The Role of Attire in Courtroom Etiquette

Adopting appropriate courtroom attire is essential, as it displays respect for the courts and the legal system. When it comes to what you may see in terms of courtroom dress in Toronto, it really can depend on the jurisdiction and the level of court. However, there are always etiquette rules, and anyone who presents themselves in court will be required to dress appropriately.

For lawyers, barristers, and judges, there may be times that they are required to wear formal robes, gowns, collars, or wigs, depending on the setting. In other cases, the full formal dress will not be used, and the proper legal attire for women and men would be a traditional business suit.

Why Does Courtroom Attire Matter?

While it may not always be fair, your appearance is a significant factor in people developing their first impression of you. Not only is this important for lawyers representing their clients, but it’s also critical for anyone who will be appearing in court for a legal matter.

Legal attire for women and men practicing law is traditionally modest and neutral. Lawyers want to appear credible and professional, and having the right legal attire can start things off on the right foot. Clients will also feel more self-assured and confident when they see that their legal counsel dresses appropriately for court.

When it comes to court attire for women and men who appear in court as a defendant or a witness, some consider it a science. Appearance can sway a judge or a jury one way or the other. Offensive attire, non-traditional hairstyles, wrinkled or messy clothes, facial jewelry, and tattoos are just some of the things that can bring about negative results in court.

It’s best to remember, whether you’re a lawyer or a witness, to always dress in a way that recognizes the importance, the prestige, and the tradition of courts of law.

What Proper Legal Attire Looks Like

Find Your Professional Courtroom Attire In Toronto At Harcourts

What you wear in court is considered to be a reflection of your capabilities and professionalism. If you want to look and feel your best, order proper legal attire from Harcourts. Whether you’re looking for courtroom attire for women and men or you’re a new lawyer in need of your first custom robe, our expert tailors can deliver the items you need.  Harcourts is the oldest and largest manufacturer of legal robes, and our well-made pieces will most certainly help you appear dignified in court. To find out more about our legal attire options, please contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/the-role-of-attire-in-courtroom-etiquette/

How to Choose the Best Clergy Vestment Supplier

Clergy vestments play an important role in religion. They represent commitment and dedication to faith and provide comfort and reassurance to the congregation and the community and help to support the work done by ministers and priests in Toronto and across the globe.

Since the right vestments and clergy shirts aren’t something that should be left to chance, it’s important to find the best supplier. You may want to create a list of what you need so that when you’re speaking with suppliers of priest vestments, you’ll quickly be able to determine if they can provide what you require or not.

Questions to Ask Clergy Vestment Suppliers

As with any situation, when you need to make a large or important purchase, it’s best to do your research first. While there is some uniformity when it comes to clerical attire, you still want to ensure you’re choosing the best supplier for your particular needs.

Here are three questions you can ask to help you find the best clergy shirt and vestment supplier:

1. What options do you offer?

From fabric options to different sleeves and cuffs, a knowledgeable supplier should offer a full range of options when it comes to priest vestments. You’ll also want to be sure that they carry various colours and sizes in addition to being able to create custom pieces.

2. How much experience do you have creating clerical attire and how are your pieces made?

There is a wealth of history and tradition rooted in clerical attire. In order to choose the best supplier, you need someone that has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to deliver clergy vestments that look professional and that are made to last.

While a lower cost can be appealing, understanding how your priest vestments and other clerical attire are made is important. If you truly want your attire to stand out, you’ll want to choose a supplier that has the tailoring experience and processes to deliver a truly outstanding end result.

3. What’s your ordering process?

If you want to order a custom clerical robe, can you provide your measurements yourself, or is there somewhere in Toronto you can go to get your measurements properly done? How long is the lead time for ordering, and are alterations an additional cost or are they included with your purchase? The answer to these questions will tell you a lot about how you’ll be treated as a customer and what kind of relationship you can expect to have with your supplier.

Harcourts: The Best Supplier for Clergy Vestments

If you’re looking for the best supplier for your clerical attire, look no further than Harcourts. When you choose to work with us, you’ll have a wide variety of options to choose from, and you’ll also get our commitment to always provide top quality vestments. Harcourts is the oldest robe maker in North America and we still maintain our tradition of providing the highest quality workmanship and tailoring, just as we always have for the last 175 years. To find out more about placing an order, contact us today.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-clergy-vestment-supplier/

What Do Vestments Look Like In Different Sects Of Christianity?

