Cap and gown designs

Types of cap and gown designs

Cap and gown are academic regalia worn during graduation ceremonies to symbolize the achievement of academic degrees. They are formal garments that academic institutions provide and are worn during commencement exercises. Here are the various types of cap and gown designs:

• Traditional Bachelors' Regalia

  Typically, a bachelor's degree is awarded in academic fields and is worn by undergraduates who are graduating with a bachelor's degree. The gown has a long, open front and is worn over formal attire. The cap, known as the mortarboard, has a flat, square shape and is accompanied by a tassel that hangs from one side and is moved to the other side during the ceremony to indicate graduation. The color and style of the regalia vary depending on the institution and the degree awarded.

• Master’s Cap and Gown

  This design is for master's degree graduates and has a gown with long, pointed sleeves. It is worn over formal business attire. The cap, also called the mortarboard, includes a tassel and may have additional cords or hooded lining that indicate the field of study. The color and style of the master's regalia differ by institution and discipline.

• Doctoral Regalia

  Typically, doctoral regalia is worn by individuals graduating with doctoral degrees such as Ph.D. or Ed.D. The gown has distinctive velvet trim and is worn over formal business attire. Its sleeves are wide and open and may have hoods that represent the graduate's field of study. The cap is velvet and has a tassel and may have additional decorative elements. Designs vary by institution and degree.

• Honorary Regalia

  These are special gowns and caps awarded to individuals receiving honorary degrees for their contributions to society, often without formal academic qualifications. The design may differ from standard regalia, featuring unique colors and symbols to reflect the honor. They are distinguished by the institution awarding the degree.

• Specialized Gown Designs

  Some institutions have specific gown designs for different programs or fields. For example, law students may wear a gown with a design specific to the field of law, while those in medical programs don gowns that signify their field in healthcare and medicine. Each design incorporates elements representing the discipline's traditions and values.

• International Variations

  Cap and gown designs vary globally. For instance, in the UK, graduates wear a robe, hood, and mortarboard, while other countries have distinct styles reflecting their educational customs and traditions. Each country's regalia incorporates cultural and academic elements that are unique to them.

• Undergraduate Gown Design

  These gowns have short sleeves and are worn over formal attire. They are usually black in color and are worn for various undergraduate degrees, including associate and bachelor's degrees. The cap, known as a mortarboard, is worn with a tassel that is shifted from one side to the other during graduation.

• Master's Degree Gown Design

  The master's gown features long, open sleeves and is also worn over formal attire. It's typically worn for master's degrees like the MBA or M.A. The cap, mortarboard, and tassel are accompanied by academic regalia that represent the specific field of study and are different for various institutions.

• Doctoral Gown Design

  These gowns have distinctive features, including velvet trim and wide sleeves. They are worn for doctoral degrees such as Ph.D. or Ed.D. and are usually accompanied by hoods that represent the graduate's field of study. The cap is different from other caps as it is made of velvet and has a tassel and additional decorative elements.

Design of cap and gown

• Traditional Design: The traditional cap and gown design consists of a long, flowing gown and an academic cap. The gown is usually knee-length or ankle-length and features long, open sleeves. The cap, known as the mortarboard, is a square piece of board supported horizontally on the head by a hat. The traditional design is simple and classic, symbolizing the academic achievement of students from various fields and levels of education.
• Hooded Design: The hooded design incorporates an academic hood into the traditional gown and cap attire. This hood is worn around the neck and draped down the back, signifying the wearer's highest level of education. The hood's colors often represent the institution attended and the degree earned, with different color combinations for various degrees. This design is typical for master's and doctoral graduates, adding a touch of formality and distinction to the overall appearance.
• Two-Piece Design: The two-piece design separates the gown and cap into two distinct garments. Instead of wearing a gown, students may wear a separate academic robe over their regular clothes, which can include a suit or professional attire. This design is popular for professional and executive programs, allowing graduates to showcase their personal style while still adhering to academic regalia. The cap remains the same, maintaining the traditional mortarboard appearance.
• Colored Gown Design: In this design, the gown is the primary focus, often featuring vibrant colors and patterns. Different fields of study or specific schools may have unique gown colors, allowing graduates to represent their discipline visually. For example, law graduates might wear dark blue gowns, while education graduates don light blue. This design adds a celebratory and personalized element to the cap and gown ceremony, making it easier to identify graduates from different programs. Cap and gown are also available in different colors. Here are the different gown colors:
• Black Gown: The black gown is the most common and traditional color for academic regalia. It signifies neutrality and is used across various educational institutions and levels, from high school to doctoral programs. The black color represents formality and professionalism, allowing the focus to remain on the achievement rather than the attire.
• Blue Gown: Blue gowns are often associated with specific fields of study or professional degrees. Dark blue is frequently used for law graduates, while light blue may be designated for education graduates. The choice of blue symbolizes wisdom, trust, and stability, aligning with the values of these professions.
• Red Gown: Red gowns are less common but hold specific significance in certain disciplines. They are often used for theology and religious studies graduates, symbolizing sacrifice and valor. The red color adds a bold and distinguished look to the academic regalia, marking a notable achievement.
• Green Gown: Green gowns are typically associated with the field of medicine and health. They represent growth, healing, and renewal, making them suitable for medical graduates and those in related fields. The green color is both symbolic and practical, helping to identify graduates in healthcare-related programs.

