When preparing for a doctoral graduation, one detail can completely change the appearance of your academic regalia: the headwear. Some doctoral graduates wear a traditional
mortarboard, while others wear a distinctive
doctoral tam. Although both are forms of academic headwear, they differ in shape, construction, appearance, and academic tradition. Understanding the differences can help you choose the correct option for your commencement ceremony.
What Is a Doctoral Tam?
A
doctoral tam is a soft, rounded academic cap commonly associated with doctoral-level regalia. Unlike the rigid square top of a mortarboard, a tam typically has a fuller crown constructed with multiple fabric panels.
Doctoral tams are often made with velvet or velvet-like material and are designed to complement the formal appearance of a doctoral gown and academic hood.
What Does a Doctoral Tam Look Like?
A doctoral tam generally has a circular or multi-sided crown rather than a square board. Depending on the style, it may be constructed with four, six, or eight sides.
A tassel is normally attached at the top, completing the traditional academic appearance.
What Is a Mortarboard?
A
mortarboard graduation cap is the familiar square academic cap worn at many high school, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral ceremonies.
It typically consists of a fitted or flexible headpiece attached to a flat square board. A tassel connects to a button in the center of the board.
Why Is It Called a Mortarboard?
The name comes from the cap’s resemblance to the flat board traditionally used by masons to hold mortar.
Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard: The Main Differences
The easiest way to distinguish the two is by looking at their shape and construction.
| Feature |
Doctoral Tam |
Mortarboard |
| Shape |
Rounded or multi-sided |
Flat and square |
| Structure |
Generally soft and flexible |
Rigid square top |
| Common Material |
Often velvet or velvet-like fabric |
Fabric-covered structured board |
| Academic Use |
Strongly associated with doctoral regalia |
Used across multiple degree levels |
| Tassel |
Typically included or attached |
Typically attached to center button |
Is a Doctoral Tam Only for PhD Graduates?
A tam is strongly associated with doctoral academic dress, but specific requirements depend on the degree and institution. Universities may establish their own standards for PhD, EdD, DBA, professional doctorate, and other doctoral graduates.
Do not assume that earning a doctorate automatically means you should wear a particular tam.
Always verify your institution’s doctoral regalia requirements before ordering.
Can Doctoral Graduates Wear a Mortarboard?
Yes, some doctoral graduates wear mortarboards. Academic regalia requirements vary among universities, and certain institutions may permit or require a traditional mortarboard instead of a tam.
The appropriate choice should therefore be based on your school’s official commencement guidelines rather than appearance alone.
How Many Sides Does a Doctoral Tam Have?
Doctoral tams are available in different constructions, including
four-sided, six-sided, and eight-sided styles. The number of sides affects the shape and overall appearance of the crown.
Four-Sided Doctoral Tam
A four-sided tam provides a relatively simple multi-panel appearance while maintaining the soft styling associated with doctoral headwear.
Six-Sided Doctoral Tam
A six-sided tam has additional panels that create a fuller, more rounded appearance.
Eight-Sided Doctoral Tam
An eight-sided tam uses additional sections to produce a distinctive full crown. It is frequently seen with formal doctoral regalia.
The number of sides required or preferred can vary, so check your institution’s specifications before selecting a style.
Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard: Which Looks More Formal?
Doctoral tams are commonly associated with the more elaborate appearance of doctoral academic regalia. Velvet doctoral gowns, academic hoods, sleeve bars, and tams together create a distinctive ceremonial look.
A mortarboard provides the traditional square-cap appearance familiar across many levels of graduation.
Neither option should be selected solely because it appears more formal. The correct academic headwear is the one that meets your institution’s requirements.
What Tassel Is Worn With a Doctoral Tam?
Doctoral tams are typically worn with a tassel attached near the top or center of the cap. Tassel materials and colors can vary according to the regalia package and institutional requirements.
Some doctoral academic traditions may use a
gold-colored tassel, while other schools specify different colors or designs.
Does the Tassel Move From Right to Left?
Tassel traditions are not identical at every degree level or institution. Some doctoral graduates may not participate in the same tassel-turning tradition commonly associated with undergraduate ceremonies.