Vestments have a long history in Christianity and symbolize the important work done by priests in Toronto and all over the world. While there are many similarities in the garments worn by priests in different sects of Christianity, there are some differences too. You may also notice different colours of priest vestments worn throughout the year, and these distinctions are just another way for priests to communicate with their parish through their attire.

Clergy shirts and other priest attire can be worn during regular and special services, but in many cases are also worn in public as well. Wearing religious attire out in the community helps priests to be easily identified as a member of the clergy, letting the people know they can ask them for help and support.

Priest Vestments Across Different Forms of Christianity

In comparison, the Western Church has more vestments pieces than the Eastern Church, and they tend to vary more when it comes to which pieces are worn for different occasions. The greater variety in Western churches supports the different events they celebrate during each season and the cycles in the calendar year.

In addition to clergy shirts, and item traditionally worn every day, other common garments worn by priests in all Christian sects include:

• The Alb – a long white linen tunic which symbolizes the garment of the newly baptised.
• The Stole – a long strip of cloth, worn around the neck and draped over the front, over the Alb.
• The Cincture – a cord used as a belt to gather the Alb at the waist.

In Western Churches, you will likely also see the following:

• Amice – worn under the Alb, it’s a rectangular cloth that is placed over the shoulders.
• Chasuble – outermost liturgical vestment worn by clergy.
• Maniple – an embroidered band of silk or similar fabric that is hung over the left arm.
• Dalmatic – a long, wide-sleeved tunic.

In Eastern Churches, the different pieces you’ll see include:

• Pallium – a narrow band of cloth that rests on the shoulders.
• Humeral veil – a piece of cloth draped over the shoulders and down the front, made of silk or gold cloth.
• Cowl – a long, hooded garment that usually has wider sleeves.

Quality Vestments in Toronto From Harcourts

The history and significance of priest vestments means it’s important for each piece to be high quality, well-fitting and elegant in order to properly represent one’s faith. Harcourts is one of the oldest manufacturers of vestments in North America, with a consistent reputation for excellent workmanship and superior tailoring. You can trust our team to individually cut, sew, and tailor our vestments and robes, resulting in a perfect fit. To find out more about the Harcourt difference, contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/what-do-vestments-look-like-in-different-sects-of-christianity/

How Do I Get Custom Robes During Social Distancing?

In March of this year, COVID-19 became a reality in Canada. The global pandemic has changed the entire course of 2020. As we attempted to flatten the curve, Harcourts, like so many other businesses, closed its doors in April and customers were no longer able to come in to be measured for custom robes.

Thankfully, Canada was able to curb the spread of the virus, and on June 8 we opened the doors of our Toronto showroom again. It’s understandable to still be unsure as to whether or not it’s okay to venture out for items you need, and when you do, how do you know that the locations you visit are practicing proper guidelines to keep visitors and employees safe? If you need to order courtroom attire or get measured for a robe for clerical use, know that Harcourts is doing all we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

8 Ways Harcourts Keeps Customers Safe During Custom Robe Fittings

We’re so pleased to be open again and to be back to doing what we do best. Harcourts has been providing lawyer robes and custom tailored robes since 1842 and our commitment to quality and an outstanding fit remains the same.

While we’ve needed to adapt in order to safely provide our services, we feel confident in welcoming back our customers and continuing our work in delivering custom robes that fit and feel superb. In order to keep everyone safe, you’ll need to make an appointment to come in by calling (416) 977-4408 ext 109 or by email at info@harcourts.com.

When you come in for your appointment, you’ll notice these new protocols in place:

• Plexiglass has been installed in customer service areas.
• We have hand sanitizer available for everyone’s use.
• We only allow one customer in the showroom and one customer in for measure at a time.
• We ask that all customers wear masks when visiting us.
• Customer appointments are spaced out and scheduled every 20 minutes.
• Our tailors and staff will be wearing face masks and gloves.
• Tailors are washing hands between customers and sanitizing tape measures and other tools.
• When customers come to pick up their courtroom attire or other items, they are able to try them on. The fitting rooms are sanitized and the clothing is steamed and pressed before it’s given to the customer.

