Horsehair Wigs Still Set the Tone in British Courtrooms

As fashions change with the generations and the seasons, one style that hasn’t evolved for centuries is the peruke, or horsehair wig worn by British trial lawyers and judges.

True, they get hot in the summer, and at times the horsehair smell becomes less than pure, as some barristers have delicately noted. Others say the wigs are most useful for amusing small children at family reunions.

Despite occasional efforts by rebellious lawyers and judges to toss off the wigs for good, they are only removed on occasion, for example when hot weather makes them unbearable.

“We think they’re appropriate as a dress of distinction, fitting with court proceedings,” said Steven Kay, a barrister, or trial lawyer. “The public likes barristers in wigs and gowns. They expect it. It establishes for them they’re getting a particular standard of service and expertise.”

Nonsense, some of Kay’s learned friends say.

“I think they represent an age that’s long since gone,” barrister Jonathan Caplan said. “I think they’re uncomfortable. I think you can achieve the same degree of respect in courtrooms without getting dressed up. I think the legal profession should enter the 20th Century.”

Perukes are expensive, but tailors are happy to provide the barristers with the wigs at a relatively low cost on the theory that the barrister will keep coming back for clothes.

That’s similar to a U.S. grocery store selling turkeys cheap around Thanksgiving in hopes that customers will fill their shopping carts with the trimmings at full price.

At Stanley Ley Ltd. in London, a barrister can get a handmade, horsehair wig for 315 pounds, or about $504, pretty much the wholesale cost.

“Barristers tend to have allegiances to their tailors,” Stanley Ley peruke seller Nicholas Fugler said. “They purchase their wig and gowns, and probably will be clothed by us for the rest of their professional careers. Realistically, it should cost 700 or 800 pounds.”

Regardless of the bargain on the wig, when summer comes along and heated arguments flare in the courtroom, many barristers wish they weren’t wearing the things.

“But judges often say, ‘Wigs off,’ ” Kay pointed out. “This can be flexible.”