A bachelor’s graduation ceremony brings together several pieces of academic apparel that students may wear for only a few hours but remember for years. The graduation gown, mortarboard, tassel and approved recognition accessories create the familiar appearance associated with college commencement.
For first-time graduates, however, it is not always obvious which pieces are required, which are optional and what each item represents.
This guide explains the major components of bachelor’s graduation regalia, including the cap, gown, tassel, stole and recognition cords, and identifies what students should verify with their college or university before commencement.
What Is Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia?
Bachelor’s graduation regalia is the academic apparel worn by students receiving bachelor’s degrees at commencement ceremonies.
A typical outfit may include:
- Bachelor’s graduation gown
- Mortarboard graduation cap
- Graduation tassel
- Approved graduation stole, when applicable
- Honor or recognition cords, when applicable
Some institutions may have additional or different academic dress requirements.
The degree-granting institution’s current commencement instructions should always take priority over general graduation-regalia guidance.
1. The Bachelor’s Graduation Gown
The gown is the foundation of bachelor’s academic regalia.
Although graduation gowns can look similar at first glance, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral gowns are not necessarily interchangeable.
What Makes a Bachelor’s Gown Different?
Bachelor’s gowns generally use a traditional academic design with sleeves appropriate to the bachelor’s level.
Exact construction can vary among institutions and manufacturers.
When selecting a gown, students should verify:
- Degree level
- Gown style
- Color
- Fabric or finish
- Sleeve design
- Size
Bachelor’s Gown vs. Master’s Gown
Master’s gowns typically have a distinctive sleeve construction that differentiates them from bachelor’s gowns.
A student receiving a bachelor’s degree should not substitute a master’s gown merely because both gowns are available in the same color.
Bachelor’s Gown vs. Doctoral Gown
Doctoral gowns generally have additional design features associated with doctoral academic dress.
Students should purchase or obtain the academic level required by their institution.
What Color Is a Bachelor’s Graduation Gown?
Black is commonly used for bachelor’s graduation gowns, but it is not universal.
Colleges and universities may use:
- Black gowns
- School-color gowns
- Different colors for particular academic units
- Institution-specific regalia
Check your institution’s requirements before purchasing a gown based only on a general product description.
Matte vs. Shiny Bachelor’s Gowns
Graduation gowns are available in different fabric finishes.
Matte Gowns
A matte gown has a less reflective surface and is widely used for contemporary graduation apparel.
Shiny Gowns
A shiny gown has a more reflective finish and may be used for ceremonies where that appearance is appropriate.
Neither finish is automatically correct for every university. Follow your institution’s specifications.
How Should a Bachelor’s Graduation Gown Fit?
A graduation gown is intended to have a loose, flowing academic appearance rather than the close fit of ordinary formal clothing.
The correct size should provide appropriate length and sufficient room for normal movement and clothing underneath.
Use the size chart for the exact gown you are considering.
Graduation Gown Sizing Is Not Always Clothing Sizing
Do not automatically select the same size you normally wear in a shirt, jacket or dress.
Graduation gown sizing frequently uses height and may use additional measurements or weight ranges depending on the product.
Follow the manufacturer or retailer’s product-specific sizing instructions.
Extended-Size Graduation Gowns
Students who need an extended size should review the complete size range for the selected gown.
Check:
- Available extended sizes
- Required measurements
- Required gown color
- Current availability
- Any differences in processing or pricing
2. The Graduation Cap
The traditional square academic cap is commonly called a mortarboard.
For many bachelor’s ceremonies, it is worn with the graduation gown and tassel.
What Does a Mortarboard Look Like?
A mortarboard generally consists of a fitted or adjustable headpiece topped by a flat square board with a central attachment for the tassel.
Styles and fit systems can vary by product.
What Color Should the Graduation Cap Be?
The cap commonly coordinates with the gown, but students should follow their institution’s requirements.
If you purchase a mortarboard separately from your gown, check the color carefully because shades can vary among manufacturers.
How Should a Graduation Cap Fit?
The mortarboard should sit securely enough to remain in place during normal commencement activities.
Follow the cap’s sizing or adjustment instructions and position it according to your institution’s ceremony guidance.
Can You Decorate a Graduation Cap?
Cap decoration policies vary substantially among institutions.
Some schools permit decorated mortarboards, while others restrict decorations or prohibit them entirely.
Check your commencement policy before adding permanent decorations.
3. The Graduation Tassel
The tassel is attached to the graduation cap and is one of the most recognizable graduation accessories.
Tassels are available in many colors and may include a charm displaying the graduation year.
What Tassel Color Should a Bachelor’s Graduate Wear?
There is no single tassel color that applies to every bachelor’s graduate.
An institution may establish tassel colors based on its own academic dress traditions, colleges, disciplines or ceremony requirements.
