What to wear at University of Helsinki events 

In Finland, white tie is the most festive and formal attire for men. If necessary, the black tailcoat (frakki in Finnish) mandated by the white tie dress code can be replaced with a dark suit, a ceremonial uniform or a national costume, except in conferment ceremonies when the dress code calls for a white or black monochrome outfit.   

For evening events, a white waistcoat is required, and a pocket square completes the outfit. Analogous to a tailcoat is a full-length evening gown made of elegant, high-quality fabric. The University rarely holds white-tie evening events, with conferment ceremonies being the main exception.   

At events beginning before 6 pm, the tailcoat is paired with a black waistcoat. The white tie ensemble includes black socks and shoes (not patent leather). A white pocket square is not worn with a black waistcoat. White tie events beginning before 6 pm at the University include solemn conferment of degrees (for participants in the academic procession), doctoral defences (for doctoral candidates not wearing a doctoral gown) and inaugural lectures of new professors (for professors choosing a tailcoat).   

Academic formal is a dress code appropriate for academic occasions and aligns closely with the dark suit dress code. It is always a safe choice for academic day-time festivities.   

The dress code calls for a monochrome black outfit consisting of one or more garments. The upper garment should have long sleeves and the bottom be at least knee-length. Personal preferences allow for combining different items, such as a coat, jacket, shirt or blouse, trousers, dress, skirt or trouser suit. Stockings or tights can be of a neutral or dark colour. Hats and heavy jewellery are not part of this dress code.   

Academic formal is the dress code for University events including:  

• Opening ceremonies of the academic year for academic procession participants or inaugural lectures of new professors. New professors giving their inaugural lectures wear a dark suit or tailcoat and bring with them their doctoral hats if they have defended their theses at a Finnish university. Members of the clergy may wear clerical dress. Professors who defended their doctoral thesis abroad may wear the doctoral gown of the university in question. 
• Doctoral defences (for doctoral candidates, particularly if wearing the University’s doctoral gown). The custos, opponent and doctoral candidate should dress consistently. 

Dark suit is a common dress code in Finland. When wearing a suit jacket, a white dress shirt and suit trousers, the suit must be monochrome: black, dark blue, dark grey or graphite grey. The tie or bowtie must be discreet. The jacket can be single- or double-breasted; if the former, a waistcoat made of the same fabric can be worn.  

An alternative is a one- or two-piece evening dress or a dressy trouser suit made of elegant, high-quality fabric. The evening dress can be full-length, ankle-length or, depending on the style and occasion, shorter. Appropriate options include a sophisticated cocktail dress, a little black dress, a lightweight skirt suit or a dress and jacket combination; the colour choice is flexible.  

The dark suit dress code permits wearing a national costume, clerical attire or a military uniform.  

It is a typical dress code, for example, at the University’s anniversary celebration as well as a traditional standard for audience members at multiple events, including the inaugural lectures of new professors, postdoctoral parties, graduation ceremonies and the opening ceremonies of the academic year. While some guests opt for long evening gowns at the anniversary celebration, knee- or calf-length dresses or skirt suits are more commonly worn.  

As a rule, audience members at public events are not subject to any dress code. It is thus perfectly acceptable to wear regular everyday clothing to, for example, a doctoral defence. However, guests invited by the doctoral candidate often wear a dark suit or other smart clothing.   

The dress code for the audience at inaugural lectures of new professors is neat, everyday clothing. The evening reception requires the audience to wear attire appropriate for the dignified atmosphere.   

You may also encounter other terms such as business casual or neat attire. These dress codes denote professional yet relaxed clothing suited to a wide range of workplace and family celebrations. The event itself naturally affects the choice of clothing.   

This is the most common dress code at Flora Day events, graduation, portrait unveiling and retirement ceremonies, as well as occasions where medals or decorations are presented.