Legal Dress

Today’s judges and barristers are immediately recognisable by their trademark costume of wig and gown. But what is now exclusively legal dress was once the height of fashion. Today’s judicial robes have their origins in medieval clothing, while wigs were proudly worn by fashion-conscious socialites well into the 19th century.

Thomas Ravenscroft founded his wig-making business in 1726 at Serle Street, London. His timing was impeccable. At the time, wig-wearing was the latest craze and anyone who was anyone was clamouring for the latest styles. While he no doubt supplied the three-foot wigs worn by society’s most extravagant, Thomas Ravenscroft was also developing the legal market, introducing the smaller, more modest wigs that would become the established wear of judges and barristers. Just a stone’s throw away, the Shudall’s tailoring business (later owned by the Edes) was busy supplying legal robes to members of the bench and bar. With such complementary services, perhaps it was fate that years later the two families, Ede and Ravenscroft would be joined in marriage and then later still, in business.

While the fashions of the times inevitably gave way to new trends, the judiciary held fast to its costume, retaining the wigs and gowns that are worn to this day. This decision to flout fashion reflects the strong foundations, impartiality and dignity of justice itself. And even as it has remained at the forefront of British tailoring, Ede and Ravenscroft continues to supply the legal profession as it has done over the last 300 years.

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