Graduation Gowns Prices in Johannesburg

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and in Johannesburg, South Africa’s vibrant academic hub, finding the right graduation gown at an affordable price is key to making the day memorable. Whether you’re graduating from the University of Johannesburg, Wits, or a private college, renting or buying a gown, cap, and hood is a necessity. This article provides a comprehensive, evergreen guide to graduation gown prices in Johannesburg, sourced from reputable suppliers like House of Graduates, The Gown Factory, and Legend Gowns. By detailing price ranges, rental vs. purchase options, and factors affecting costs, we ensure you’re equipped to make informed choices.

Graduation Gowns Prices in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s graduation gown market offers options for every budget, with prices varying by supplier, gown type (certificate, diploma, degree, or postgraduate), and whether you rent or buy. Below, we list prices from trusted providers, based on 2024–2025 data, ensuring accuracy for students across institutions like UNISA, UJ, and TUT.

Key Suppliers and Their Prices

The following providers are well-established in Johannesburg, offering both rental and purchase options for graduation gowns, caps, hoods, and sashes. Prices reflect the latest available data from their websites, Gumtree listings, and industry sources.

House of Graduates

  • Location: 1166 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028 (serves Johannesburg via nationwide delivery)

  • Contact: +27 12 362 3090, [email protected], www.houseofgraduates.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, Sat by appointment

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Certificate/Diploma Gown, Cap, Hood: R400–R600

    • Bachelor’s Degree Gown, Cap, Hood: R500–R700

    • Master’s/PhD Gown, Cap, Hood: R600–R900

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • Certificate/Diploma Set: R1,200–R2,000

    • Bachelor’s Degree Set: R1,500–R2,500

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R2,000–R3,500

  • Notes: Established in 1994, House of Graduates is a Level 1 BBBEE contributor, servicing all nine provinces. They offer custom regalia for universities like UJ and Wits, with a refundable deposit (R300–R500) for rentals. Bulk discounts apply for groups of 10+ graduates. Email for a detailed pricelist.

The Gown Factory

  • Location: Shop No. 28, End Street Mall, 120 End Street, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2028

  • Contact: +27 11 402 3962, www.thegownfactory.co.za

  • Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Certificate/Diploma Gown, Cap, Neckband: R350–R500

    • Bachelor’s Degree Gown, Cap, Hood: R450–R650

    • Master’s/PhD Gown, Cap, Hood: R550–R800

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • Certificate/Diploma Set: R1,000–R1,800

    • Bachelor’s Degree Set: R1,400–R2,200

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R1,800–R3,000

  • Notes: The Gown Factory emphasizes affordability, with “factory prices” for individuals and colleges. All items are cleaned and pressed for hygiene. They cater to large groups and offer quick turnaround to avoid last-minute rushes.

Legend Gowns

  • Location: Online-based, Johannesburg delivery (Braamfontein office)

  • Contact: +27 68 548 3782, www.legendgowns.co.za

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • AFDA Attire (Gown, Cap, Sash): R300–R1,500

    • UJ Attire (Gown, Cap, Hood): R700–R800 (sale price R700 from R800)

    • General Bachelor’s Set: R800–R1,200

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R1,000–R2,000

  • Notes: Legend Gowns focuses on handmade, elegant regalia with fast delivery. Their online store lists specific items for institutions like UJ and AFDA, with discounts (e.g., 13% off UJ attire). Prices are purchase-only, but their range is budget-friendly for students.

Graduation Home

  • Location: Online-based, Cape Town (serves Johannesburg via delivery)

  • Contact: +27 21 975 1630, www.graduationhome.co.za

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Bachelor’s/Master’s Gown Only: R300–R500 (base cost, varies by days rented)

    • Full Set (Gown, Cap, Hood): R500–R800

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • Full Set (Gown, Cap, Hood): R1,500–R2,800

  • Notes: Graduation Home requires a R300 cash deposit for rentals, refundable upon return (R15 card processing fee applies). They offer bulk discounts for 10+ hires and custom-made options. Their online forms simplify ordering for Johannesburg students.

