Graduation day is an exciting milestone, but discovering that your tassel, academic hood, or graduation cap is missing just before commencement can turn a celebration into a stressful experience.
Graduation regalia is more than a cap and gown. Depending on your school, degree level, and ceremony requirements, your complete academic outfit may include a mortarboard, tassel, academic hood, doctoral tam, graduation stole, honor cords, and other approved accessories.
The challenge is knowing exactly which items you need and making sure everything is correct before the ceremony.
This graduation regalia checklist explains the essential components of academic dress, how requirements differ among high school, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates, and what to check before purchasing, wearing, and storing your regalia.
Use this guide to organize your graduation apparel, avoid common ordering mistakes, and arrive at commencement with confidence.
What Is Graduation Regalia?
Graduation regalia refers to the academic clothing and accessories worn during formal commencement ceremonies.
Its design can reflect academic traditions, degree levels, institutional identity, and approved distinctions.
Depending on the institution, graduation regalia may include:
- Academic graduation gown
- Graduation cap or mortarboard
- Tassel
- Academic hood
- Doctoral tam
- Graduation stole or sash
- Honor cords
- Institution-approved recognition accessories
Not every graduate needs every item. Your institution’s official academic dress requirements determine which components are necessary.
The Essential Graduation Regalia Checklist
Before purchasing or preparing your graduation outfit, review the following checklist.
Core Graduation Apparel
- Confirm the approved graduation gown style.
- Verify the required gown color.
- Check the correct academic degree level.
- Confirm manufacturer sizing requirements.
- Obtain the approved graduation cap or headwear.
- Check tassel requirements.
- Confirm whether an academic hood is required.
- Verify any additional academic accessories.
Optional or Recognition Accessories
- Approved graduation stole or sash
- Approved honor cords
- Permitted organizational accessories
- Approved graduation cap decorations
- Other school-authorized recognition items
Optional accessories should only be worn when permitted by the institution.
Graduation Regalia Requirements by Academic Level
The components of academic dress can differ significantly by degree level.
| Academic Level | Common Regalia Components | Important Verification |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Approved gown, cap, tassel | School colors and accessory rules |
| Bachelor’s | Academic gown, approved headwear, tassel | Institutional gown design |
| Master’s | Master’s gown, approved headwear, often an academic hood | Degree and hood specifications |
| Doctoral | Doctoral gown, approved headwear, often an academic hood | Doctoral gown, hood and headwear rules |
| Faculty | Approved academic regalia | Earned degree and institutional policy |
This table is a general guide. Requirements vary by school, degree, and ceremony.
High School Graduation Regalia Checklist
High school graduates typically need a school-approved graduation gown, cap, and tassel.
Some schools also permit additional recognition accessories.
High School Checklist
- Approved graduation gown
- Correct gown color
- Correct manufacturer size
- Graduation cap
- Approved tassel
- Honor cords, if permitted
- Graduation stole, if permitted
- Approved recognition accessories
- Appropriate clothing underneath
- Comfortable shoes
Check your school’s instructions before buying outside regalia or adding decorations.
Bachelor’s Graduation Regalia Checklist
Bachelor’s graduates generally wear academic regalia approved by their university.
Some institutions have specific gown designs or approved supplier requirements.
Bachelor’s Checklist
- Approved bachelor’s gown
- Required gown color and design
- Correct gown size
- Mortarboard or other approved headwear
- Approved tassel
- Permitted honor cords
- Permitted graduation stole
- Required institutional accessories
Do not assume that all bachelor’s gowns are interchangeable.
Master’s Graduation Regalia Checklist
Master’s graduation regalia may include a master’s gown, approved headwear, tassel, and academic hood.
The hood is particularly important because its specifications may be associated with the degree and institution.
Master’s Checklist
- Approved master’s gown
- Correct gown size
- Required gown color
- Approved graduation cap or headwear
- Required tassel
- Academic hood, if required
- Correct hood style
- Approved hood lining and color specifications
- Permitted stoles or cords
- Institutional hooding ceremony instructions
Some institutions require graduates to bring or wear their hoods differently depending on the ceremony.
Follow your graduate school’s official instructions.
Doctoral Graduation Regalia Checklist
Doctoral academic regalia may include distinctive gown construction, an academic hood, and approved doctoral headwear.
Doctoral gowns and accessories can vary considerably by institution.
Doctoral Checklist
- Approved doctoral gown
- Correct gown design
- Correct gown size
- Required fabric and color specifications
- Doctoral academic hood, if required
- Correct hood specifications
- Approved doctoral tam or mortarboard
- Required tassel
- Hooding ceremony instructions
- Approved additional accessories
Some universities use institution-specific doctoral regalia. Always confirm requirements before purchasing.
