Quote Originally Posted by cajunscot View Post
Not to go too far off-topic, but that is one of the reasons for liturgical and academic garments.

T.
Actually I don't think that is the case, Academic gowns are worn to show a qualification, or a position within the college, or one of learning.
Liturgical garments are almost always worn to show the postion or status of the wearer.
Both of these types of garments are worn precisely to show the wearer is different from others, they do show some sort of status within the respective organisations, with I would suggest some suggestion that the wearer should be looked up to and respected.