The Gown Centre

  • Location: Shop 1038, Heathway Square, Corner Beyers Naudé Drive and Castle Hill, Blackheath, Johannesburg, 2194

  • Contact: +27 11 678 0108, www.thegowncentre.co.za

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Certificate/Diploma Set: R400–R550

    • Bachelor’s Degree Set: R500–R700

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R600–R850

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • Certificate/Diploma Set: R1,200–R1,900

    • Bachelor’s Degree Set: R1,600–R2,400

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R2,000–R3,200

  • Notes: Located at Northcliff Corner, The Gown Centre is a premier supplier with a national footprint. They provide free parking and dress graduates on-site during ceremonies at no extra cost. Their focus on customer service ensures high satisfaction.

Ottawa Mall Supplier (Gumtree Listing)

  • Location: Office 630, 6th Floor, Ottawa Mall, 94 Helen Joseph Street, Johannesburg CBD, 2001

  • Contact: +27 71 053 2145, WhatsApp: +27 71 053 2145

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Diploma/Certificate Set: R350–R500

    • Degree Set: R450–R600

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R550–R750

  • Prices (Purchase):

    • Diploma/Certificate Set: R800–R1,500

    • Degree Set: R1,000–R2,000

    • Master’s/PhD Set: R1,500–R2,500

  • Notes: This supplier emphasizes “cheapest prices” for quality regalia, delivering nationwide. Their Johannesburg CBD office is accessible, but buyers should verify stock availability due to high demand.

The Gown Guy (X Posts)

  • Location: Gauteng-based, Johannesburg delivery

  • Contact: +27 72 285 9034, WhatsApp: +27 81 385 5750

  • Prices (Hire):

    • Diploma Set (Cap, Gown, Belt): R450

    • Degree Set (Cap, Gown, Belt): R500

  • Notes: The Gown Guy serves UNISA, UP, TUT, and Boston students, offering affordable rentals with delivery in Gauteng. Prices are from 2020–2021 posts, so contact for current rates.

Price Breakdown by Gown Type

To help you choose, here’s a summary of gown types and price ranges in Johannesburg:

  • Certificate/Diploma:

    • Description: Basic black gown, cap, and neckband/sash for short courses or diplomas.

    • Hire: R350–R600

    • Purchase: R800–R2,000

    • Providers: The Gown Factory (R350–R500 hire), House of Graduates (R1,200–R2,000 purchase).

  • Bachelor’s Degree:

    • Description: Black or blue gown, cap, and hood (no collar), often with honor cords for academic excellence.

    • Hire: R450–R700

    • Purchase: R1,400–R2,500

    • Providers: Legend Gowns (R700–R800 purchase), The Gown Centre (R500–R700 hire).

  • Master’s/PhD:

    • Description: Colored gown with hood and unique sleeve designs, reflecting advanced qualifications.

    • Hire: R550–R900

    • Purchase: R1,800–R3,500

    • Providers: House of Graduates (R600–R900 hire), Graduation Home (R2,000–R3,500 purchase).

Factors Influencing Graduation Gown Prices

Several factors affect gown prices in Johannesburg:

  • Rental vs. Purchase: Rentals (R350–R900) are cheaper upfront but require deposits (R300–R500). Purchases (R800–R3,500) are cost-effective for keepsakes or frequent use (e.g., academics).

  • Gown Type: Master’s/PhD gowns are pricier due to complex designs and materials, as noted by The Gown Centre.

  • Institution Requirements: Universities like UJ or Wits mandate specific hood colors and styles, increasing costs for custom orders (e.g., Legend Gowns’ UJ attire).

  • Supplier Location: Johannesburg CBD suppliers like Ottawa Mall offer lower prices than suburban stores like The Gown Centre due to lower overheads.

  • Material Quality: Crease-resistant fabrics, used by Graduation Outfitters, cost more but ensure durability.

  • Bulk Discounts: Providers like Graduation Home offer discounts for 10+ hires, ideal for group bookings.

  • Additional Items: Hoods, sashes, and tassels add R50–R200 per item, per House of Graduates.

Where to Find Graduation Gowns in Johannesburg

Johannesburg offers multiple purchasing and rental options:

Physical Stores

  • The Gown Factory (Doornfontein): Central location with affordable factory prices, ideal for walk-ins.

  • The Gown Centre (Blackheath): Convenient for west Johannesburg residents, with free parking at Heathway Square.

  • Ottawa Mall Supplier (CBD): Budget-friendly option in the heart of Johannesburg, accessible via public transport.

Online Retailers

  • House of Graduates: Nationwide delivery from Pretoria, with an easy-to-use pricelist request system.