Find Custom Tailored Robes in Toronto With Harcourts

If you need clerical, academic or lawyer robes and are looking for a custom fit, contact Harcourts. We’ve created a safe and welcoming space to continue to serve our customers while still being vigilant in protecting everyone from the spread of COVID-19. If you want the perfect fit and to be dressed in robes that look professional and help you feel your best, we can help. To make an appointment to visit our showroom or for a fitting, please call (416) 977-4408 ext 109 or email at info@harcourts.com. We look forward to seeing you.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/how-do-i-get-custom-robes-during-social-distancing/

Is It Possible to Make A Priest Collar At Home?

A clerical collar is a piece of Christian clerical clothing that closes at the back of the neck and appears seamless in the front. The collar may be built into a shirt or may be added to a shirt. A priest’s collar is almost always white and is typically made of cotton or linen. More recently, you can also find them in Toronto now made of plastic.

While the Internet can provide instructions on how to make just about anything, there’s more to consider when trying to decide if making your own collar is the right thing to do. As with most DIY projects, getting the final result you’re after is never quite as easy as it seems and often doesn’t produce the quality product you want.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort for Your Clerical Collars

Priest collars, also called Roman collars, were invented in 1865 by a minister in Scotland and served to provide a sense of separation between clergy and the secular world. Their role is quite important and remains a highly recognized symbol of distinction for those working on behalf of their faith.

Not only do you want to ensure that your collar looks professional and aptly represents the work you do, but also you need it to be comfortable and to fit well. Here are some of the challenges you can face when you try to make your own priest collar at home:

• Improper Fit: The last thing you want is to have to be constantly pulling or adjusting your clerical collar. Not only will this be distracting to those you serve, but it will also become a source of irritation for you.
• Poorly Chosen Material: Unless you have some expertise in textiles and sewing, chances are you won’t make the right choice when it comes to selecting the best material for your needs. From choosing something that will be easy to work with, to make sure it’s not itchy or that it wears too easily, there is much more to consider than you likely realize.
• Wear and Tear: Will the clerical collar you make be something you can count on or will you constantly have to be making more collars due to the flimsy nature of the ones you’ve made yourself?

Harcourts know how much clerical attire matters and can provide exactly what you need while still honouring your style, fit, and comfort. Our high-quality clergy vestments not only stand the test of time but are created with outstanding craftsmanship that honour the tradition and importance of the work you do. We would be pleased to help you find what you need, allowing you to focus on serving your faith, your congregation, and the people in your community.

Find Clergy Vestments and Attire at Harcourts In Toronto

Whether you use a traditional clergy term or have your priest collar called something else more modern, the fact remains that this piece of clothing holds great value. Harcourts will gladly customize clergy attire and vestments to meet your requirements. We offer a variety of design options, and can also create custom robes, stoles, and scarves that can be embroidered if needed. While assuring your comfort, you can also trust that our vestments are durable, elegant, and of superior quality. To find out more about how we can help, contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/is-it-possible-to-make-a-priest-collar-at-home/

How to Care for Your Graduation Attire

Getting your diploma is a major milestone. Dressed in your graduation gown, you’ve worked hard to get to this day and it’s natural for you to not have thought a lot about what happens when the celebration is over. However, your graduation attire needs to be properly cared for both before and after your convocation ceremony, and the same goes for your graduation suit.

In the rush to get organized or in the rush to move on to the next phase of life post-graduation, don’t ignore the proper guidelines when it comes to handling graduation robes and accessories.

Three Tips for Caring for Your Graduation Suit and Convocation Gown

For most students, managing laundry and keeping clothes pressed and wrinkle free is likely not much of a priority. Still, as graduation approaches, it’s important to understand how to keep your graduation attire in top condition so you’re ready for your big day.

Since you’ll be seen in your graduation gown as you virtually accept your diploma, and then in your formal attire for a small celebration, you need to make sure you look professional and prepared.

Take a look at our tips for ensuring your graduation suit and convocation gown look great, both before and after your graduation day.

1. If you’ve ordered a custom tailored Harcourts graduation robe, it will be ready to wear when you receive it. Be sure to take great care in hanging it up until the big day and to keep it covered so it’s not accidentally stained or damaged.

2. After your ceremony, you’ll need to place your gown back in a garment bag and keep it hung up with care. If you wish to preserve your gown, have it cleaned professionally and then place it in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or in an airtight vacuum bag. It is not recommended that you try and launder the gown yourself.
3. When it comes to your graduation suit, it will also be pressed and ready to go when you pick it up from the store.  Keep it nicely hung up and covered until you need to wear it. After your graduation day, it’s best to get the suit dry cleaned right away to avoid any stains setting. Once cleaned, return it to a garment bag and keep it hanging in your closet until you need it. Hopefully your days of job interviews are not far away, so it’s best to have your suit ready!

