HISTORY OF CLOTHES IN UNIVERSITY

The history of clothing in universities is a captivating journey through time, reflecting tradition, societal
changes, and academic culture. Originating from medieval times, academic attire, initially akin to clerical
robes, symbolized scholarship and learning. Influential institutions like Oxford and Cambridge played
pivotal roles in shaping these dress traditions.

Academic dress evolved, incorporating distinct colors, hoods, and gowns to symbolize different degrees
and disciplines. This tradition spread worldwide, with each university crafting its unique ceremonial
attire. Today, academic dress remains a symbol of achievement and belonging in the scholarly
community, often worn during formal ceremonies.

It's a blend of tradition and adaptation, preserving its significance while occasionally embracing modern
sensibilities for comfort and inclusivity. This attire holds cultural significance, uniting graduates and
faculty and visually representing academic accomplishments and the scholarly pursuits within
universities.

The earliest place of learning since the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is a mosque. Actually, during that
time the mosque served as the exclusive location for Islamic higher education. Al-Azhar University,
which was formerly a mosque before being formally recognized as a university, is the oldest university in
the world. Following that, a sizable number of enormous mosques the majority of which were located in
Cairo became centers of higher learning. There are 130 mosques known to exist as of the fifteenth
century, the majority of which became centers of study.

Clothes when in university should be different from ordinary people and the best clothes is the clothes
that we wear to mosque. The presence of a student in the campus area or in the lecture room should be in
civilized clothes as a sign of humility and respect for this noble place. During the reign of Caliph Harun
al-Rasyid, the clothes of scholar were distinguished from the clothes of rulers and civilians. This show
that clothing is a symbol of the purity and splendor of knowledge.

CHANGES IN DRESS CODE ETHICS AT UNIVERSITIES

The appearance of students in what they wear while at the University is something that is highly regarded
by all levels of society. During the Middle Ages in Europe, scholars often wore clothing that distinguished
them from the general population. These clothes include robes (originally worn by Islamic scholars),
gowns and specific colors that symbolize academic discipline. Meanwhile, Islamic countries have their
own dress codes based on the principles and simplicity of Islam and cultural traditions. Scholars often
wear clothes such as turbans and robes that are specific and different from ordinary people to symbolize
the status and purity of knowledge itself.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Renaissance or the Age of Enlightenment witnessed changes in
clothing related to cultural and intellectual movements. Renaissance scholars often wore clothing that
reflected the era's focus on artistic expression and classical ideals, while Enlightenment scholars might
choose more modest clothing that emphasized rational and intellectual thought. This early dress code is
not just about clothes but symbolizes academic status, cultural identity and compliance with society's
norms.

However, as times change, so does clothing, which changes to reflect current trends and styles.. In the
early 20th century, the clothing style of students and Society in general differed from the contemporary
clothing style. University students in the 20th century were more likely to wear more formal and neat
clothes on a daily basis, especially when on campus or in an academic setting. For men, formal wear such
as suits, ties and trousers are common choices. They often choose a hat as an additional accessory. As for
Women, they are more likely to wear long dresses or skirts and more formal shirts or blouses. This kind of
clothing has become a habit for them during teaching sessions, seminars or official events at the
university.

In this era of modernization, most students tend to have a more relaxed style but still respect academic
professionalism. If we see nowadays, students tend to wear clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, flannel shirts or
clothes that provide comfort when they are on campus. But it depends on the rules or guidelines that have
been set by the university itself. For example, at UiTM students are free to wear clothes according to their
own taste but must be polite and respect professionalism such as wearing collared shirts for men and long
and loose clothes for women.

Although the clothing style is more casual, there is an emphasis on appropriateness for certain activities
and events. For academic events or formal discussions, students may choose to wear more formal clothing
such as blazers, shirts and leather shoes.

RULES OF CHARACTER AND SELF DISCIPLINE

As a higher education institution, it is necessary to dress more politely and professionally. UiTM is one of
the country's higher institutions where the majority of students are Malay and Muslim. Therefore, it is not
a problem for students to preserve Malay clothing that is polite and meets the syar'a. UiTM has also
prepared clothing guidelines for students such as students must maintain a professional appearance by
wearing collared shirts / t-shirts, shoes, shorts or long skirts while attending classes and / or during
official visits to Faculty / Administration buildings and prohibiting students to wear shorts, tight clothes
and a round neck T-shirt.

However, jeans and T-shirts among female students should be completely replaced with baju kurung in
accordance with the image of eastern women. Jeans and a T-shirt may be appropriate for field work or
strenuous activities. For knowledge events, such casual clothes should not be encouraged. As students of
higher education institutions, they should support Malay culture, values and customs.

While in other universities that have various races and religions, it is necessary to be aware of their
cultural sensitivity. This is because every races has clothing that is a symbol of their culture. Therefore we
need to respect each other. Even so, student appearance should not be neglected and should be
emphasized by all students.For example, the wearing of shorts for men or women of certain races is not
suitable for use in higher education institutions because it seems to have polluted the sanctity and honor
of knowledge.
The rules of character and self discipline of students are made with the aim of developing a holistic
individual that is a student who is not only great in academics but also in emotional, social and spiritual
aspects. This helps them become ethical, intelligent citizens and have the ability to function well in
Society. In addition, it can also foster strong moral and ethical values in students to ensure that they act
with integrity and a sense of responsibility.

CONCLUSION

The university's dress code is a significant indicator of how students feel about education,
professionalism, and academic culture. Wearing modest attire not only demonstrates respect for the
academic environment and its contents, but it also serves as a symbol of modesty. Even though our
clothes changes as time goes on, if we consider the ethics of wearing it in the center of knowledge
seriously, none of that should be an issue.

Therefore, in order to preserve the dignity of knowledge and the prestige of higher education institutions,
it is our responsibility as first-class students to make sure that this manners are appropriate for all time.
We shall no longer be able to develop kids that are morally and psychologically sound if this method of
use is abandoned.

REFERENCES.

1. Aust, C., Klein, D. & Weller, T. (Eds.).(2019). Dress and Cultural Difference in Early Modern
Europe. https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/0ac0ec38-a7ee-45bc-bb4f-c412bf416ccf/
1006591.pdf
2. User, S. (n.d.). Kod Pakaian Untuk Pelajar uitm. Home - UiTM Library.
https://library.uitm.edu.my/bm/ms/digital-initiative/services/membership/133-dress-code-for-
uitm-students
3.