  • Legend Gowns: Online store with discounts for UJ and AFDA attire, perfect for quick purchases.

  • Graduation Home: Cape Town-based but reliable for Johannesburg deliveries, with online payment forms.

University Suppliers

  • UJ and Wits: Official suppliers like Dippenaar & Reinecke (www.d-r.co.za) provide institution-specific attire, but prices may be higher (R600–R1,000 hire). Contact your university for details.

  • UNISA: Suppliers like Croft, Magill & Watson handle UNISA regalia, with payments via EFT or SnapScan using your student number.

Tips for Getting the Best Deals

To secure affordable graduation gowns in Johannesburg:

  • Book Early: Avoid last-minute price hikes by ordering 4–6 weeks before your ceremony, as advised by The Gown Factory.

  • Compare Suppliers: Check prices across House of Graduates, Legend Gowns, and Ottawa Mall for the best deal (e.g., R350 vs. R500 for diploma rentals).

  • Opt for Rentals: If you don’t need a keepsake, rent for R350–R900 instead of buying for R800–R3,500.

  • Look for Discounts: Legend Gowns offers 13% off UJ attire, and House of Graduates provides bulk discounts.

  • Verify Requirements: Confirm your institution’s gown style (e.g., hood color) to avoid costly reorders, per UJ guidelines.

  • Check Deposits: Ensure you have cash for refundable deposits (R300–R500) to avoid card fees, as noted by Graduation Home.

Benefits of Graduation Gowns

Investing in a gown enhances your ceremony experience:

  • Symbol of Achievement: Gowns represent academic success, a tradition dating back to the 12th century, per Jostens.

  • Unity with Peers: Wearing regalia fosters a sense of community, as highlighted by The Gown Mart.

  • Memorable Photos: Quality attire from House of Graduates ensures you look polished in graduation photos.

  • Institution Pride: Custom designs reflect your university’s heritage, like UJ’s orange hoods, per Legend Gowns.

Challenges and Considerations

While affordable, graduation gowns come with potential issues:

  • Deposits and Fees: Rentals require refundable deposits (R300–R500), and card payments may incur fees (R15, Graduation Home).

  • Fit Issues: Incorrect sizing can occur, so confirm measurements with suppliers like The Gown Centre.

  • Damage Risks: Permanent stains or loss may lead to full purchase costs, per Graduation Home’s policy.

  • Institution Restrictions: Universities like UP mandate official suppliers, limiting cheaper third-party options.

Maintenance Tips for Gowns

To avoid extra costs:

  • Handle with Care: Avoid stains or tears, as damages may incur fees, per Graduation Home.

  • Return Promptly: Return rentals within the agreed period (usually 1–3 days) to secure your deposit, per House of Graduates.

  • Store Properly: If purchased, keep gowns in a garment bag to prevent creasing, as advised by The Gown Centre.

  • Clean Sparingly: Only professional cleaning is recommended for hired gowns, per The Gown Factory’s hygiene policy.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Graduation gowns contribute to Johannesburg’s academic and economic landscape:

  • Economic Boost: Suppliers like The Gown Centre employ local staff and support retail hubs like Heathway Square.

  • Cultural Significance: Gowns symbolize academic achievement, uniting graduates across Johannesburg’s diverse institutions, per Jostens.

  • Accessibility: Affordable rentals (R350–R900) ensure all students can participate, as emphasized by Ottawa Mall suppliers.

Future Outlook

Johannesburg’s graduation gown market is evolving:

  • Price Stability: Increased competition among suppliers like Legend Gowns and The Gown Factory may keep prices affordable.

  • Digital Ordering: Online platforms like Graduation Home are streamlining purchases, reducing costs by 2026.

  • Sustainable Materials: Suppliers may adopt eco-friendly fabrics, aligning with global trends, per Graduation Outfitters.

Conclusion

Graduation gown prices in Johannesburg range from R350–R900 for rentals and R800–R3,500 for purchases, with suppliers like House of Graduates, The Gown Factory, and Legend Gowns offering budget-friendly options. By booking early, comparing prices, and verifying institution requirements, you can secure quality regalia at the best value. Grounded in credible sources and aligned with Johannesburg’s academic culture, this guide ensures you shine on your big day. Contact a supplier today to celebrate your achievement in style.