How To Put On A Graduation Cap And Gown: The Definitive Guide To Academic Regalia

To properly wear academic regalia, the gown must be centered on the shoulders with the hem falling between the mid-calf and the ankle, while the cap sits level on the head with the shorter point facing forward. Ensure all tassels, hoods, and honor cords are secured according to the Intercollegiate Code, which dictates that tassels start on the right for undergraduates and remain on the left for post-graduates.

Pre-Ceremony Logistics and Regalia Inspection

Before attempting to don your academic attire, you must perform a technical audit of the materials provided by your institution. Most graduation gowns are manufactured from 100% polyester or a triacetate blend, which are prone to heavy creasing during shipping and storage. Achieving a professional silhouette requires advanced preparation to ensure the fabric drapes correctly and the structural integrity of the mortarboard remains intact.

Essential Gear and Preparation Checklist

• Primary Regalia Components: Graduation gown (specific to your degree level), mortarboard (cap) or tam, and a year-dated tassel.
• Ancillary Academic Items: Academic hood (for Master’s and Doctoral candidates), honor cords, stoles of gratitude, or organizational kente cloths.
• Technical Tools: A high-quality garment steamer (preferred over an iron), non-damaging safety pins, bobby pins that match your hair color, and a full-length mirror.
• Standard Dimensions: Ensure your gown is the correct size based on your height; the sleeves should terminate at your wrists, and the hem should not touch the floor.
• Professional Attire Underlay: Men should typically wear a collared dress shirt and tie with dark trousers; women should opt for a dress or blouse that does not sit higher than the gown’s neckline to maintain a clean aesthetic.

The Sequential Assembly of Academic Regalia

The process of putting on a cap and gown involves more than simply pulling on a robe. It is a structured assembly of symbolic layers that must be executed in a specific order to prevent the garment from shifting during the processional.

Step 1: De-Wrinkling and Fabric Preparation

Remove the gown from its packaging at least 48 to 72 hours before the ceremony. Use a garment steamer to remove deep-set fold lines. If you must use an iron, set it to the lowest possible heat setting and place a thin pressing cloth between the iron and the gown to prevent the polyester from melting or developing a "shiny" permanent scar. Focus specifically on the yoke (the shoulder area) and the front pleats, as these areas define the garment's structure.

Step 2: Donning the Gown

Slide your arms through the sleeves and pull the gown over your shoulders. Ensure the shoulder seams are aligned with your natural shoulder line. Zip the gown completely; modern gowns are designed to be worn closed, though some institutional traditions allow for them to remain open.

Pro-Tip: If the gown feels like it is sliding backward, it is likely because your clothing underneath is too heavy or the gown is not properly seated on the shoulder yoke. Secure the gown to your shirt or dress at the shoulder seams using small safety pins hidden underneath the fabric.

Step 3: Positioning the Academic Hood

For those receiving advanced degrees, the hood is the most complex component. It is not a "hood" in the modern sense but a cape-like adornment that represents your field of study and your institution.

1. Place the neckband over your head so it rests across the front of your neck.
2. The velvet border should be visible around the neck, with the "V" shape resting on your chest.
3. On the back, ensure the silk lining (representing your school colors) is turned outward. To do this, locate the internal cord and button; flip the velvet edge of the hood outward just below the shoulders to expose the colors.
4. Fasten the small loop at the front of the hood to a button on your shirt or secure it to your gown's zipper to prevent the hood from riding up against your throat.

Step 4: Placing the Mortarboard or Tam

The graduation cap is often worn incorrectly with the crown tilted back. To achieve the standard "level" look:

1. Identify the front of the cap. Look inside the crown; the front is usually indicated by a narrower point or a specific label.
2. Place the cap on your head so the front point is centered between your eyebrows.
3. The board should be parallel to the ground, not tilted toward the back of the head.
4. The elastic part of the crown should reside at the back of the skull.

