The traditional black robes in use since the University started using caps and gowns, in 1907, have been replaced with robes of navy blue. The gowns also have a “green” aspect to them, as they are made from recycled water bottles — about 23 bottles per gown. They are lighter weight and wrinkle-resistant, but ironing, for obvious reasons, is not recommended. After graduation, the gowns can be recycled — a good thing considering that UConn conferred more than 9,000 degrees in 2017, the most in its 136-year history.