Robes

From UnknowableWiki

Robes are part of the traditional clothing for witches and wizards, along with cloaks and pointed hats. They have been worn since before the Founder era, and seem to be popular worldwide (CS16, GF7). They are usually long and loose, and equipped with pockets (PS13). They are worn every day by most, although younger generations, like the Weasley children, sometimes wear Muggle clothing in their free time (GF4). Most wizards are uncomfortable and inexperienced with Muggle attire, a fact that results in bizarre fashion choices when they try to act inconspicuous by dressing like their non-magical fellow citizens (GF7).

It seems that many witches and wizards do not wear trousers under their robes (PS11, OP28), and some even go without any undergarments (GF7). However, Harry Potter and his school mates usually just pull their robes over their normal clothing when they change on the Hogwarts Express (PS6).

Most witches and wizards prefer a colourful attire; robes in blazing colours are worn even by serious persons of authority, such as Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and Dolores Umbridge (PS1, PS7, OP13). An exeption is Severus Snape, who almost always wears black (PS8, CS5).

There are a number of special robes for different occasions. Dress robes are worn at formal events (GF10), and Quidditch robes for matches (PS11). Students and many professions wear uniform robes. The Hogwarts school robes are plain black (PS5), those of Beauxbatons pale blue and made of light silk, and those of Durmstrang blood red (GF15). The members of the Wizengamot wear plum-coloured robes bearing a silver "W" on the left-hand side of the chest (OP8). The robes of the St. Mungo's Healers are lime-green and embroidered with a bone crossing a wand on their chests (OP22). The Ministry's Magical Maintenance staff is clad in navy blue (DH12). Voldemort's Death Eaters wear black hooded robes (GF33).

Robes can be bought at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions in Diagon Alley, and, presumably, Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmeade, London and Paris (PS5, GF8).