Warning: Avoid wearing the cap on the very top of your head like a fascinator. It should be pulled down firmly so it sits approximately one inch above your eyebrows. Use bobby pins in an "X" pattern over the hair and through the cap's fabric behind the ears to secure it against wind.

Step 5: Tassel and Accessory Integration

Attach the tassel to the button at the exact center of the mortarboard. Ensure it moves freely.

1. Undergraduate Candidates: Position the tassel on the right side of the cap. It will be moved to the left after the degrees are conferred.
2. Graduate/Doctoral Candidates: Position the tassel on the left side and leave it there throughout the entire ceremony.
3. Cords and Stoles: Place honor cords and stoles over your neck after the gown is on but before the academic hood. Cords should be knotted or pinned at the back of the neck to keep the ends even in the front.

Academic Regalia Technical Specifications and Standards

The following table outlines the technical differences in regalia based on the Intercollegiate Code on Academic Costume. Using the correct style is essential for maintaining the prestige of the ceremony.

Addressing Common Fit Issues and Wardrobe Malfunctions

Even with careful preparation, the physical demands of a graduation ceremony—walking, standing, and sitting—can cause regalia to shift. Use these field-tested remedies to maintain your appearance.

• The Choking Effect:
  
  
  • Root Cause: The weight of the academic hood is pulling the front of the gown upward and backward.
  • Actionable Fix: Use the hood's "button loop" to secure it to a button on your shirt. If no button is available, safety pin the internal lining of the hood to the shoulder seams of the gown to distribute the weight forward.
• The Slipping Cap:
  
  
  • Root Cause: The mortarboard crown is too large for the head or the hair texture is too smooth to provide grip.
  • Actionable Fix: Apply a small strip of weather-stripping foam or folded tissue inside the crown's sweatband to create a tighter fit. Always use at least four bobby pins, securing them in a cross-pattern.
• The Twisted Tassel:
  
  
  • Root Cause: The tassel loop is caught on the center button or the strands are tangled.
  • Actionable Fix: Before the processional, "comb" the tassel strands with your fingers. Ensure the loop is tucked fully under the button's head so it cannot slide around to the back of the cap.
• Uneven Hemline:
  
  
  • Root Cause: The gown is sitting unevenly on the shoulders or the wearer has asymmetrical posture.
  • Actionable Fix: Check the shoulder pads (if present) or the yoke alignment in a mirror. Use a safety pin to anchor the heavier side of the gown to the under-layer of clothing at the hip to keep the garment centered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which way does the tassel go before you graduate?

For undergraduate students, the tassel must be placed on the right side of the mortarboard. It is traditionally moved to the left side in a synchronized gesture after the university president or dean officially confers the degrees.

How do I keep my graduation cap from falling off with long hair?

If you have high-volume hair or a bun, position the bun low at the nape of the neck so the cap can sit flat on the crown of the head. Use bobby pins that match your hair color to hook the inside band of the cap to your hair, focusing on the areas behind the ears and the back of the head.

Is the graduation gown supposed to be zipped all the way up?

Yes, according to formal academic protocol, the gown should be zipped to the top to maintain a uniform and professional appearance. Leaving the gown unzipped is generally considered casual and may obscure the proper draping of stoles and honor cords.

Can I wear a graduation hood without a gown?

No, the academic hood is a component of the full regalia ensemble and should never be worn as a standalone accessory. It is designed to be anchored to the gown and the wearer's professional attire to ensure it hangs correctly.

How do I attach honor cords so they don't fall off?

Drape the cords around your neck so the ends hang evenly down the front of the gown. To prevent them from sliding off the smooth polyester fabric, use a small safety pin at the back of the neck (under the collar) to secure the cords directly to the gown's yoke.

Finalizing Your Academic Presentation

Mastering the assembly of your graduation attire ensures that your hard-earned achievements are mirrored by a professional and disciplined appearance. Once your regalia is properly fitted, you can focus entirely on the significance of the commencement ceremony.