Most Oxford University students want to wear gowns to exams

London: Oxford University students here in the UK have voted overwhelmingly against ending a centuries- old tradition of wearing black and white gowns, suits and mortarboards to examinations.

A referendum held by Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) voted to keep the signature 'subfusc' look for examinations, over-ruling concerns of a minority who felt the system was ”archaic" and "elitist".

The student body said as many as 75.8 per cent or 6,403 students voted to keep 'subfusc' - the dark suits, shirts, bow ties and ribbons worn under a gown - compulsory, the Daily Telegraph reported on Saturday.

Only 2,040 students - the equivalent of 24.2 per cent - voted against the age-old practice.

Subfusc is defined by the world famous university as a dark suit with dark socks, dark skirt with black tights or stockings or dark trousers with dark socks, a dark coat if required, black shoes, plain white-collared shirt or blouse, white bow tie, black bow tie, black full-length tie, or black ribbon.

Students wear a black gown on the top and carry a mortarboard into examinations with them.

Those who flout the strict dress code can be punished by the university.

"While this vote has indicated that students feel no need to change university policy on the wearing of subfusc, gathering comprehensive views of students on university policies and procedures is an important part of OUSU's work representing student views to the university through its governing committees," a university spokesperson said.