Graduation is one of the most visible milestones in a public high school student’s academic journey. For schools and districts, preparing for commencement often means coordinating hundreds of graduation gowns, mortarboard caps, tassels, diploma covers, honor cords, stoles and replacement items before the ceremony date.
Choosing the right graduation caps and gowns for public high schools requires more than selecting a school color. Administrators should consider gown style, finish, size coverage, accessories, quantities, student distribution, bulk pricing, delivery timing and applicable district purchasing requirements.
This guide explains how public high schools can organize graduation apparel purchases for individual students, graduating classes and district-wide programs.
Start With the School’s Graduation Requirements
Before selecting a cap-and-gown package, document the school’s current commencement requirements.Confirm:
- Graduation gown color
- Matte or shiny finish
- Mortarboard color
- Tassel color
- Graduation-year charm requirements
- Diploma-cover requirements
- Honor cord policies
- Graduation stole policies
- Whether students purchase individually or the school purchases in bulk
What Is Included in a High School Cap and Gown Set?
A standard high school graduation package commonly includes:- Graduation gown
- Mortarboard cap
- Tassel
Graduation Gowns for Public High Schools
Most public high schools use a traditional graduation gown for commencement. Gowns are available in different colors, finishes, fabrics and size ranges.When Comparing Gowns, Consider:
- School-approved color
- Matte or shiny finish
- Fabric appearance
- Construction
- Size range
- Extended-size availability
- Availability of matching caps
- Replacement availability
- Individual and bulk pricing
Matte vs. Shiny High School Graduation Gowns
Matte gowns provide a softer, less reflective appearance. Shiny gowns have a brighter finish that reflects more light. Neither option is universally required for public high schools. Schools can choose according to tradition, appearance, photography preferences, budget and product availability.Choosing the Graduation Gown Color
Many public high schools already have an established graduation gown color. Others may select colors that coordinate with school branding or longstanding commencement traditions.Before Finalizing a Color, Check:
- Availability across all required sizes
- Extended-size availability
- Matching cap availability
- Replacement availability
- Whether the color is expected to remain consistent for future classes
Use the Actual Product Size Chart
Graduation gown sizing is not identical across all products. Schools should select the proposed gown first and then use the current size chart for that product.Recommended Process:
- Select the gown style
- Obtain the current size chart
- Collect the required student sizing information
- Assign students to the correct size category
- Identify extended-size needs
- Prepare quantities by size
Do Not Rely Only on Regular Clothing Sizes
A student’s normal shirt, dress or jacket size may not correspond to the supplier’s graduation gown size. Follow the sizing instructions for the exact product being ordered.Graduation Gown Length and Fit
Graduation gowns are generally designed to provide a loose ceremonial fit rather than the fitted appearance of everyday clothing. The exact length and fit depend on the selected product and size chart. Students should have enough room for normal clothing underneath without the gown becoming excessively oversized.Plan Extended Sizes Early
Schools should identify extended-size requirements during the initial sizing process. A supplier may have sufficient total inventory but limited quantities in a particular size or color. Checking the full size distribution early can reduce last-minute substitutions.Public Schools Can Use Aggregate Size Lists
For institutional orders, schools can often provide suppliers with quantities by size rather than unnecessary student information.Example:
- Size Range A — 42 gowns
- Size Range B — 78 gowns
- Size Range C — 105 gowns
- Size Range D — 88 gowns
- Size Range E — 56 gowns
- Extended Sizes — 12 gowns
Graduation Caps for High School Students
The traditional mortarboard remains the most common graduation cap for public high school commencement.Schools Should Confirm:
- Cap color
- Total quantity
- Whether caps are included with gowns
- Availability of replacement caps
- Whether individual caps can be purchased separately
High School Graduation Tassels
Tassels are an important part of the graduation set and may follow a school-established color or design.Specify:
- Tassel color
- Quantity
- Dated or undated style
- Graduation-year charm
- Whether the tassel is included in the cap-and-gown package
Dated vs. Undated Tassels
