Graduation day is more than a ceremony—it’s a moment you’ll remember for life.
Whether it’s preschool or a Ph.D., the cap and gown symbolize years of hard work. But wearing them the right way? That part can get confusing.
You want to look your best, feel confident, and honor tradition. From tassel placement to gown length, this guide shows you exactly how to do it—at every stage of education.
Keep reading for simple tips on how to wear your graduation cap and gown the right way—no matter your age or level.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Graduation Outfit Basics: Understand the different types of gowns and caps for every education level—from preschool to postgraduate.
- How to Wear It Properly: Learn the right gown length, sleeve fit, cap placement, and how to secure your cap comfortably.
- Tassel Tradition: Discover the meaning behind tassel placement and when to switch sides during the ceremony.
What Is a Graduation Gown and Cap?
A graduation gown and cap is a formal outfit worn to celebrate finishing a level of education. The cap, called a mortarboard, is flat with a tassel. The gown is a robe that varies by school level—simple and colorful for kids, black or school-colored for high school and college, and more detailed for postgraduate degrees. The outfit shows academic achievement and honors tradition.
Types of Graduation Gown Caps
Preschool/Kindergarten
Gowns are lightweight and made of polyester. Caps are soft with elastic bands to fit easily.
High School
Gowns have a matte or shiny finish. Caps are flat mortarboards with a tassel, often in school colors.
College
Students wear a standard gown and cap. Some also have honor cords or stoles to show achievements.
Medieval Roots vs. Modern Style
Medieval Roots
Graduation gowns and caps began in medieval universities. Scholars wore long robes and hoods, similar to church attire. These outfits showed rank and kept them warm in cold buildings. Colors and styles had meaning based on subject and level.
Modern Style
Today’s gowns are simpler and made from lighter fabrics. The shape is still traditional, but students now add personal touches—like decorated caps or colorful shoes—to show who they are while respecting tradition.
Wearing Your Graduation Gown
Length
The gown should fall between mid-calf and ankle for a balanced look.
Sleeves
They should hang loosely and not feel tight when you move.
Zipper
It should close smoothly and lie flat across your chest.
Wearing Your Graduation Cap
- Place the cap flat on your head—not at an angle or tilted back.
- Make sure the point of the mortarboard faces directly forward.
- Use bobby pins to keep it in place, especially if you have long or thick hair.
What Side Does the Tassel Go On?
The classic rule for tassel placement is simple: before the graduation ceremony, the tassel should be worn on the right side of the cap. Once you receive your diploma, you move the tassel to the left to signify your achievement. For younger students in kindergarten or preschool, the tassel placement is often more flexible, but teaching this tradition early helps build a sense of accomplishment and ceremony.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re helping a child dress in a graduation gown and cap for kindergarten or preparing for your own big day, knowing how to wear it right matters. It shows respect for tradition—and it helps you look and feel your best.
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