Jefferson & Madison Gowns We have two styles of doctoral gowns, the Jefferson and the Madison. The Jefferson, shown with black velvet and optional cording, is a simple design, featuring fully lined bell sleeves, and a zipper closure. The Madison, shown with PhD Blue velvet, represents academic tailoring at its very best. Fine pleating frames the velvet panels from the hemline, up over the shoulders, to a point in the center back of the yoke. The Madison features a zipper closure and fully lined bell sleeves, which are finished off with a cuff at the wrist. The Madison has more fullness in the body of the robe, and a pocket slit is added to allow access to clothing beneath the robe. Both the Jefferson and the Madison styles are available with traditional black velvet, or the color representing the field of study. Optional cording, used to highlight the velvet edging, is available in an array of colors on either style gown. The most typical use of cording is to show a particular field of study. For example, an EdD degree could feature black velvet, outlined in Lt Blue cording.