Your graduation gown may be the most visible part of your commencement outfit, but what you wear underneath matters too. The right clothing can help you stay comfortable, look polished in photographs, and move confidently throughout the ceremony. Here is how to decide what to wear under a Bachelors graduation gown for your big day.
Does It Matter What You Wear Under Your Graduation Gown?
Yes. Graduation gowns can open slightly while walking, sitting, or taking photographs, which means portions of your outfit may remain visible. Your clothing can also affect how comfortably the gown fits and hangs. When choosing your outfit, consider the ceremony location, weather, dress expectations, gown color, and how long you will be wearing your regalia.Choose Comfortable, Polished Clothing
Commencement ceremonies can involve considerable walking, standing, sitting, and waiting. Choose clothing that looks appropriate for the occasion without sacrificing comfort.Popular Graduation Outfit Options
- Dress shirt with dress pants
- Blouse with trousers or a skirt
- Simple dress
- Collared shirt with slacks
- Lightweight professional separates
- Other attire appropriate for your school’s ceremony
Consider the Graduation Gown Neckline
The neckline of your shirt, blouse, or dress may be visible above the gown. A clean, coordinated neckline can create a polished appearance, especially in close-up graduation photographs.Think About Your Gown Color
If you are wearing a light-colored graduation gown, such as white or another pale shade, darker or strongly patterned clothing underneath may sometimes be more noticeable. Consider how your outfit looks beneath the gown before ceremony day.What Should You Wear Under a Graduation Gown in Hot Weather?
Graduation gowns add another layer of fabric, and outdoor ceremonies can become warm. For spring and summer commencement, lightweight and breathable clothing can improve comfort.Hot-Weather Graduation Tips
- Choose lightweight fabrics
- Avoid unnecessary heavy layers
- Consider the outdoor temperature
- Wear comfortable clothing beneath the gown
- Follow your school’s dress requirements
What About Cold-Weather Graduation?
Winter commencements or outdoor ceremonies in cooler climates may require additional layers. Choose layers that provide warmth without making the graduation gown uncomfortable or overly tight.Choose Graduation Shoes Carefully
Your shoes are one of the most visible parts of your outfit because the gown typically does not reach the floor. More importantly, commencement may require walking across stages, ramps, stairs, grass, or large campuses.Comfort Matters
Choose shoes that you can walk and stand in comfortably. If your ceremony is outdoors, consider the terrain as well as the weather.Should Your Outfit Match Your Graduation Gown?
Your clothing does not necessarily need to match the gown exactly. Neutral and coordinated colors can provide a polished appearance without competing visually with your academic regalia. If you plan to remove your gown for family photographs or celebrations afterward, choose an outfit you will also feel comfortable wearing on its own.What Should College Graduates Wear?
For a bachelor’s graduation ceremony, a polished outfit that fits comfortably beneath the gown is generally a practical choice. Keep the gown’s neckline, length, and sleeve coverage in mind when planning your look.What Should Master’s Graduates Wear?
Master’s graduates should also consider the academic hood. Clothing around the shoulders and neckline should allow the hood and master’s gown to sit properly without unnecessary bulk.What Should Doctoral Graduates Wear?
Doctoral regalia can include a heavier gown, academic hood, and tam. Because doctoral gowns may contain velvet panels and sleeve bars, choosing comfortable clothing underneath can be especially important during longer ceremonies.What Should You Avoid Wearing?
There is no universal graduation outfit because institutions and ceremonies differ. However, graduates may want to avoid clothing that creates discomfort or interferes with their regalia.- Extremely bulky layers
- Clothing that restricts movement
- Uncomfortable shoes you have never worn before
- Items that interfere with the academic hood
- Clothing prohibited by your school’s ceremony guidelines
Try On Your Complete Graduation Outfit
One of the easiest ways to prevent graduation-day surprises is to perform a complete dress rehearsal before commencement.Wear Everything Together
Put on your planned clothing, shoes, graduation gown, cap, tassel, hood, cords, and stole when applicable. Walk around, sit down, and look at yourself from different angles. This gives you an opportunity to adjust your outfit before graduation morning.Graduation Outfit Checklist
- Comfortable clothing for the weather
- Polished outfit appropriate for the ceremony
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Correct graduation gown
- Graduation cap or required headwear
- Tassel
- Academic hood when required
- Approved cords or stoles
