Wigs in the 21st Century: Why the British Still Wear Them (British Quirks 23/30)

As an American living in the UK, I thought wigs were something you’d only see in history books, costume dramas, or maybe at Halloween parties. But then I discovered that here in Britain, wigs aren’t just relics of the past—they’re still very much alive.

Yes, in the year 2025, there are people who put on white wigs as part of their job.

Not actors, not re-enactors… but judges, barristers, and even members of Parliament during certain ceremonial events.

The First Time I Saw It

My first real encounter was while watching the State Opening of Parliament. There was King Charles delivering the speech, but what caught my eye were the officials around him. Some wore elaborate robes, others had wigs that looked like something out of the 1700s. It felt like history and the present were colliding right in front of me.

Then I learned it’s not just Parliament. Step into certain British courts and you’ll still find judges and lawyers donning wigs—short ones for everyday use, longer, more elaborate ones for special occasions.

Why Do They Still Do It?

To an outsider, it might seem almost absurd. But for the British, wigs are about tradition, continuity, and symbolism. They represent authority and impartiality—almost like putting on a uniform that separates the person from the role.

And while many places around the world modernized, Britain kept the practice alive, if only for specific settings. It’s less about fashion and more about ritual.

A Quirk That Stands Out

From my American perspective, it’s hard not to find it a little quirky. Imagine a U.S. Supreme Court justice hearing a case on internet privacy while wearing a powdered wig. It would probably be the subject of endless memes by lunchtime.

But here? It feels oddly natural, even respected. British people don’t really laugh at it—they see it as part of the ceremony, a living connection to the country’s long history.

A Blend of Past and Present

What fascinates me most is how the UK doesn’t just archive its traditions—it carries them into the present. In a single day, Britain can debate the future of AI, vote on modern policy, and do it all while someone in a centuries-old wig presides.

It’s part of the charm of living here. A little eccentric, a little theatrical, but deeply British.