that doesnt have a robing room. even so there are some rural courts that do have robing rooms where counsel dont robe for Co Reg lists

Tom Young · 18-07-2012 08:21PM

There are also professionals who think its in some way cool to go around in tunic shirts ... It's not cool, frowned upon in fact.

Slovenly presentation usually indicates slovenly work practices!

My particular pet peeve is un-collared shirts on public transport.

SuperInfinity · 18-07-2012 09:43PM

Is OP really a barrister or studying to be one? And what age is he?

I would expect a barrister to be a more serious and mature individual. I'm in no way against frank and lazy talk online (unless it's about something legally sensitive).

However looking for cheapo wigs/gowns with the alias of "lazy fecker" just seems to really lack the decorum and dignity associated with such a serious job.

Jesus.

johnnyskeleton · 18-07-2012 11:12PM

Tom Young wrote: »

There are also professionals who think its in some way cool to go around in tunic shirts ... It's not cool, frowned upon in fact.

are they not an essential part of the barrister garb?

Slovenly presentation usually indicates slovenly work practices!

Or perhaps a small victory of substance over style.

My particular pet peeve is un-collared shirts on public transport.

Not a fan of the housemartins then?

Tom Young · 19-07-2012 12:10AM

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Tom Young wrote: »

There are also professionals who think its in some way cool to go around in tunic shirts ... It's not cool, frowned upon in fact.

are they not an essential part of the barrister garb?

Slovenly presentation usually indicates slovenly work practices!

Or perhaps a small victory of substance over style.

My particular pet peeve is un-collared shirts on public transport.

Not a fan of the housemartins then?

Caravan of Love

They all come avec day collars. Takes 30 seconds to stick on a collar, instead of looking sloppy or priest-like. I was taught to dress myself as an infant. I don't understand sartorial regression.

I take the point in substance over form but ... I believe that to be the exception rather than the rule.

LazyFecker · 19-07-2012 10:19PM

SuperInfinity wrote: »

Is OP really a barrister or studying to be one? And what age is he?

I would expect a barrister to be a more serious and mature individual. I'm in no way against frank and lazy talk online (unless it's about something legally sensitive).

However looking for cheapo wigs/gowns with the alias of "lazy fecker" just seems to really lack the decorum and dignity associated with such a serious job.

Jesus.

Friend,
im not sure if you are aware of the economic commitment involved in purchasing a gown and wig- but it is safe to say that enquiring whether there is a more affordable route of purchasing the same goods does not strike of "really a lack of the decorum and dignity".

Regarding my choice of id- just the same as your own choice of silly id name, it was supposed to be ridiculous and foolish. Relax and stop being so anal about minor issues.

Stay happy

SuperInfinity · 20-07-2012 12:06AM

ok, I reject all of that but I guess we'll agree to disagree.

sdevine89 · 21-06-2014 01:02PM

Going to hijack this thread instead of starting a new one. Can you get measured/get a wig there and then in Chancery Lane or is there a wait? Also I see some mentioned of making an appointment or booking, is this necessary?

Tom Young · 21-06-2014 10:07PM

Walk in to Ede & Ravenscroft.

LarryLadles · 12-07-2015 04:12PM

Has anyone bought a stanley ley wig. I bought one and I now notice it is different in style in a number ways to the more traditional styles.

Am I unjustified in thinking it will stick out as different? Or does one find a mix different brands in practice?

Tom Young · 14-07-2015 03:28PM

A wig is a wig. The Ede & Ravenscroft ones are better as they are made with traditional horsehair. Stanley Ley sell both as far as I know. You might even opt not to ever wear one. Heaven forbid.

Barrister Gowns, Wigs and Suit... help?

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