Find Your Toronto Convocation Attire with Harcourts

If you are interested in ordering your own custom graduation gown, contact Harcourts. With a long standing history of providing high quality gowns for graduations at every level, we can work with you to ensure you have something that fits well and makes you feel great on your big day. To find out more about graduation attire from Harcourts, please call us at (416) 977-4408.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/how-to-care-for-your-graduation-attire/

Are Convocation Robes Still A Trend?

As time passes, it’s natural for things to change. In fact, since people first started wearing robes for convocation, there are very few things that haven’t changed! Convocation robes can be traced back to the 12th century, and while the reasoning for instituting robes may have altered since then, rest assured that wearing your cap and gown is still very much a trend when it comes to convocation.

Wanting your convocation attire to show your individual style is understandable, but there are plenty of other ways to showcase your personality while still ensuring your convocation robe stays true to tradition. From the shoes you wear with your outfit to adding special jewellery, you can accessorize your look to help mark this special occasion.

Why Robes Are An Important Tradition

Putting on a black robe may not seem like something to be excited about, but Toronto graduates should know that convocation dress really is an important rite of passage. Before you express disappointment at having to cover your chosen outfit, stop and think about why robes at convocation are a trend that should stay:

• Distinguishes graduates from other people attending the ceremony.
• Supports the centuries old tradition of graduates wearing the well-known cap and gown.
• Robes add pomp and circumstance to the ceremony and support the celebration of the momentous achievements of new graduates.
• Creates unity among all graduates so that everyone looks uniform as they celebrate the same achievement.

It’s safe to say that the trend of wearing robes for convocation is here to stay. In some cases, you may see traditional black robes being swapped out for dark blue, perhaps a variance in robe length or the use of colours to denote academic discipline, but for the most part, the age old tradition continues to remain intact. Truthfully, most people look forward to wearing their convocation dress and enjoy the chance to snap a few photos looking the part of a distinguished graduate.

Find the Convocation Dress You Need From Harcourts

As you prepare to be a part of a convocation ceremony, why not rely on convocation regalia experts like Harcourts to help you find the right attire? Located in Toronto, Harcourts uses materials of the highest quality to produce robes that reflect the importance of convocation tradition. Whether you choose to rent or buy, our robes are elegant and well made, ensuring you’ll look professional and accomplished as you walk across the stage. To find out more about what we offer, please contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/are-convocation-robes-still-a-trend/

Movies That Motivate You To Become A Lawyer

Did you always imagine yourself wearing legal attire one day? For some, knowing that they wanted to become a lawyer started at a very young age. For others, it sometimes takes a life event or an experience to help direct them down the path towards becoming a lawyer. Wearing court attire can certainly feel professional and exciting but wanting to make a difference and an interest in social justice are often the biggest catalyst in deciding to pursue a legal career.

As such, due to their dramatic nature, it’s no surprise that movies that include stories of triumphant legal battles or emblazoned court room speeches can motivate some people to consider a career in law. Popular actors dressed up in legal attire and fighting for their clients certainly makes for a great movie!

8 Movies Everyone Considering A Career In Law Needs To Watch

There are plenty of lists out there related to excellent movies involving charismatic lawyers or epic legal battles. While everyone is entitled to their favourite feature film that includes court attire, this list includes movies that continually stand the test of time. Did one of these films encourage you to explore becoming a lawyer?

1. To Kill A Mockingbird. For more than 40 decades, this movie has been credited with leading many people into law thanks to the very moving story about discrimination and injustice.

2. A Few Good Men. Not only does this movie tell a great story, but there are classic lines that just about everyone will forever be quoting making it a pop culture staple.

3. Tackling wrongful dismissal and the power of the connection between lawyers and clients.

4. Erin Brockovich. For those not interested in working for big legal firms, this movie will open their eyes to what determined lawyers can do to help those forgotten.

5. The Lincoln Lawyer. Exploring power and money and how it influences the law.

6. I Am Sam. Delving into family law and family love.

7. Runaway Jury. A great movie exploring the impact that juries have as part of the legal process.

Kramer vs. Kramer. Described as the definitive movie about family law, this movie gives great insight into legal career options that aren’t necessary part of the glamorous corporate world.

