The Law Society in each Province establishes the licensing and character requirements required to become a lawyer. To be called to the Bar, candidates must meet these requirements.

The Anatomy Of Your Robe

Your barrister uniform consists of seven components:

• White court shirt with winged collar
• Black waistcoat
• Black barrister robe
• Barrister tabs
• Black/charcoal grey trousers or a skirt
• Black/charcoal grey socks or black/charcoal/natural hose
• Black shoes

How Harcourts Makes Your Robe

Your Measurements Are Taken

Your measurements are taken to ensure that every component of your new robe fits perfectly. We measure your height, the sleeve length, front length, back length, bust, hips, and abdomen.

It’s especially important to make sure that the waistcoat fits properly. It must be a certain length at the back and front, and hit just above the natural waist. This ensures that there isn’t a gap between the skirt or trousers and the waistcoat that would allow the court shirt to peek through. The waistcoat must also have a slightly loose fit to ensure that that it’s not uncomfortable or difficult to move in. It’s important that barristers can comfortably sit, stand, and gesture while wearing their court attire.

To create your custom gown, your height and your build are taken into account to determine your robe’s size and length.

You Can Select Your Fabric

Barristers can choose between two fabric options: tropical wool or polyester wool blend. Keep in mind that your robe and waistcoat must be made from the same fabric.

• Tropical wool: This is the lightest and most breathable fabric option. While it’s more expensive than its polyester counterpart, many choose this fabric for its comfort. Courtrooms are notoriously warm, especially in the summer, and proper court attire requires several layers of clothing to be worn. Selecting the lightest fabric for your court attire will make being in court more comfortable.
• Poly-wool blend: While this fabric is relatively lightweight, and looks and feels similar to tropical wool, it’s not nearly as breathable. However, it’s a less expensive option and it may be suitable for those who are not frequently in court.

Your Measurements Are Sent To Our Factory

After your measurements are taken, your order and measurements will be sent to our factory in downtown Toronto to be hand-sewn by our team. Each piece is laid out and cut, and several different people collaborate to finish the garments by sewing the pieces together, adding on the buttons and other details, and pressing the finished items. Court shirts and tabs are generally in stock, and can be altered if required.

Your Robe Is Ready To Be Shipped Or Picked Up

When each garment is completed, it will be sent to our shipping department. Each component of your court attire will be gathered, put on a hanger, and prepared to be shipped or picked up.

Our average turnaround time to create a custom court attire is four weeks, although during busy periods, such as the call to the Bar ceremonies in June, it may take up to six weeks. However, we do our best to accommodate late orders to ensure that everyone has the proper court attire for their ceremony. For the best experience possible, order your attire at least six weeks in advance of your ceremony.

Visit Harcourts For Your Custom Call to The Bar Robe

Our tailors are available to take your measurements at our location in downtown Toronto from Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For your convenience, we also have a network of tailors across the country who can take your measurements if you’re unable to visit our headquarters. Contact us for more information.