Yes, the gowns are too expensive. And you don’t really need them. I know, poshness is taking over. However, the gowns are awesome, and give you a sense of belonging to the student community.
Every Sunday, after the service, St Andrews students take a walk to the pier, walking down, up the ladder, and back on the wall.
First challenge of the academic year - climbing up the ladder and walking in strong wind with a gown, managed with bravura. The rest will follow, I guess.