Bolster Your Legal Career With Canada’s Finest Court Attire

If you did decide to become a lawyer and are about to embark on the start of your legal career, make sure you have the legal attire you need to support your success. Since 1842, Harcourts has been Canada’s leader in legal robes and accessories. When you’re preparing for court, contact Harcourts for the finest options in court attire.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/movies-that-motivate-you-to-become-a-lawyer/

5 Things to Know Before You Rent Robes for Convocation

Graduations are always a great cause for celebration. However, convocation ceremonies, celebrations, and gatherings require the rental of robes for convocation, or you may choose to have academic regalia Canada made. When tasked to rent a convocation gown or have one tailored for your upcoming academic event, it pays to be familiar with the details of the robe and gown rental and/or tailoring.

Harcourts has been one of the most trusted and sought-after makers of academic regalia Canada, offering their services for more than 168 years. From robes for convocation and other regalia needs of the academia to the ensembles and ceremonial garbs of the legal community, Harcourts has been known for their high quality, individually tailored garments and the attention to detail that each dedicated craftsman puts into each and every convocation gown that they make. Below are 5 things you should know before you rent a convocation robe:

1. Convocation robes and gowns are not all the same size. Although they may all look the same cut and size as groups of people would collectively don them, robes for convocation are not a one size fits all garment. In fact, you want to get measured properly to make sure that the piece you will get is the proper fit—not too big or too small or too short or too long for your body type and size.
2. Learn about the standard fitting range for your convocation gown. It is important to get the size right so you can stay comfortable throughout your convocation rites and the rest of your celebration.
3. When renting robes, make sure you know the details of the company’s return policy. Most companies require your invoice upon the return of your rental as well as when collecting the pieces.
4. Know how to properly wear your regalia. Schools typically set their own guidelines for wearing academic regalia, depending on their beliefs and traditions. It is best to know exactly what you need for the occasion and how you are expected to wear each piece of garment that you are renting.
5. Finally, take time to accomplish proper fitting. Even though shops do have size and fitting standards or guidelines to help you select the right size, it is best to get measured and fitted to make sure that you are not too short, tall, or big, or small for the garments you are about to rent.

If you’re in need of academic regalia Canada, contact Harcourts today to find the highest quality, hand-made academic gowns. Wearing a Harcourts gown will ensure that you look picture-perfect on your graduation day.

Article Source: http://www.loopdesk.com/article/28514/5-things-to-know-before-you-rent-robes-for-convocation

How to Buy Convocation Regalia That Fit Perfectly

Your graduation ceremony is one of the most important occasions you will ever attend. It marks an academic achievement and a major transition in your career and professional life. You want to be dressed well for the occasion, in custom-tailored convocation regalia that not only looks good but is also comfortable.

Properly fitted graduation gowns are extremely important because most academic ceremonies last at least two hours. You have to wear your robe throughout the academic procession, invocation, speeches, etc. Wearing custom convocation regalia can ensure your comfort throughout the event. And when you are comfortable, you can enjoy the moment even better.

Custom convocation attire is handcrafted from individually-cut fabrics and is made specifically for your size. The best suppliers of academic regalia in Canada use only the finest materials. Each gown is shirred to ensure that they maintain their elegance.

These perfectly tailored garments combine modern and traditional tailoring techniques. You may want to keep your robe forever.

It’s difficult to get the same fit and look from an off-the-rack graduation gown, which will likely be too long, too short, too tight, or too loose. Walking in an ill-fitting academic robe will be difficult; you might even trip over the excess fabric during the procession. This is why it’s always a good idea to invest in custom convocation attire that you can proudly wear on that special day.

Aside from your robe, you also want to make sure that your cap fits you. It shouldn’t be too tight that it gives you a headache, nor should it be too loose that it’s difficult to make it stay on your head. You want to be able to proudly march and receive your degree in comfort and elegance.

Ready to order your custom graduation attire? Harcourts is the leader when it comes to custom academic regalia in Canada. We have been supplying convocation attire since 1842. Our custom robes are proudly worn by graduates across Canada. Let our tailors customize your graduation robe to match your university colours, the field of study, degree, and your measurements and garment preferences, ensuring that you look your best as you receive your diploma. Contact us today to learn more.

Article Source: http://www.loopdesk.com/article/31558/how-to-buy-convocation-regalia-that-fit-perfectly