The Making Of A SCOTUS Robe (VIDEO)

The Bentley and Simon Robe Factory in Salem, Virginia is waiting for a phone call from Supreme Court justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Since 1912, the company has created judicial gowns for the country's top judges and currently clothes at least eight of the nine Supreme Court justices. Because it takes five weeks to produce each robe, the seamstresses make only 2,000 robes each year. But every garment has a lifetime guarantee: an investment fit for a justice.

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Comments

[dotsthefunist]

I think all judges should wear white powered wigs because some of their wigs look funnier than white powered wigs . The robe is a strange and interesting choice of garment for judges ,nice to learn they are still made in America since it may be the only thing they have on that is.

[alby91]

lol...it takes 5 weeks to make a robe? the robe is just a cloth

[TchoupitoulasCanal]

I'm suprised Oscar De La Renta hasn't complained about THIS yet since he apparently didn't like Ms. Obama's choice of American designers!

[ahoyhoy]

Love to see folks who still care about quality.

(I can't wait to see Justice Sotomayor too! I think she should get a shiny new robe for her wonderful new role in service to our country.)
(My Sonia love is shameless!)

[RButler]

So, when judges or justices meet each other they say "Who are you wearing?"

[Laura Minnick]

I've made clerical/j­udicial/sc­holarly robes, and it's no picnic! I'm not surprised that it takes them five weeks to do them.

[karinova]

Whereas, I am!
I watched the video specifically to find out why it takes so long.

These robes appear to be essentially long, loose, fully lined suit coats with horsehair yokes. That is indeed no picnic, but I can make a similar full-length lined coat in about 4 or 5 weeks, and these robes don't even have lapels or vents, which are the most difficult parts. And I do everything single-handedly. AND, I have a full-time job!

Saville Row routinely knocks out full custom-made suits in less time.
Weird.

[Laura Minnick]

Among the things that take up time- hand-done cartridge pleating across the back yoke and both sleeve caps. You don't find that on an ordinary suit. Some robes also have chevrons on the sleeves, multiple turnbacks on the front lapels, and interior pockets. The last one I did had all of those. And I loathe doing cartridge pleats.

[HisPetGoat]

Oyez, Oyez, now into court comes Sonia!

And doesn't she look simply smashing in a stunning full-length gown by Bentley and Simon?

The unanimous decision? Guilty as charged!

[Fritziscool]

Atleast there is one thing still made in America!

[oscartucker]

FritziscooI--I, too, am glad that the robes for the justices are still made in America. American Flags need to be made here, too, as well as clothing. It seems that just about all clothing is made "somewhere else". Look into garments when you go shopping; just try to find a Made in the USA tag.

[Sebbybear]

All customers of Walmart and other discount stores need to demand U.S. made products including clothing. Sure the cost may be a bit more but it will be an investment in the future of our Nation.

[chazzman]

No such animal.

[stagebandman]

Can't wait to see her in it!!!