Doctors of Philosophy at some universities, Cambridge included, are distinguished from other doctors by having no real full-dress gown. While most universities have adopted the Oxford or Cambridge style full-dress gowns, some of the more recently established universities have opted for greater variety in both style and colours. Until recently, black gowns for doctors, holders of other degrees, and all students, were part of the everyday dress at the older universities, certainly at Cambridge and Oxford. Even at these traditional schools, black gowns are no longer prescribed as part of daily dress, except for formal dinner in a college, certain non-ceremonial official functions, examinations, or meetings where university officials are present. At most newer institutions, undress gowns are prescribed for doctors in the regulations, but seldom, if ever, actually worn.
Doctors wear full-dress attire on ceremonial occasions.
The hood is usually made of cloth to match the gown, and lined with silk distinctive of a faculty. Bachelors hoods are often edged with fur. Doctors hoods are usually of cloth and a colour matching the festal gown, lined with the same colour as the trim on their gowns. Two types of headgear are most common. The tassel is often black, but may be of a colour distinctive of the faculty.