Mastering the Art of Academic Regalia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wearing Your Graduation Robes

Graduation day is a momentous occasion, a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and intellectual pursuit. As you prepare to walk across the stage and receive your diploma, properly donning your academic regalia is an important part of honoring the tradition and significance of the ceremony. Academic robes, hoods, and caps are more than just garments; they are symbols of academic achievement and institutional affiliation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of how to wear your graduation robes with confidence and ensure you look your best on this unforgettable day.

Understanding Academic Regalia: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the specifics of wearing your robes, it’s helpful to understand the basic components of academic regalia and their significance. The ensemble typically consists of:

* **Gown (Robe):** The gown is the most prominent piece of regalia. Its style and fabric vary depending on the degree level. Bachelor’s gowns are usually simple and unfitted, with pointed sleeves. Master’s gowns often have longer, oblong sleeves with slits near the elbows. Doctoral gowns are the most elaborate, typically featuring velvet panels down the front and bell-shaped sleeves with velvet bars.
* **Hood:** The hood is a draped piece of fabric that hangs down the back of the gown. The lining of the hood is in the colors of the institution granting the degree. The velvet trim on the hood represents the field of study (e.g., white for arts, gold for science, purple for law).
* **Cap (Mortarboard):** The mortarboard is the traditional square academic cap. It’s generally worn with the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred and switched to the left side afterward.
* **Tassel:** The tassel is attached to the center of the mortarboard. Its color can represent the field of study, the institution, or honors distinctions. Sometimes, doctoral graduates wear gold tassels.

Knowing the meaning behind each element will add to your appreciation of the tradition as you wear your regalia.

Essential Steps to Donning Your Academic Robes

Now, let’s break down the process of putting on your academic regalia step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from preparing your garments to ensuring the correct placement of each piece.

1. Preparation is Key: Unpacking and Inspecting Your Regalia

* **Unpack Carefully:** Upon receiving your regalia, carefully unpack each item – gown, hood, and cap – from its packaging. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric or trim.
* **Inspect for Damage:** Thoroughly inspect each piece for any damage, such as tears, stains, or loose threads. If you find any issues, contact the supplier or your university’s graduation office immediately to arrange for a replacement or repair. Don’t wait until the last minute!
* **Iron or Steam (If Necessary):** Academic robes are often folded during shipping, which can result in wrinkles. To ensure a polished appearance, iron or steam your gown, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a low setting and a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics, especially velvet panels on doctoral gowns. Hang the gown up immediately after ironing or steaming to prevent new wrinkles from forming. Hoods can also be gently steamed or ironed on a low setting, paying attention to the velvet trim. The mortarboard usually doesn’t require ironing, but you can reshape it gently if needed.
* **Gather Safety Pins (Just in Case):** It’s always a good idea to have a few safety pins on hand for minor adjustments or repairs. They can be useful for securing the hood, adjusting the gown’s fit, or temporarily fixing a loose tassel.

2. Dressing for Success: What to Wear Under Your Robes

What you wear underneath your academic regalia is just as important as the robes themselves. The goal is to be comfortable, presentable, and respectful of the occasion.

* **Professional Attire:** Choose professional attire appropriate for a formal ceremony. For men, this usually means dress pants, a collared shirt, and a tie. For women, options include a dress, skirt and blouse, or dress pants with a professional top.
* **Dark Colors are Preferred:** Darker colors tend to look best under academic robes, as they don’t distract from the regalia itself. Avoid bright colors, busy patterns, or anything too casual.
* **Comfortable Shoes:** You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing during the ceremony, so choose comfortable shoes that you can wear for an extended period. Avoid excessively high heels or shoes that are difficult to walk in. Ensure your shoes are polished and in good condition.
* **Avoid Bulky Accessories:** Keep accessories to a minimum. Avoid large necklaces, bracelets, or earrings that could snag on the robes or hood. A simple watch or small earrings are generally acceptable.
* **Consider the Weather:** Depending on the location and time of year, the graduation ceremony might be held outdoors or in a poorly ventilated space. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature as needed. If it’s likely to be hot, choose lightweight fabrics and stay hydrated.

