ABSTRACT
Academic Garb The symbolism of academic regalia identifies academics and professionals with formal robes, scarves or hoods, and tasseled caps in significant color combinations. Both mythic and emblematic of sacra (holy things), the supertonic (cassock or soutane), soutane, and surplice (short yoked robe) or cotta of academics and clergymen from medieval universities set the tone and style for the British and North American vestimentum clausum (“closed clothing,” or academic dress), signifying affiliation.
