Lincoln University Graduation Gown: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Graduating from the University of Lincoln is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. The day is about celebrating your hard work, walking proudly across the stage, and capturing memories that will last forever. Central to the occasion is your Lincoln University graduation gown, an essential piece of academic dress that connects you to the institution’s history and tradition.
But what exactly does the university gown look like at Lincoln, and should you hire or buy your set? This guide gives you everything you need to know about graduation robes for Lincoln University, from styles and colours to hire and purchase options.

Key Points
- Lincoln University academic dress includes a gown, hood, and mortarboard.
- The colour scheme is based on Lincoln’s brand colours: blue and yellow.
- Gowns have been worn at Lincoln graduations since 1992.
- Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral gowns each have distinct designs.
- Students can choose between graduation gown hire or a full purchase set (£94).
- All gowns, hoods, and caps from Churchill Gowns are designed to conform to university dress codes.
The Tradition of Academic Dress at Lincoln
Lincoln University academic dress is very traditional. Gowns were first introduced to degree ceremonies in 1992, and the design has remained consistent ever since. The scheme of robes is based around the university’s signature brand colours of blue and yellow, creating a unique and recognisable look that celebrates the institution’s heritage.
Understanding Lincoln University Gown Styles
The graduation gowns worn by Lincoln students differ depending on the level of degree.
- Bachelor’s gowns: Black, in the standard B1 bachelor’s gown pattern, the most common style used across UK universities.
- Master’s gowns: Black, with distinctive long sleeves and a more formal cut. This is the most widely used master’s gown style in the UK.
- Doctoral robes (PhD): These are more elaborate and can be ordered through Churchill Gowns’ bespoke service. They often feature additional colours or velvet trims to distinguish the highest academic achievement.
Hoods at Lincoln University
Hoods are one of the most recognisable parts of academic dress. At Lincoln, both bachelor’s and master’s hoods are lined with blue satin and finished with a bright yellow ribbon trim.
Bachelor’s Hoods
Bachelor’s hoods are a square shape with a black backing. They are simple, elegant, and instantly identify undergraduate graduates.
Master’s Hoods
Master’s hoods are triangular in shape with a dark blue backing. This subtle difference sets them apart from the bachelor’s design, symbolising advanced study.
Doctoral Hoods
PhD students wear bespoke doctoral graduation robes with hoods that are more elaborate in cut and colour. These are available through custom orders to ensure accuracy with university requirements.
The Mortarboard Cap
Every Lincoln graduate also wears the traditional mortarboard. At Churchill Gowns, our mortarboards are made from soft black felt with a ribbon finish around the base. A flexible cap and ‘secure fit’ elastic ensure comfort and stability, so your cap stays in place as you celebrate.

Hire vs. Buy: Making the Right Choice
When planning for your Lincoln ceremony, you’ll need to decide whether to opt for graduation gown hire or invest in a purchase set.
- Hire: Perfect for one-day use. Your Lincoln University graduation gown will arrive at least two days before your ceremony, giving you time to prepare. Returning it is simple with the prepaid label included.
- Purchase (£94): A complete set — gown, hood, and mortarboard — is yours to keep. Ideal if you want a lasting keepsake or anticipate using your graduation robes again for postgraduate or professional events.
- Group Orders: We also offer discounted hire packages for groups of graduates, as well as wholesale supply for institutions.
Quality and Sustainability You Can Trust
At Churchill Gowns, we’re committed to creating gowns that look and feel premium while meeting university requirements.
- Fabric matching: We meticulously match our fabrics for colour and texture to Lincoln’s official scheme.
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Materials: Each graduation gown is made from 70% recycled polyester manufactured from plastic waste, blended with 30% viscose for a soft finish. Every gown contains at least 550g of recycled plastic waste - equivalent to 28 plastic bottles.
- Durability & comfort: Our gowns are designed to sit naturally over formal outfits, ensuring you’re both comfortable and ceremony-ready.
Conclusion
The Lincoln University graduation gown is a symbol of tradition, heritage, and academic success. With its distinctive blue and yellow hood colours and traditional black robes, Lincoln’s academic dress has remained true to its roots since 1992.
Whether you choose to hire your graduation gown for a convenient, cost-effective option, or invest in a full purchase set for £94, Churchill Gowns ensures every item from gowns, hoods, and mortarboards are designed to match the university style and conform to official dress codes. Delivered early and ready to wear, our graduation robes make your Lincoln ceremony a smooth and memorable celebration.
Churchill Gowns is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Lincoln. Our gowns are appropriate for use at Lincoln University graduation ceremonies.
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FAQs
What does the Lincoln University academic dress include?
It consists of a black gown, a Lincoln-specific hood lined with blue satin and trimmed with yellow ribbon, and a traditional mortarboard cap.
What’s the difference between bachelor’s and master’s hoods at Lincoln?
Bachelor’s hoods have a square shape with a black backing, while master’s hoods are triangular with a dark blue backing. Both are lined with blue satin and trimmed in bright yellow.
Can I hire a Lincoln University graduation gown if I’m not attending the ceremony?
Yes. Many graduates hire Lincoln University gowns for at-home celebrations or professional graduation photography. You can select your preferred hire date during checkout.
How much does it cost to purchase a Lincoln University graduation gown?
A full set including gown, hood, and mortarboard is available for £94.
Do Churchill Gowns’ products conform to Lincoln’s dress code?
Yes, while not endorsed by the university, all Churchill Gowns products are designed to match the Lincoln University style and conform to official dress codes.