Why Do Judges and Barristers Wear Wigs in the UK?
Last Updated:AILSAS - HISTORY
"The wig is a very important part of the criminal justice system. It emphasises anonymity, separation, distancing."
- James Mulholland QC, senior barrister with 30+ years' experience
Why Do Judges and Barristers Wear Wigs in the UK?
A 400-year-old tradition - from fashion statement to courtroom icon
Walk into a British Crown Court today, and you'll see something you won't find in any other country's courtrooms: men and women in horsehair wigs. It's a sight that puzzles visitors, fascinates historians, and has been the subject of countless questions: why do judges and barristers wear wigs?
The short answer: tradition, authority and anonymity. But the full story is far more interesting. It involves French kings, syphilis, 17th-century fashion, and a tradition that refused to die even after the rest of society stopped wearing wigs.
The tradition of judges wearing wigs dates back to the 17th century in England, when wigs - known as "perukes" - were simply what fashionable people wore. By the end of King Charles II's reign, wigs were fully accepted by judges and barristers.
A Timeline of the Legal Wig
Where Did Court Wigs Come From?
The story begins in the mid-17th century. King Louis XIV of France started wearing wigs to cover his balding scalp - and it quickly became a European fashion trend. Charles II brought the style to England, and within decades, wigs became "essential wear for polite society."
Lawyers and judges, being part of polite society, followed the fashion. By 1685, wigs were standard attire in English courtrooms. Some judges resisted at first - portraits from the early 1680s show judges defiantly sporting their natural hair - but within a few years, the wig had won.
Fun fact: King Louis XIV of France was one of the first to popularise wigs - partly because he wanted to hide his balding head. At the time, baldness was associated with syphilis, so wigs also served a practical purpose.
Judges' Wigs vs Barristers' Wigs - What's the Difference?
Not all court wigs are the same. There are distinct styles for different roles, and the differences are subtle but significant.
Barrister's Wig
- Shorter, bob-style wig
- Frizzled sides, horizontal curls
- Two tails at the back
- Worn daily in criminal courts
Judge's Bench Wig
- Similar to barrister's but more ornate
- One vertical curl above the tail
- Full-bottomed wig reserved for ceremonial occasions
- Different styles for different court levels
The full-bottomed wig - the large, dramatic one you see in portraits - is now reserved for ceremonial dress. The smaller bob-wig is the everyday choice.
A judge's full-bottomed wig can cost over 3,000 pounds, while the shorter barrister's wigs cost several hundred pounds.
Why Are Some Court Wigs White and Others Grey?
All court wigs start white. Over time, they age - and with age comes a patina. The grey colour is actually a sign of experience. Older wigs, yellowed with time, are often preferred by senior barristers and judges as they convey years of service.
As the London Museum notes, judicial wigs are typically made of white and grey horsehair, hand-stitched onto a silk ribbon base. The style hasn't changed much since the early 19th century.
What Are Court Wigs Actually Made Of?
Traditionally, court wigs are made from horsehair - specifically, a particular type imported from China. The manufacturing process was patented by Humphrey Ravenscroft in 1822 and is still largely done by hand.
Each wig can take up to four days to make, with individual curls rolled, boiled and steamed to maintain their shape. The base is made from silk ribbons, and the horsehair is hand-stitched into wefts.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards more sustainable options. Samuel March, a barrister and University of Law alumnus, created the first plant-based legal wig made from hemp. His company, Hemp and Hemp, sells vegan-friendly wigs for members of the Bar.
Do UK Judges Still Wear Wigs Today? (2007 Reforms)
In 2007, the Lord Chief Justice ruled that wigs were no longer required in civil and family court proceedings. The UK Supreme Court, established in 2009, also does not require wigs. However, wigs are still mandatory in criminal trials in the UK.
This means if you find yourself in a Crown Court today, you will still see barristers and judges wearing wigs. But in a family court or civil matter, they are likely absent.
Some countries - like Australia, New Zealand and Canada - have either abandoned or significantly reduced the use of wigs in their courts. Malawi suspended wigs during heatwaves, showing that practicality sometimes trumps tradition.
Court Wigs Around the World - and the Irish Dancing Wig Myth
The UK isn't alone in keeping the tradition. Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Malaysia and other former British colonies still use wigs in some court settings.
But what about Irish dancing? Those curls aren't the same. Irish dancers wear wigs - often called "bun wigs" - for competition. They're made from synthetic fibres, styled into ringlets, and serve a performance purpose, not a legal one. The visual similarity to legal wigs is coincidental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do judges wear wigs in the UK?
The tradition dates back to the 17th century, when wigs were fashionable. They remained part of legal dress because they came to symbolise authority, anonymity and the supremacy of the law.
What are judges' wigs made of?
Traditionally, horsehair - specifically imported from China. Some modern options use hemp-based materials.
Do UK judges still wear wigs?
Yes - in criminal courts. They were removed from civil and family courts in 2007 and are not required in the Supreme Court.
Why do barristers wear wigs but solicitors don't?
Barristers are courtroom advocates - they appear in court. Solicitors typically work outside court. The wig became part of court dress for those who appear before a judge.
Is it true wigs were worn because of syphilis?
Partly. Wigs were fashionable, but they also covered balding - which was sometimes linked to syphilis. But the main reason was fashion, not disease.
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