3. Putting on the Gown: A Step-by-Step Guide

The gown is the foundation of your academic regalia, so it’s essential to put it on correctly.

* **Orient the Gown:** Hold the gown with the opening in the front. The velvet panels (if present on a doctoral gown) should face outward.
* **Slip Your Arms Through the Sleeves:** Insert your arms into the sleeves of the gown. Ensure the sleeves are not twisted or bunched up.
* **Drape the Gown Over Your Shoulders:** Let the gown drape naturally over your shoulders and down your body. The front edges of the gown should align evenly.
* **Close the Gown (If Applicable):** Some gowns have a zipper or hook-and-eye closure in the front. Fasten the closure securely. Bachelor’s gowns typically remain open.
* **Adjust the Length:** The hem of the gown should generally fall to mid-calf or ankle length. It should not drag on the ground, but it shouldn’t be so short that it looks like it doesn’t fit. If the gown is too long, you might be able to adjust it slightly by pulling it up at the shoulders. If it’s significantly too long or too short, contact the supplier or your university’s graduation office.

4. Mastering the Hood: Proper Placement and Securing Techniques

The hood is arguably the most complex piece of academic regalia. Correct placement is crucial for a polished and respectful appearance.

* **Identify the Parts of the Hood:** The hood has three main parts: the yoke (the part that sits around your neck), the shell (the long fabric that hangs down your back), and the velvet trim (the colored band that represents your field of study).
* **Position the Hood:** Hold the hood with the velvet trim facing outward and the lining (institutional colors) facing inward towards your body. The point of the hood should be facing down your back.
* **Drape the Hood Over Your Head:** Gently drape the hood over your head and shoulders, positioning the yoke around your neck. The velvet trim should be visible over your shoulders and down your chest.
* **Adjust the Yoke:** The yoke should fit comfortably around your neck without being too tight or too loose. Some hoods have a cord or button at the front that can be used to adjust the fit. If the yoke is too tight, it can be uncomfortable and restrict your breathing. If it’s too loose, the hood may slip off your shoulders.
* **Secure the Hood (Important!):** This is the most important step! Secure the hood to your gown to prevent it from slipping or falling off during the ceremony. There are several ways to do this:
* **Hood Cord:** Many hoods have a cord that attaches to a button or loop on the gown. Fasten the cord securely to keep the hood in place.
* **Safety Pins:** If your hood doesn’t have a cord, or if the cord isn’t sufficient to hold the hood in place, use safety pins to attach the hood to your gown at the shoulders. Pin the hood to the gown’s fabric, being careful not to damage the velvet trim or the lining. Use several safety pins for added security.
* **Elastic Band:** Some graduates find it helpful to use a thin elastic band to secure the hood. Place the elastic band around the back of your neck and attach it to the inside of the hood with safety pins. This will help to keep the hood from slipping down your back.
* **Arrange the Hood:** Once the hood is secured, arrange it so that the lining (institutional colors) is visible. You can fold the hood slightly to show more of the lining, but be careful not to overdo it. The velvet trim should remain prominently displayed.

5. The Mortarboard and Tassel: Completing Your Academic Look

The mortarboard and tassel are the final touches to your academic regalia. Here’s how to wear them correctly:

* **Orient the Mortarboard:** Hold the mortarboard with the flat, square top facing up and the point facing forward. The front of the cap is usually slightly rounded, while the back is more angular.
* **Position the Mortarboard:** Place the mortarboard on your head so that the flat top is parallel to the ground. The front edge of the cap should be about an inch above your eyebrows. Ensure the cap is level and not tilted to one side.
* **Secure the Mortarboard:** Most mortarboards have an elastic band inside that helps to keep them in place. Make sure the elastic band is snug but not too tight. If the cap feels loose, you can use bobby pins to secure it to your hair. Insert the bobby pins through the inside of the cap and into your hair, being careful not to damage the cap or your hairstyle.
* **Tassel Placement (Before Conferral):** Before the degree is conferred, the tassel should be worn on the **right** side of the mortarboard. Some institutions will instruct you to move the tassel to the left side as a group at a specific point in the ceremony. If you are unsure, follow the instructions of the graduation organizers.
* **Tassel Placement (After Conferral):** After the degree is conferred, the tassel is moved to the **left** side of the mortarboard. This signifies that you have officially graduated.
* **Doctoral Graduates:** Doctoral graduates often wear gold tassels throughout the ceremony, without switching sides.

