How To Put On A Graduation Cap Correctly: A Step-by-Step Regalia Guide

To put on a graduation cap correctly, orient the cap so the pointed crown portion faces forward and the deeper, elasticated cup cradles the back of your skull (occipital bone). The flat mortarboard must sit parallel to the ground, positioned approximately one inch above your eyebrows rather than tilted back on your head. Secure the cap in place using cross-pinned bobby pins at the temples, and position your tassel on the front-right side prior to the conferral of undergraduate degrees, transitioning it to the left afterward.

Pre-Ceremony Preparation and Regalia Checklist

Achieving a secure, professional, and photogenic fit with your academic mortarboard requires careful preparation before commencement day. Standard academic regalia is designed according to guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE). Because these garments are manufactured in bulk, they often arrive tightly folded and require manual adjustments to fit the contour of your head properly.

Before attempting to put on your graduation cap, gather the necessary styling tools and familiarize yourself with the structural anatomy of the headwear. The cap consists of two primary components: the flat, square top known as the mortarboard, and the soft, skull-fitting band known as the crown.

Essential Regalia and Styling Kit

• Academic Mortarboard: Ensure the cap matches your gown's fabric and color scheme (typically matte black for high school and baccalaureate degrees).
• Tassel: The decorative silk or rayon cord featuring the graduation year charm.
• Bobby Pins: At least four to six pins matching your hair color for anchoring the skull band.
• Hair Elastic or Clips: For styling hair away from the crown area to ensure a flush fit.
• Handheld Mirror: For checking back and side alignment.
• Fabric Steamer: To remove creases from the cap's skull band fabric (never use a direct hot iron, which can melt synthetic fibers).

Preparation Specifications

• Estimated Prep Time: 10 to 15 minutes.
• Required Head Clearance: Clear the top of the head of high ponytails, top-knots, or voluminous updos that prevent the skull band from resting flat.
• Temperature Considerations: If the ceremony is outdoors, prepare for wind by using extra hairpins and styling products with a matte finish to prevent slippage.

Step-by-Step Protocol for Fitting and Positioning Your Mortarboard

Follow this technical step-by-step procedure to ensure your graduation cap remains structurally sound, comfortable, and aligned with academic protocol during your ceremony.

Step 1: Identify the Front and Back of the Cap

Look at the inside of the cap's skull band. Most manufacturers place a label, stamp, or arrow indicating the "Front" or "Back." If no label is present, inspect the shape of the inner crown. The back of the cap features a deep, rounded cut-out, often integrated with an elastic band designed to stretch over the back of your skull. The front of the cap features a shallower curve that forms a distinct point. The point must align directly with the center of your forehead.

Step 2: Prepare and Style Your Hair

Your hairstyle dictates how securely the cap sits on your head. Avoid high buns, high ponytails, or dramatic top-knots, as they push the cap upward, making it slide off or tilt awkwardly.

• For Long or Medium Hair: Style your hair in a low ponytail, low braid, side-swept curls, or wear it down. If you wear your hair down, create a clean center or side part where the skull band will sit.
• For Curly, Coiled, or Voluminous Hair: Do not attempt to compress your natural hair excessively. Instead, use a satin-lined graduation cap insert or slide the back of the cap underneath your curls, allowing the volume to frame the sides and back while pinning the cap directly to your hair anchors.
• For Short Hair or Shaved Heads: Ensure the skin is clean and dry. You can apply a small amount of matte setting powder along the hairline to prevent the cap from sliding due to perspiration.

Step 3: Mount the Cap Using the Occipital Anchor Technique

To prevent the cap from shifting during the procession, use the occipital anchor method.

1. Tilt your head slightly forward.
2. Hook the deep, elasticated back portion of the cap over the occipital protuberance (the bony bump at the lower back of your skull).
3. Pull the front of the cap forward and down over your forehead.

Warning: Do not wear the cap pushed back on the crown of your head like a beanie. This common error exposes the entire hairline, makes the mortarboard tilt upward at a steep angle, and guarantees the cap will fall off during movement.

Step 4: Align the Cap Parallel to the Ground

Stand in front of a mirror and assess your profile. The flat mortarboard must sit completely parallel to the floor. It should not tilt backward, forward, or to either side. The front edge of the skull band should sit exactly one inch (approximately two finger-widths) above your eyebrows. This positioning provides optimal visibility while keeping the cap firmly anchored.

Step 5: Execute the Double-Cross Pinning Method

Even a perfectly fitted cap can slip during windy outdoor ceremonies or when walking up stairs. Secure it using bobby pins inserted in a high-retention pattern.