Students should use their school’s official instructions rather than relying only on generic commercial color charts.
Graduation Year Charms
A graduation tassel may include a small charm displaying the class year.
For example, a student graduating in 2027 may choose or receive a 2027 tassel when appropriate for the ceremony.
Check whether a year charm is already included before purchasing one separately.
Which Side Does the Tassel Go On?
Many commencement ceremonies include a ceremonial movement of the tassel, but procedures can vary by institution and degree level.
Follow the instructions provided by your ceremony organizers rather than assuming every commencement uses the same procedure.
4. The Graduation Stole
A graduation stole is a long decorative garment worn around the neck and hanging down the front of the gown.
Stoles can be used to recognize approved organizations, programs, achievements, affiliations or other distinctions.
Is a Graduation Stole Required?
Not necessarily.
Many bachelor’s graduates wear only the required academic regalia, while other students may be eligible or permitted to wear one or more stoles.
Check your institution’s policy before purchasing or customizing a stole.
Types of Graduation Stoles
Depending on institutional rules, students may encounter:
- Academic recognition stoles
- Student organization stoles
- Fraternity or sorority stoles
- Program stoles
- Cultural or affinity-group stoles
- Customized graduation stoles
The meaning, eligibility and permitted designs depend on the institution or organization involved.
Can You Customize a Graduation Stole?
Custom stoles may include approved:
- Names
- Class years
- Organization names
- Program names
- Artwork
- Logos
- Other designs
Before ordering, verify your institution’s commencement policy and any authorization required for protected logos, trademarks or artwork.
University Logos on Graduation Stoles
A university name, seal, logo or other protected mark should be reproduced only with appropriate authorization.
The fact that a company can manufacture a custom stole does not automatically mean that the student or seller has permission to reproduce institutional branding.
5. Honor and Recognition Cords
Graduation cords are decorative cords worn around the neck over the gown.
They may be used by colleges, departments, organizations or other authorized groups to recognize particular achievements or participation.
What Do Graduation Cords Mean?
The meaning of a graduation cord depends on the institution or organization assigning it.
Cords may potentially recognize:
- Academic achievement
- Honor societies
- Student organizations
- Leadership
- Service
- Program participation
- Other institution-approved recognition
Do Honor Cord Colors Have Universal Meanings?
No.
A gold, blue, red, white or other colored cord does not necessarily represent the same achievement at every college.
Students should not assume eligibility based on a commercial color chart.
Use the recognition criteria established by your institution or organization.
Can You Wear Multiple Graduation Cords?
Potentially, depending on your eligibility and your institution’s commencement policy.
Some students qualify for multiple forms of recognition, while individual schools may establish limits or placement instructions.
Stole vs. Honor Cord: What Is the Difference?
Although both are worn over a graduation gown, they are different accessories.
Graduation Stole
A stole is generally a wider fabric garment that hangs down the front of the gown and can display colors, text or approved designs.
Graduation Cord
A cord is narrower and typically consists of one or more braided or twisted strands worn around the neck.
Neither accessory has a single universal meaning across all colleges and universities.
Do Bachelor’s Graduates Wear Academic Hoods?
Not universally.
Academic hoods are commonly associated with graduate-level academic dress, but practices vary by institution.
Some institutions may use hoods for bachelor’s graduates, while many do not.
Never add an academic hood simply because an online package describes it as bachelor’s regalia. Verify your degree-granting institution’s requirements.
What Is Normally Included in a Bachelor’s Regalia Set?
A common bachelor’s graduation package may contain:
- Bachelor’s gown
- Mortarboard
- Tassel
Stoles, honor cords, academic hoods, diploma covers and other accessories may be sold separately unless the product description specifically states otherwise.
Check Package Contents Before Ordering
Do not assume every product shown in a photograph is included.
Before purchasing, verify:
- Gown included
- Mortarboard included
- Tassel included
- Year charm included or optional
- Stole included or separate
- Cords included or separate
- Other accessories included or separate
Required Regalia vs. Optional Graduation Accessories
One useful way to organize your graduation shopping is to separate required academic dress from optional or recognition merchandise.
Potential Required Regalia
- Bachelor’s gown
- Mortarboard
- Required tassel
- Other institution-required academic dress
Potential Recognition or Optional Accessories
- Graduation stole
- Honor cords
- Organization cords
- Customized accessories
- Other institution-approved items
Your school determines which category applies to each item.
How to Check Your College’s Regalia Requirements
Look for current commencement information from your institution.
Useful details may appear on:
- Commencement instructions
- Graduation FAQs
- Academic regalia guidance
- Student graduation communications
- College or department instructions
If a requirement is unclear, contact the appropriate university office before purchasing.
Can You Buy Bachelor’s Regalia From an Independent Retailer?