Graduation-year tassels can provide a class-specific keepsake, but unused dated products may have limited value after commencement. Schools maintaining emergency replacement inventory may consider whether some undated tassels provide greater flexibility.Graduation Cap Decoration Policies
Some public high schools permit graduates to decorate mortarboards, while others prohibit or restrict decoration. Students should follow school commencement policies regarding:- Cap decorations
- Messages
- Raised objects
- Additional accessories
- Safety restrictions
Diploma Covers for Public High Schools
Diploma covers can provide a formal presentation during commencement and can be purchased separately from cap-and-gown sets.Before Ordering Covers, Confirm:
- Diploma width
- Diploma height
- Portrait or landscape orientation
- Required cover dimensions
- Cover color
- Interior configuration
- Quantity
Measure the Diploma Before Selecting a Cover
Diploma dimensions are not necessarily identical among schools or districts. Verify the actual document dimensions before ordering covers.Blank Diploma Covers
Blank covers can be practical for schools seeking a simple presentation or reusable inventory.Potential Advantages Include:
- No custom artwork requirement
- Potentially simpler ordering
- Flexibility for future classes
- Potential use across multiple programs when dimensions match
Custom Diploma Covers
Schools may choose customized covers featuring authorized names or artwork.Custom Products May Require:
- Minimum order quantities
- Artwork submission
- Proof approval
- Setup charges where applicable
- Additional production time
Use School Logos Only With Authorization
School logos, district marks, mascots and other protected artwork should only be reproduced with appropriate authorization. A supplier’s ability to customize a product does not itself establish permission to use protected branding.Honor Cords for High School Graduation
Honor cords can be used to recognize academic achievement, student organizations, service, leadership or other school-approved distinctions.Schools Should Define:
- Who receives each cord
- What the cord represents
- Color or color combination
- Single, double or intertwined configuration
- Quantity
Honor Cord Colors Are Not Universal
A particular cord color may represent different achievements at different schools. The school should establish the meaning of its own honor cords rather than relying on a universal commercial color interpretation.Graduation Stoles for Public High Schools
Graduation stoles may be used for school-approved recognition.Potential Uses Include:
- Academic achievement
- Honor societies
- Student leadership
- Career and technical programs
- Student organizations
- Approved school programs
Plain vs. Custom Graduation Stoles
Plain stoles may offer faster ordering and greater flexibility. Customized stoles can feature approved wording or designs but may require:- Minimum quantities
- Artwork preparation
- Proof approval
- Longer lead times
Can Students Buy Graduation Regalia Individually?
Some schools allow students and families to purchase their own graduation apparel, while others coordinate a school-funded or district-funded order.Individual Ordering Can Be Useful When:
- Students pay for their own regalia
- Enrollment changes throughout the year
- Late orders need to be accommodated
- The school does not want to manage every transaction
Bulk Graduation Orders for Public High Schools
Schools purchasing for an entire graduating class can request bulk quantities.A Bulk Order May Include:
- Graduation gowns by size
- Mortarboards
- Tassels
- Diploma covers
- Honor cords
- Graduation stoles
- Replacement products
Calculate Every Item Separately
A graduating class of 500 students does not necessarily require 500 units of every accessory.For Example:
- 500 graduation gowns
- 500 mortarboards
- 500 tassels
- 485 diploma covers
- 120 honor cords
- 45 stoles
- 10 replacement gowns
- 12 replacement caps
Keep a Small Replacement Inventory
Even carefully planned graduation orders may need last-minute changes.Replacement Items Can Help With:
- Late-qualified graduates
- Student transfers
- Incorrect sizing
- Damaged gowns
- Lost mortarboards
- Missing tassels
Be Careful With Extra Dated Merchandise
Standard gowns and caps may remain useful the following year if the specifications do not change. Year-specific tassels and custom dated products are less reusable, so schools may want to keep backup quantities smaller.District-Wide Graduation Ordering
A public school district with multiple high schools can coordinate one purchasing project while keeping school-specific requirements separate.One District Order Can Include:
- Different gown colors by school
- Different tassel colors
- Different size distributions
- Different diploma covers
- Different honor accessories
- Separate delivery locations
