Arcane Librarian Robes
If this is a question about a book, you should ask one of the librarians instead of me. You can't miss them, just look for those white and blue robes.
These robes are the official uniform of the arcane librarians working at the library of the Academy of the Arcane.
The Parts
The robes of an arcane librarian has four different parts. The robes do not include shoes, as a librarian can use their personal shoes.
The Inner Robe
Brocade chestpiece, something arms (thin wool? linen?), 12 chained double buttons, 6 sets of cufflinks (silver? Maybe not?)
The Pants
Same fabric as arms of inner robe
The Sash
The sash is light blue and made of ((Material)). It's an art to tie the sash correctly, and you can often spot newly hired arcane librarians by how messy their sash is tied. Made of non wrinkly material or lots of work to iron out wrinkles?
The Outer Coat
Probably the most disliked part of the uniform, it is also the least used. This is a long coat, stopping just a few centimeters above ground.
A Set
Every librarian is given a full set when they've gone through the initial training, custom tailored to fit. A full set of robes include two pants, two inner robes, buttons for one inner robe, one sash and one outer coat. Replacements can be requested, but only one every other year. Any extra sets needed outside of this will have to be bought. Tailoring and fabrics are expensive, after all.
The Problematic Outer Coat
Why we're not using the outer coat every day?
You've seen it, right? I don't know about you, but I'd rather work without having crazy arms that get stuck everywhere while also stabbing people nearby with your shoulders. Personally I'd prefer to never wear it at all.
When the robes were designed it was intended that the outer coat was to be worn at all times while the librarians were at work.
The following month was an endless stream of written complaints from the librarians about how the arms got stuck in doors, bookshelves and various knobs and handles. This led to the outer coat changing from being a mandatory part of the uniform to becoming encouraged. Of course, the consequence was that nobody used the outer coat at all.
Most people agreed the outer robe was a glorious piece of clothing, though. It would be a great loss to never see it in use again. The libraraian uniform rules were changed again. This time, it was voluntary to wear the outer coat in the library, but during all official business outside the library it was mandatory. This way, the outer coat wouldn't fade into obscurity.
This is where we are today. The only place the outer coat is seen is at the assembly at the start of the semester and at the dining part of the feast at the end of the semester.
The Woes of White Robes
Everyone who owns a piece of pure white clothing will know that it's impossible to keep the whiteness for long. These robes are no exception. While the library has strict cleaning routines to keep the room and books from getting dirty, the librarians still use liquid ink to write. It's not always too easy to predict when the ink is completely dry, so all it takes to get ink stained sleeves is one swish over a page.
Every arcane librarian who has been here for a few years has stories about at least one inkwell tipping event that ended in cursing and a frantic attempt to get their robes white again...
A stained robe isn't always the librarian's fault, however. The library is open to all students at the Academy, and sometimes someone will bring something sticky or otherwise dirty. If that wasn't enough, there's always the danger of bumping into something outside the library, both when on the way to the library and during events where the robes are worn.
Inner Layer
Outer Layer
Great start! I like how you wrote about practical reactions to the robes, with it getting in the way and the problems with white clothes :D I really like the design of the robes, they look very pretty :D Who designed the robes and why was it not redesigned after the complaints? Rather than just say it should be worn outside of the library. Or do they all think it was too beautiful to even only alter it a little bit? How expensive are the robes and can people afford to replace them if they are too stained or do librarians always walk around with stained clothes?