Follow the instructions provided during your commencement ceremony.
How Should a Doctoral Tam Fit?
A tam should fit securely enough to remain in place while walking, sitting, and participating in the ceremony without creating unnecessary discomfort.
Doctoral tams may use different sizing systems depending on the manufacturer. Some are sized, while others may have adjustable features.
Measure Before Ordering
Follow the specific sizing instructions provided for the tam you are purchasing rather than assuming your regular hat size will automatically apply.
How Should a Mortarboard Fit?
A mortarboard should sit securely with the square board generally appearing level. Avoid positioning it excessively far toward the back of the head.
The tassel should hang naturally without repeatedly falling across your face.
How Does Doctoral Headwear Coordinate With the Gown?
Doctoral academic regalia is traditionally more elaborate than bachelor’s or master’s attire. A complete doctoral ensemble may include:
- Doctoral graduation gown
- Doctoral academic hood
- Doctoral tam or approved mortarboard
- Tassel
- Institution-approved academic accessories
Doctoral gowns may feature velvet front panels and velvet sleeve bars, making the soft appearance of a velvet tam a popular complement when permitted by the institution.
Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard for Graduation Photos
The two styles create noticeably different looks in graduation photographs.
A mortarboard creates the classic square-cap silhouette traditionally associated with commencement. A doctoral tam can emphasize the distinctive character of doctoral regalia, particularly when photographed with a velvet gown and academic hood.
Photo Tip
Before taking portraits, check that the tam or mortarboard is positioned properly, the tassel is arranged neatly, the academic hood is centered, and the gown’s velvet details are visible.
Can You Choose Between a Tam and Mortarboard?
Sometimes, but not always. A university may specify one type of headwear, offer approved choices, or require graduates to obtain a particular regalia package.
Before purchasing, review your school’s official doctoral commencement information or contact the appropriate university office.
What Should You Check Before Buying Doctoral Headwear?
- Exact doctoral degree being awarded
- University regalia requirements
- Whether a tam or mortarboard is required
- Required tam style or number of sides
- Headwear color
- Tassel color and style
- Correct head size
- Whether the tassel is included
- Compatibility with the rest of your doctoral regalia
Common Doctoral Headwear Ordering Mistakes
- Assuming every doctoral graduate wears a tam
- Choosing a tam solely because it looks more formal
- Ordering the wrong tam size
- Ignoring university-specific regalia requirements
- Assuming every doctoral tam requires the same tassel
- Choosing the number of tam sides without checking requirements
- Waiting until immediately before commencement to order
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a doctoral tam the same as a mortarboard?
No. A doctoral tam typically has a soft, rounded or multi-sided crown, while a mortarboard has a rigid, flat square top.
Do all doctoral graduates wear tams?
No. Academic dress requirements vary by institution. Some doctoral graduates wear tams, while others may wear mortarboards or another approved form of academic headwear.
Is an eight-sided tam required for a doctorate?
Not universally. Doctoral tams are available in several configurations, and the required or approved style depends on the institution.
Can a master’s graduate wear a doctoral tam?
Academic headwear should correspond with the degree level and the institution’s requirements. Master’s graduates should follow their university’s master’s regalia specifications rather than automatically selecting doctoral headwear.
What color should a doctoral tam be?
Black is commonly seen, but institutional requirements and regalia designs can vary. Verify the required color before purchasing.
Does a doctoral tam come with a tassel?
Some doctoral tam products or regalia packages include a tassel, while others may sell it separately. Check the exact product description before ordering.
Choosing the Right Headwear for Your Doctoral Graduation
The biggest difference between a
doctoral tam and a mortarboard is their design. The tam offers a soft, rounded or multi-sided appearance strongly associated with doctoral regalia, while the mortarboard provides the traditional structured square-cap design used across multiple academic levels.
Before choosing either option, verify your university’s doctoral regalia requirements, required headwear style, size, color, and tassel specifications. The right doctoral headwear should not only complete your academic look—it should accurately reflect the commencement standards for the degree you worked so hard to earn.
