The Groves Classification is a numbering system to enable the shape of any academic gown or hood to be easily described and identified. It was devised by Nicholas Groves to establish a common terminology for hoods and gowns to remedy the situation of individual universities using differing terms to describe the same item. As such it is used in same manner as an heraldic blazon whereby a textual description enables a coat of arms to be drawn. The system was first described in the Burgon Society's annual in 2001 and adopted as standard by robe makers and scholars of academic dress..

Classes

The original Groves Classification included a standardization for shapes and patterns of hoods and gowns worn by graduates and undergraduates. Further information was given regarding the use of different fabrics and standardization of colours, but the focus was placed on gowns and hoods which are explained further below. The Classification undergoes periodic revision as new hood and gown patterns emerge.

Hoods

Hoods in the Classification are divided into three different types as summarised in the table below. Unlike the gowns and robes, these are based on the shape of the hood rather than the degrees for which they are worn. * '' full shape hoods are those that have a

cape A cape is a clothing accessory or a sleeveless outer garment of any length that hangs loosely and connects either at the neck or shoulders. They usually cover the back, shoulders, and arms. They come in a variety of styles and have been used th ...

, a cowl and a liripipe. * '' simple shape hoods have only a cowl and a liripipe. * '' Aberdeen shape hoods have only a cape and a vestigial cowl.

Gowns

Gowns in the Groves system are divided into three classes. These generally follow the shapes associated with each different

academic degree An academic degree is a qualification awarded to a student upon successful completion of a course of study in higher education, usually at a college or university. These institutions often offer degrees at various levels, usually divided into und ...

in the British educational system. *

bachelor's A bachelor's degree (from Medieval Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years ( ...

gowns typically have large open sleeves *

master's A master's degree (from Latin ) is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional prac ...

gowns typically have long closed sleeves with armhole at elbow level * doctor's robes vary in shape widely between institutions and are all classed as

Bachelors

Masters

Doctors

Headwear

Additions

The Groves classification system was first published in 2001. Since that time, it has been adapted and changed to include newly devised academic dress and revisions of existing schemes. The Burgon Society maintains a comprehensive listing of system shapes on its website. In addition to those included above, the current list classifies undergraduate gowns in use throughout the United Kingdom and academic headwear.

American doctoral robes

In 2012, David Boven devised a system of classification to include unique doctoral robes in the United States of America. The Intercollegiate Code describes the form of dress for doctors at American institutions, but many have changed the colors of their robes. Several institutions have even developed unique forms of robes for the doctoral graduates. In all of these instances, there are some cases where institutions have developed "unique academic dress for their doctoral degree-holders" which does not easily fit into existing systems.

Classes

Hoods

Gowns

Bachelors

Masters

Doctors

Headwear

Additions

American doctoral robes

ICC Shape

Unique shapes

References

Further reading