Potentially, if your college or university permits independently purchased regalia and the products satisfy its requirements.
Some institutions may require school-specific apparel or direct students to a designated source.
Confirm your institution’s policy before ordering elsewhere.
Buying a Bachelor’s Cap, Gown and Tassel Online
When comparing online graduation regalia, evaluate more than the product photo.
Check:
- Degree level
- Gown design
- Color
- Fabric finish
- Size chart
- Extended-size options
- Cap
- Tassel
- Package contents
- Availability
- Processing time
- Shipping
- Return and exchange terms
When Should You Order Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia?
There is no universal ordering deadline because commencement dates, inventory and delivery requirements vary.
Order early enough to allow for:
- Order processing
- Shipping
- Trying on the gown
- Checking package contents
- Addressing an eligible size exchange
- Preparing the gown before commencement
Inspect Your Regalia When It Arrives
Do not leave your graduation package unopened until commencement day.
Confirm that you received:
- The correct bachelor’s gown
- The correct gown color
- The correct size
- The required mortarboard
- The correct tassel
- Any accessories you ordered
Try On the Complete Graduation Outfit
Trying on the gown, cap and approved accessories together can help you identify fit or order issues before the ceremony.
It also gives you an opportunity to understand how your stole or cords should sit over the gown when those accessories are permitted.
Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia Checklist
- Read current commencement requirements
- Confirm bachelor’s gown style
- Confirm required gown color
- Confirm fabric finish if specified
- Use the exact gown size chart
- Review extended-size options if needed
- Confirm mortarboard requirements
- Confirm tassel color
- Check whether the tassel is included
- Check year-charm requirements if applicable
- Determine whether a stole is permitted
- Confirm eligibility for honor cords
- Determine whether an academic hood is required
- Review package contents
- Check current availability
- Review processing and shipping times
- Review return and exchange policies
- Order early enough to inspect everything
- Try on the complete regalia before commencement
Shop for Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer serving students, families and qualifying institutional customers.
Depending on current inventory, available products may include:
- Bachelor’s graduation gowns
- Mortarboard caps
- Graduation tassels
- Cap, gown and tassel packages
- Extended-size graduation gowns where available
- Graduation stoles
- Honor and recognition cords
- Diploma covers
- Other graduation accessories
Product colors, sizes, package contents and availability vary. Students should compare the specifications of the merchandise they are considering with their institution’s current commencement requirements before purchasing.
Independent Retailer Disclosure
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent graduation regalia retailer. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by or officially authorized by any college or university unless an actual relationship has been established.
Students should verify that independently purchased graduation apparel and accessories satisfy their institution’s current commencement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia
What does bachelor’s graduation regalia include?
A typical bachelor’s set may include a graduation gown, mortarboard and tassel. Stoles, cords and other accessories depend on the institution, student eligibility and the specific package purchased.
What is the difference between a bachelor’s gown and a master’s gown?
The academic levels generally use different gown designs, particularly in the sleeves. Students should obtain the gown style required for their degree level and institution.
What color should a bachelor’s graduation gown be?
Black is common, but not universal. Some institutions use school colors or institution-specific academic regalia.
Does the tassel come with the graduation cap?
It may be included in a cap-and-gown package, but package contents vary. Check the product description before ordering.
What side should the graduation tassel be on?
Follow your institution’s commencement instructions. Tassel procedures can vary among ceremonies and degree levels.
Is a graduation stole required for a bachelor’s degree?
Not universally. Stoles may be optional, recognition-based or subject to institutional rules.
What do graduation cords represent?
Cords may represent academic achievement, membership, service, leadership or other approved recognition. Their meanings and eligibility requirements vary among institutions and organizations.
Does a gold graduation cord always mean honors?
No. Cord colors do not have one universal meaning across all colleges and universities.
Can I wear both a stole and honor cords?
Potentially, if you are eligible and your institution permits both. Follow your school’s commencement policy.
Do bachelor’s graduates need academic hoods?
Not universally. Many institutions do not use academic hoods for bachelor’s graduates. Verify your institution’s requirements before purchasing one.
Can I buy my bachelor’s cap and gown online?
Potentially, if your institution allows independently purchased regalia and the products meet its specifications.
How do I know what graduation gown size I need?
Use the current size chart for the exact gown you are purchasing rather than assuming your everyday clothing size.
Understand Each Piece Before Graduation Day
Bachelor’s graduation regalia is easier to shop for when you understand the purpose of each component. The gown and mortarboard form the foundation of the academic outfit, while the tassel, stole and cords can reflect ceremony requirements or approved forms of recognition.
Before purchasing, confirm what your institution requires, what you are eligible to wear and exactly what is included with the graduation package you are considering. That preparation can help you arrive at commencement with the correct cap, gown and approved accessories for your bachelor’s graduation ceremony.
