Dressing for the public examination of doctoral dissertation

The candidate, opponent and custos should adhere to a dignified dress code, appropriate to the occasion. The code is traditional, but following it literally is not required. There is no special dress code for the audience.

Dark suit

Men can wear either a single or double-breasted suit, which should be black, dark blue or dark grey. The material may have faint stripes, and if the person decides to wear a waistcoat it should be of the same material as the suit or match it well. A white shirt is recommended, as well as either a necktie or bow tie, which should not be white, but match the suit. Socks should be dark and shoes should have thin soles.

Women should wear an elegant black or dark dress, a jacket suit or a trouser suit. They should also wear light court shoes (pumps) and, for example, stockings that match the shoes.

Full evening dress

Men should wear a black tailcoat, black waistcoat and a white dress shirt with pressed plate and collar. A satin ribbon should go down the side seams of the trousers. A white bow tie is always worn with full evening dress. The black waistcoat requires thin soled shoes and black socks, but no handkerchief or wrist watch. At dinner and in the evening you should wear a white waistcoat and patent leather shoes. With the white waistcoat men are also allowed to wear a handkerchief, unless they are wearing metals. The black waistcoat is also worn at the evening party. As an overcoat you should wear a black coat or a cloak, white scarf and white gloves.

Women are expected to wear a black dress with full-length sleeves or a jacket suit and graceful festive shoes. The neckline of the dress should not be open. Women can wear black gloves at the dinner and outdoors.

Doctor's Gown

If one of the previously mentioned persons wears a doctor's gown, the others will have to agree among themselves whether they will wear a dark suit or full evening dress.

International terms