What to wear on exam day
This is for students: comfortable layers you can take off, soft fabrics and shoes you do not think about. Choose clothes with no rustling, no zips that jingle and nothing that needs adjusting.
Two outfits that work
Zip hoodie, tee, soft trousers
- grey zip hoodie
- plain white tee
- soft navy trousers
- white trainers
- clear pencil case bag
A zip layer over a plain tee lets you adjust to a cold or warm hall without disturbing anyone.
Sweatshirt, tee, dark jeans
- navy sweatshirt
- plain tee
- dark jeans
- grey trainers
- plain analogue watch
A watch lets you track time quietly in rooms where phones are not allowed, and the sweatshirt has no logos to catch an invigilator’s eye.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A thin tee, light trousers and a thin layer for air conditioning. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Tee with a zip layer on top, and easy trainers. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm jumper you can take off, dry socks and a coat to leave outside the hall. |
Do and don’t
- Wear layers you can quietly add or remove
- Choose soft fabrics and a waistband that does not pinch
- Check whether you need to leave coats and bags outside
- Wear a plain analogue watch if phones are not allowed
- Wear anything with writing on it, such as notes on a hoodie
- Choose jingling zips, bracelets or noisy shoes
- Try new clothes or shoes on the day
- Wear a smartwatch when devices are banned
Check the night before
- Read the exam rules about what you may bring
- Pack ID, pens and any permitted equipment in a clear bag
- Plan a layer for a cold or warm hall
- Check the forecast for the journey
- Lay out the outfit and set an early alarm
Questions people ask
What should I wear to an exam?
Comfortable layers in soft fabrics and shoes you do not have to think about. Smart clothes are not needed.
Can I wear a hoodie to an exam?
Usually yes, as long as the rules do not forbid hoods and there is no writing on it. A zip layer is easy to adjust.
Can I wear a smartwatch in an exam?
Often not, because exam rules ban devices. A plain analogue watch is safer; check the rules.
What if the hall is cold?
Wear a thin layer you can keep on, with warm socks. Leave bulky coats outside if the rules say so.
Pick Exam day in FeinLens and see what you already own
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