Wearing/Matching suggestions of cap and gown designs

How to Wear

Wearing a cap and gown involves several specific steps to ensure that graduates look their best and feel confident during commencement ceremonies. First, individuals put on the gown over their everyday clothing. They should ensure that the gown hangs evenly on both sides and that the sleeves are aligned properly. Then they should check the lining and smooth out any wrinkles before they proceed to the next step. They wear the academic hood under the gown and over the shoulders in a specific way. They should ensure that the hood lies flat and that its colors are visible at the neck. The hood should be positioned properly so that it doesn't bunch up inside the gown. They place the cap on their heads so that it sits level and secure. The front of the cap should be aligned with the forehead, and the back should rest just above the neckline. Adjust the cap's position so that it feels comfortable and balanced. They should make sure that the tassel hangs evenly on both sides of the cap before they proceed to the next step. They put on the tassel after they are seated. They should wait until after the graduation ceremony before putting on any additional honors, such as medals or cords.

How to Match

Matching a cap and gown requires attention to detail. Individuals should consider the school's or program's specific colors and requirements. The gown should be paired with the appropriate academic regalia, which usually includes a cap (mortarboard) and tassel. They should select a gown color that corresponds to their degree or institution's standards. For instance, high school graduates often wear black gowns, while college graduates may wear different colors based on their field of study. The cap should be matched with the gown, and the tassel is typically worn on the right side before graduation and moved to the left after receiving your degree. They should check for any additional honors or cords that need to be included based on their achievements or affiliations. These are often worn around the neck or draped over the gown. Ensure that all components of the regalia are clean and well-pressed before the ceremony. This ensures a polished appearance. By adhering to these guidelines, graduates can successfully match their cap and gown while honoring their academic accomplishments and institutional traditions.

Q&A

Q1: What do the different colors of caps and gowns mean?

A1: The colors of academic regalia vary widely between institutions and fields of study. Gown colors can indicate the level of degree—bachelor's, master's, or doctoral—while cap colors are typically solid. Specific colors represent different disciplines; for example, blue might signify philosophy, green for medicine, and orange for engineering. Check with the institution for their specific color codes.

Q2: How long should a graduation gown be?

A2: The length of a graduation gown depends on the wearer's height and the gown's design. It should fall just above the ankles, allowing a glimpse of the graduation attire underneath. Consult the sizing chart provided by the gown supplier to ensure an appropriate fit.

Q3: Are custom graduation gowns available?

A3: Yes, many suppliers offer custom graduation gowns. These can be personalized with school logos, custom sizing, or specific design modifications. It's essential to provide clear specifications and allow sufficient lead time for production to ensure the custom gown meets the desired requirements.

Q4: Can graduation gowns be reused for other ceremonies?

A4: Yes, graduation gowns can be reused for academic ceremonies, honors events, or professional ceremonies related to one's degree. They are formal attire that may be appropriate for various educational and professional occasions.

Q5: How should one care for a graduation cap and gown?

A5: To maintain a graduation cap and gown, follow care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Generally, it's recommended to dry clean or gently hand wash the gown in cold water to preserve the fabric and colors. Avoid ironing directly on any emblems or decorations, and store the regalia in a cool, dry place to prevent wrinkles and damage.