6. Final Touches: Ensuring a Polished Appearance

Once you’ve put on all the components of your academic regalia, take a few minutes to make sure everything looks its best.

* **Check Your Reflection:** Look in a mirror to ensure that your gown, hood, and cap are properly aligned and that everything fits comfortably.
* **Adjust as Needed:** Make any necessary adjustments to the gown, hood, or cap. Use safety pins to secure anything that feels loose or out of place.
* **Maintain Good Posture:** Stand up straight and maintain good posture. This will help you to look confident and composed.
* **Smile!** Graduation is a joyous occasion, so don’t forget to smile and enjoy the moment!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a flawless appearance, be aware of these common mistakes and take steps to avoid them:

* **Wearing the Wrong Size:** Ensure that your gown, hood, and cap are the correct size for your height and build. Ill-fitting regalia can look sloppy and uncomfortable.
* **Incorrect Hood Placement:** The hood should be properly secured to your gown to prevent it from slipping or falling off. Make sure the velvet trim is visible and that the lining (institutional colors) is displayed correctly.
* **Wearing the Tassel on the Wrong Side:** Remember to wear the tassel on the right side before the degree is conferred and on the left side afterward (unless you are a doctoral graduate with a gold tassel).
* **Forgetting to Iron or Steam:** Wrinkled regalia can detract from your overall appearance. Take the time to iron or steam your gown and hood before the ceremony.
* **Wearing Inappropriate Attire Underneath:** Choose professional attire in dark colors that won’t distract from your regalia.
* **Ignoring the Weather:** Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature as needed. Stay hydrated, especially if the ceremony is outdoors.

Tips for Staying Comfortable During the Ceremony

Graduation ceremonies can be long and sometimes uncomfortable. Here are some tips for staying comfortable throughout the event:

* **Stay Hydrated:** Drink plenty of water before and during the ceremony to stay hydrated.
* **Wear Comfortable Shoes:** Choose shoes that you can wear for an extended period without discomfort.
* **Dress in Layers:** Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature as needed.
* **Use the Restroom Beforehand:** Use the restroom before the ceremony begins to avoid having to leave during the event.
* **Take Deep Breaths:** If you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, take deep breaths to calm yourself down.
* **Focus on the Moment:** Remember to focus on the moment and enjoy the celebration of your achievements.

Preserving Your Academic Regalia

After the graduation ceremony, you’ll want to preserve your academic regalia as a cherished memento of your academic journey. Here are some tips for storing and preserving your gown, hood, and cap:

* **Clean Your Regalia:** Before storing your regalia, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve dry cleaning, hand washing, or spot cleaning.
* **Store in a Garment Bag:** Store your gown in a garment bag to protect it from dust, dirt, and moths. Use a breathable garment bag made of cotton or linen, rather than a plastic bag, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
* **Hang Properly:** Hang your gown on a padded hanger to prevent it from losing its shape. Avoid hanging it on a wire hanger, which can damage the fabric.
* **Store in a Cool, Dry Place:** Store your regalia in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing it in an attic or basement, where humidity levels can be high.
* **Preserve the Hood:** Store the hood flat or gently rolled to prevent creases. Wrap it in acid-free tissue paper for added protection.
* **Protect the Mortarboard:** Store the mortarboard in a box or container to protect it from being crushed. Stuff it with acid-free tissue paper to help it maintain its shape.

Conclusion: Embrace the Tradition, Celebrate Your Success

Wearing academic regalia is a time-honored tradition that represents years of hard work and dedication. By following these steps, you can confidently don your robes and participate fully in your graduation ceremony. Embrace the moment, celebrate your success, and remember the significance of this special day. Congratulations, graduate!