We wear a lot

I would like to take the opportunity of your interest in university graduation ceremonies to draw attention to the growing number of academic-dress schemes ("It's a big day, and it keeps getting bigger", 23 July).

There are now more than 160 schemes of academic dress in use across the country. The Burgon Society, of which I am chair, next year plans to publish a comprehensive guide to these gowns, hoods and hats. For those interested in the Burgon Society's work to promote the study of academic dress, its website can be found at www.burgon.org.uk.

William Gibson, Oxford Brookes University.