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Graduation day is a milestone you鈥檒l remember forever. For many graduates, this joyous occasion is also their first time wearing graduation regalia. If you鈥檙e wondering what regalia entails and whether you鈥檙e wearing your garments correctly, know that you鈥檙e not alone.

Academic regalia includes more than just a cap and gown. In fact, depending on your degree level, you may also wear a hood or doctoral tam. While these items represent tradition and academic achievement, they can understandably feel a little complicated when you鈥檙e putting everything on for the first time.

In this guide, we鈥檒l break down what graduation regalia is and provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to wear your regalia correctly.

What Is Regalia? (And What鈥檚 the Difference Between Regalia and Academic Regalia?)

In general, regalia refers to ceremonial clothing worn during formal events. In a commencement setting, graduation regalia refers to the traditional clothing and accessories worn to represent your degree and academic accomplishment.

You鈥檒l often hear the term academic regalia as well. Academic regalia is essentially the full formal set of graduation attire, which typically includes:

• A gown
• A cap (or tam)
• A tassel
• A hood (for certain degree levels)

So, what鈥檚 the difference?

• Regalia = a broad term for ceremonial clothing
• Academic regalia = the official graduation attire worn in academic ceremonies
• Graduation regalia = the academic regalia you wear specifically for commencement

How to Wear 叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 Graduation Regalia

叠补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 regalia typically includes a gown, a graduation cap (mortarboard), and a tassel. To wear yours correctly, simply follow these steps:

• Step 1: Put on the gown 
  • Some bachelor鈥檚 gowns include what鈥檚 called an Oxford sleeve, meaning there is extra fabric hanging down from the sleeve
  • Make sure your arms go through the sleeve openings, not the extra hanging material
  • Put the gown on and zip it all the way up
    • At the top of the zipper, you may see a small hook
    • Clasping this hook is optional
    • Some gowns may also have a small button on the back. This button is decorative only and doesn鈥檛 need to be used
• Step 2: Put on the cap
  • Place your cap flat on your head, not tilted toward the back
    • The elastic band should be in the back
    • The point of the cap should be in the front
• Step 3: Place the tassel
  • Attach the tassel to the button in the center of the cap and let it hang on your right side

How to Wear 惭补蝉迟别谤鈥檚 and Education Specialist Regalia

Master’s regalia and education specialist regalia usually include a gown, a cap (mortarboard), a tassel, and an academic hood. Consider the following as you put on your gown:

• Step 1: Put on your gown
  • Some master鈥檚 gowns may include Oxford sleeves. If yours does:
    • Put your arms through the sleeve openings
    • Avoid putting your arms through the hanging fabric
  • You may also see a decorative back button 鈥� no need to use it
  • Zip the gown all the way up
  • Leave the hook at the top of the zipper unclasped for now

• Step 2: Orient the hood first
  • Before putting the hood on, identify the key sections:
    • The front of the hood comes to a point and includes a small loop
    • The back of the hood has extra material
    • The side with extra material is the bottom of the hood
• Step 3: Fold the colored portion outward so the inside colors are visible

• Step 4: Put on the hood and secure it
  • After placing the hood over your head:
    • Take the loop at the front of the hood
    • Attach it to the hook at the top of your gown鈥檚 zipper
    • Clasp the hook
  • When positioned correctly:
    • The longer end of the hood should fall down your back
    • The hood colors should be fully visible
  • Tip: Ask someone to double-check that your hood is sitting correctly. Small adjustments can make a big difference in photos.
• Step 5: Add your cap and tassel
  • Elastic band goes in the back
  • Point goes in the front
  • Cap should sit flat on your head (not tilted back)
  • Tassel should hang on the right side

Doctoral Regalia: What鈥檚 Different?

Doctorate regalia is different from bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 attire and generally includes:

• Doctoral gown
• Tam
• Tassel
• Doctoral hood (added during hooding)

To ensure your doctoral regalia is worn correctly, follow these next steps:

• Step 1: Put on the doctoral gown
  • Doctoral gowns feature velvet accents on the sleeves
  • Put the gown on and zip it all the way up
• Step 2: Wear the tam
  • The tam is the doctoral version of a graduation cap
  • Some tams include a Velcro strap:
    • If yours does, the strap should be positioned toward the back
  • Most tams have a tassel already attached:
    • That tassel should hang near your temple
    • If your tassel is not pre-attached, simply place it on your right side

• Step 3: Carry your doctoral hood correctly
  • Your doctoral hood will be placed onstage during the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, so you won鈥檛 wear it ahead of time
  • However, you鈥檒l need to carry the hood properly so the faculty can place it quickly and correctly
  • To carry it:
    • Fold it vertically
    • Drape it over your left arm

Regalia Tips for Commencement Day

Before you head out to your ceremony, we recommend you consider the following:

• Bring bobby pins: They can help secure your cap in place
• Steam your regalia day-of: Steaming removes wrinkles without damaging the fabric
• Take your time: Don鈥檛 rush when putting everything on, especially hoods
• Ask for help: If you鈥檙e unsure about anything, staff and faculty at commencement can assist

Celebrate With Confidence

Wearing graduation regalia correctly helps you feel prepared, confident, and focused on what truly matters: celebrating the achievement you worked so hard for. If you need more help, take time to watch our . Once everything is in place, you鈥檙e ready for your big moment!

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