The full robes and chain of office are only worn for civic and special functions connected with the council, such as the annual council meeting, civic services, remembrance service, Crich Pilgrimage or when meeting royalty. On all other occasions, only the chain of office is worn.

Chesterfield, unlike some other boroughs and districts, only provides a robe and hat for the mayor. In many places, the deputy mayor also has robes and a small number of councils provide hats and robes for all their members. Chesterfield is unusual in that the same hat (a black tricorne with ornament on right) is worn by both male and female mayors.

The fur trim is artificial, which is in line with the council's policy on animal welfare.