1. Locate the temple areas on both the left and right sides of the skull band.
2. Slide one bobby pin upward through the fabric of the inner band and into your hair, pointing toward the top of your head.
3. Slide a second bobby pin across the first one at a 45-degree angle, creating an "X" shape. This interlocking technique locks the pin in place.
4. Repeat this "X" pinning pattern on both temples and, if necessary, at the back of the head near the elastic band.

Pro-Tip: Ensure the wavy side of the bobby pin faces downward against your scalp. The ridges are designed to grip the hair, while the flat side is meant to guide the pin smoothly.

Step 6: Attach and Align the Tassel

Locate the small button in the dead center of the flat mortarboard. Loop the main cord of the tassel over this button, pulling it snug so it rests flat against the board.

• Undergraduate Status: Position the tassel so it hangs freely on the front-right side of your face. It should sit between your right eye and right ear.
• Graduate/Doctoral Status: If you are receiving a Master's or Doctoral degree, the tassel is typically worn on the left side from the start of the ceremony.
• Tassel Transition: During the ceremony, you will be instructed to transition your tassel. Move it smoothly from the right side to the left side to symbolize your official graduation.

Academic Regalia Standards and Tassel Placement Specifications

The following table outlines the structural, placement, and protocol variations for graduation caps across different academic tiers based on standardized academic costume codes.

Common Ceremony Mishaps and Immediate Fixes

Even with careful preparation, issues can arise on graduation day due to weather, movement, or fitting errors. Use these troubleshooting techniques to resolve problems quickly.

The Slipping Cap (Fine or Silky Hair)

• Root Cause: The smooth fibers of fine or freshly washed hair do not provide enough friction for the inner fabric of the skull band, causing it to slide backward.
• Actionable Fix: Apply a light mist of dry shampoo or texturizing spray to the roots where the cap sits. If you do not have spray, backcomb (tease) small sections of hair at the temples and crown to create a textured base, then insert your bobby pins directly into these texturized anchor points.

The Forehead Red Mark (Excessive Pressure)

• Root Cause: The cap is too small, or the elastic band is pulling too tightly against the frontal bone, restricting blood flow and leaving an indentation.
• Actionable Fix: Stretch the elastic band manually by pulling it over a wide object (like a large book) for an hour before the ceremony. If you are on-site, snip a tiny, 2-millimeter slit in the inner elastic band at the back of the cap to release tension, ensuring you do not cut the exterior decorative fabric.

The Wind-Loosened Mortarboard (Outdoor Environments)

• Root Cause: High winds catch the flat, sail-like surface of the mortarboard, lifting the cap off the head regardless of standard pinning.
• Actionable Fix: Fabricate a heavy-duty anchor by sewing or hot-gluing a plastic headband to the inside of the skull cap. Slip the headband into your hair first; this transfers the wind resistance to the rigid headband, keeping the cap secure in wind gusts up to 20 miles per hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side does the tassel go on before you walk?

For undergraduate candidates (Bachelor's and Associate degrees), the tassel must hang on the right side of the cap. It is ceremonially flipped to the left side after all graduates have been recognized or when directed by the commencement speaker. Graduate students (Master's and Doctoral) wear their tassels on the left side throughout the entire ceremony.

Can you wear a graduation cap with curly hair or locs?

Yes, you can wear a graduation cap comfortably with curly hair, braids, or locs. Instead of pulling the cap straight down, tuck the back of the skull band under your hair mass near the nape of your neck, allowing your hair to cascade naturally. You can also sew a plastic hair comb inside the front band of the cap to slide it securely into your hair structure.

How do I keep my graduation cap from falling off without bobby pins?

If you cannot use bobby pins, apply double-sided fashion tape or garment tape to the inside front and back of the skull band. Press the cap firmly onto your clean, dry scalp or hair. The adhesive will hold the cap in place throughout the ceremony and can be removed easily afterward without leaving residue.

Is the elastic band on the front or back of the cap?

The elastic band is always positioned at the back of the cap. It is designed to stretch over the rounded back of your head (the occipital bone) to provide a snug fit, while the front of the cap features a static, pointed design that sits smoothly on your forehead.

Complete Your Academic Look with Professional Regalia

Ensure every element of your graduation day attire is flawless by pairing your perfectly fitted cap with a professionally pressed gown and hood. Explore our premium collection of academic regalia and accessories to find the perfect fit for your upcoming commencement ceremony.