The judiciary is poised to update its court dress code in the wake of complaints by some barristers that headpieces discriminate againt people with Afro-Caribbean hair.

The Bar Council has proposed changes that could be made this autumn. Leslie Thomas KC, a professor of law at Gresham College, said wigs were a “ridiculous costume” that represent a “culturally insensitive climate”.

He said: “The wigs certainly should go. There isn’t any place in a modern society for barristers to be wearing 17th century fashion.”

He also called for wing collars, bands and collarettes to be scrapped. He said barristers should wear a black gown over businesswear – which dates from the 19th century.

He added: “I think a dress code like that would bring the profession into the 21st century.”

The option of wearing a wig would be similar to the exemption that already exists for Sikh and Muslim barristers.

A Bar Council spokesman said: “Following questions from barristers about wigs and hair discrimination, the Bar Council set up a working group to consider court dress.

“The findings are currently being discussed with the judiciary as part of our regular dialogue on equality and diversity matters.”