Benefits of Coordinated District Purchasing
Where permitted by district policy, centralized purchasing may help with:- Combined quantities
- Consistent quote requests
- Potential volume pricing
- Standardized supplier evaluation
- Coordinated delivery
- More organized annual records
Create a School-Level Graduation Order Worksheet
Useful Fields Include:
- School
- Product
- Color
- Size
- Quantity
- Stock or custom product
- Unit price
- Required delivery date
- Delivery location
Request a Detailed Institutional Quote
Schools and districts can request formal pricing based on their actual product requirements.Include:
- Gown style
- Gown color
- Finish
- Size distribution
- Extended sizes
- Cap quantity
- Tassel specifications
- Diploma covers
- Honor cords
- Stoles
- Custom products
- Delivery address
- Required arrival date
Compare Equivalent Graduation Packages
When comparing suppliers, make sure each quote includes equivalent products.Check Whether the Price Includes:
- Gown
- Mortarboard
- Tassel
- Graduation-year charm
- Packaging
- Shipping
Compare Total Delivered Cost
The lowest gown price does not necessarily represent the lowest total order cost.Evaluate:
- Merchandise price
- Extended-size charges
- Accessories
- Customization
- Setup charges
- Shipping
- Multiple-destination charges
- Total delivered price
Ask About Institutional and Volume Pricing
Public high schools and school districts purchasing larger quantities can ask whether institutional or volume pricing is available. Pricing may depend on product type, quantity, size distribution, customization, inventory and delivery requirements.Can Public Schools Request Samples?
Schools may want to evaluate a sample when considering a new graduation gown or supplier.A Sample Can Help Review:
- Color
- Fabric
- Finish
- Construction
- Cap quality
- Diploma-cover dimensions
Public School Purchasing Requirements
When graduation merchandise is purchased with public funds, schools and districts should follow applicable procurement laws, board policies and internal purchasing procedures.Depending on the Transaction, Purchasing May Involve:
- Direct purchase where authorized
- Supplier quotation
- Multiple competitive quotations
- Request for quotation
- Invitation for bid
- Request for proposal
- Purchase order
- Purchasing card where authorized
- Cooperative purchasing
- Existing public contract
- Another approved procurement method
Formal Quotes for Public Schools
A formal quote may include:- Supplier information
- Product descriptions
- Quantities
- Unit pricing
- Extended totals
- Shipping
- Total quoted amount
- Applicable transaction terms
Purchase Order Acceptance Should Be Confirmed
Many school districts use purchase orders, but supplier PO acceptance may depend on the transaction. Schools should confirm current purchase-order capability and applicable payment terms before issuing a PO.Vendor Registration May Be Required
School districts may require suppliers to complete vendor registration or submit specific purchasing documentation. The district purchasing office should determine the requirements applicable to the transaction.Do Not Assume Approved-Vendor Status
A company offering graduation apparel to schools is not automatically an approved school district vendor, awarded contractor or preferred supplier. Those descriptions should only be used when that specific status has actually been established.Verify Inventory Before the Final Order
Large graduating classes can require significant quantities across multiple sizes.Before Finalizing, Confirm Availability Of:
- All standard gown sizes
- Extended sizes
- Required gown colors
- Matching mortarboards
- Tassels
- Diploma covers
- Honor cords
- Graduation stoles
- Replacement items
Separate Stock Products From Custom Products
Potential Stock Products Include:
- Standard graduation gowns
- Mortarboards
- Standard tassels
- Selected diploma covers
- Selected honor cords
Products That May Require Additional Production Time Include:
- Custom graduation stoles
- Customized diploma covers
- Special tassels
- Special-order merchandise
Order Early Enough for More Than Shipping
The graduation timeline should account for much more than carrier transit.Allow Time For:
- Graduate-count confirmation
- Product selection
- Student sizing
- Supplier quotations
- District procurement
- Purchase-order processing
- Artwork approval
- Custom production
- Supplier processing
- Shipping
- Receiving
- Inspection
- Replacement orders
Expedited Shipping Is Not a Substitute for Planning
Expedited shipping may shorten transportation time for qualifying stocked merchandise, but it cannot eliminate procurement approval, production or supplier processing.Confirm the Correct Receiving Address
The school’s publicly listed address may not always be the district’s approved commercial receiving address.Verify:
- School or district name
- Receiving department
- Approved shipping address
- Attention line
- Purchase-order reference
- Carton-labeling requirements
Direct-to-School vs. Central District Delivery
Large districts can evaluate whether products should be shipped to a central warehouse or directly to individual high schools.Central Delivery May Offer:
- One receiving location
- Central inspection
- District-controlled distribution
Direct-to-School Delivery May Offer:
- Less internal redistribution
- Faster access for graduation staff
- School-level inventory control
Inspect Graduation Products After Delivery
Do not wait until commencement week to open cartons.Check:
- Carton count
- Total product quantities
- Gown colors
- Size quantities
- Mortarboards
- Tassels
- Diploma covers
- Honor cords
- Stoles
- Custom merchandise
- Visible damage
Create a Student Distribution Plan
After products are received and verified, schools can organize distribution to students.Distribution Options May Include:
- Homeroom distribution
- Graduation rehearsal pickup
- Scheduled pickup windows
- School office distribution
- Another school-approved method
Have a Process for Size Exchanges
A small number of students may need a different gown size after trying on their regalia. Schools can maintain a limited replacement inventory and document size exchanges before graduation.Keep Graduation Apparel Organized by Size
For large graduating classes, sorting gowns by size before distribution can reduce confusion.Schools Can Label:
- Size group
- Quantity
- School
- Graduating class
- Distribution location
Public High School Graduation Apparel Checklist
- Confirm graduation requirements
- Select gown style
- Choose gown color
- Select matte or shiny finish
- Obtain the current size chart
- Collect student sizing information
- Create quantities by size
- Identify extended sizes
- Determine cap quantities
- Select tassel colors
- Choose dated or undated tassels
- Measure diplomas
- Select diploma covers
- Determine honor cord requirements
- Determine stole requirements
- Identify custom products
- Confirm authorization for logos
- Determine individual or bulk ordering
- Plan replacement inventory
- Request an institutional quote
- Compare equivalent products
- Compare total delivered cost
- Ask about institutional pricing
- Verify inventory
- Complete applicable district purchasing requirements
- Confirm PO acceptance if needed
- Confirm shipping destination
- Order with sufficient lead time
- Inspect merchandise
- Organize student distribution
- Plan size exchanges and replacements
Questions Public High Schools Can Ask Graduation Suppliers
- Which high school graduation gowns are available?
- Which colors are currently available?
- What sizing chart applies?
- Are extended sizes available?
- Can gowns be purchased separately?
- Are caps included?
- Are tassels included?
- Can replacement caps and gowns be ordered individually?
- Are dated and undated tassels available?
- What diploma-cover dimensions are offered?
- Are honor cords available?
- Are graduation stoles available?
- Can authorized custom products be produced?
- Can product samples be provided where available?
- Can a formal institutional quote be prepared?
- Is institutional or volume pricing available?
- Which products are currently stocked?
- Which products require additional production?
- What processing time applies?
- What shipping options are available?
- Can products be shipped directly to the school?
- Can larger district orders be divided among multiple schools?
- Are purchase orders accepted for qualifying transactions?
Cap and Gown Outlet for Public High School Graduation Orders
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia supplier that can be evaluated by public high schools, public school districts, career and technical education programs, adult education programs and other qualifying institutional purchasers. Relevant product categories may include graduation gowns, mortarboard caps, tassels, diploma covers, certificate covers, honor cords, achievement cords, graduation stoles and related graduation accessories.Potential School and Institutional Ordering Capabilities
- Individual graduation products
- Student orders
- Small school quantities
- Bulk graduating-class orders
- District-wide quantities
- No minimum quantity where applicable
- Multiple gown sizes
- Extended sizes where available
- Multiple gown colors
- Matte and shiny options where available
- Mortarboard caps
- Graduation tassels
- Diploma covers
- Certificate covers
- Honor and achievement cords
- Graduation stoles
- Authorized custom merchandise where available
- Formal institutional quotations
- Institutional or volume pricing
- Nationwide U.S. shipping
- Fast processing for qualifying stocked merchandise
- Expedited shipping options where available