Faculty Academic Regalia Checklist
Faculty members participating in academic processions may wear regalia associated with their earned degrees or approved institutional alternatives.
Faculty Checklist
- Confirm the academic event’s dress requirements.
- Verify the highest earned degree.
- Confirm the appropriate gown style.
- Review hood requirements.
- Verify approved academic headwear.
- Check institutional dress guidelines.
- Confirm sizing and fit.
Faculty academic dress should be selected according to the applicable institutional rules.
How to Choose the Correct Graduation Gown
Graduation gowns are available in different styles, colors, fabrics, and academic designs.
Before purchasing, determine the exact specifications required by your institution.
Graduation Gown Buying Checklist
- Correct academic level
- Approved style
- Approved color
- Required fabric specifications
- Manufacturer size chart
- Available sizes
- Required accessories
- Product description
- Current availability
- Shipping estimate
- Return or exchange policy
Product photographs alone may not reveal differences in gown construction or institutional requirements.
How to Measure Yourself for a Graduation Gown
Graduation gown sizing may use height and additional measurements specified by the manufacturer.
Do not assume your everyday clothing size is the correct graduation gown size.
Graduation Gown Sizing Checklist
- Identify the required gown model.
- Locate the official manufacturer size chart.
- Measure your height accurately.
- Collect any additional required measurements.
- Follow the manufacturer’s size recommendations.
- Review available fit guidance.
- Confirm your selected size before ordering.
If you are between sizes or have special fit concerns, request product-specific guidance from the supplier.
Graduation Cap and Mortarboard Checklist
The mortarboard is a familiar graduation accessory, but headwear requirements vary.
Cap Checklist
- Confirm the approved headwear style.
- Check the required color.
- Verify fit and size where applicable.
- Inspect the cap for damage.
- Check that the tassel can be attached correctly.
- Confirm decoration rules.
- Practice wearing the cap before graduation.
Some doctoral graduates wear approved tams rather than mortarboards.
Graduation Tassel Checklist
Graduation tassels may vary by institution, academic program, or degree.
Tassel Checklist
- Confirm whether a tassel is required.
- Verify the approved color.
- Check the tassel attachment.
- Review tassel placement instructions.
- Confirm whether the ceremony includes a tassel turn.
- Inspect the tassel before commencement.
Do not assume every school follows the same tassel-side tradition.
Academic Hood Checklist for Master’s and Doctoral Graduates
Academic hoods can be important components of graduate regalia.
The correct hood may depend on degree requirements and institutional specifications.
Academic Hood Checklist
- Confirm whether the hood is required.
- Verify the degree level.
- Confirm the approved hood shape.
- Check institutional lining specifications.
- Verify applicable degree or discipline colors.
- Inspect the hood for damage.
- Review official wearing instructions.
- Confirm hooding ceremony procedures.
Do not select academic hood colors solely from generic online charts without confirming your institution’s requirements.
Doctoral Tam Checklist
Doctoral tams may be worn at institutions that approve or require them.
Doctoral Headwear Checklist
- Confirm whether a tam is approved.
- Verify the required style.
- Check the approved color.
- Confirm size and fit.
- Verify tassel requirements.
- Check institution-specific rules.
Some doctoral programs use mortarboards or other headwear instead.
Graduation Stoles and Sashes Checklist
Graduation stoles and sashes may represent academic recognition, approved student organizations, or other institutional traditions.
Stole Checklist
- Confirm that stoles are permitted.
- Verify approved colors and designs.
- Check organization-specific requirements.
- Review customization restrictions.
- Confirm whether logos or symbols require authorization.
- Inspect the finished stole.
- Practice positioning it correctly.
Customized logos, seals, and organization marks may be protected by trademark or other rights. Obtain required permission before using them.
Graduation Honor Cords Checklist
Honor cords may be associated with academic achievements, organizations, or approved recognition programs.
Honor Cord Checklist
- Confirm eligibility.
- Verify the approved cord color.
- Check whether multiple cords are permitted.
- Confirm any school distribution procedures.
- Inspect cords for damage.
- Review wearing instructions.
Do not purchase cords based solely on an assumption about their meaning or eligibility.
Graduation Regalia Accessories You Might Forget
Some graduates remember the gown but overlook smaller required components.
Accessories to Double-Check
- Tassel
- Academic hood
- Doctoral tam
- Approved stole
- Honor cords
- Required institutional accessories
- Manufacturer-provided fasteners where applicable
- Approved headwear components
Compare your graduation package with the institution’s official requirements.
What to Wear Under Your Graduation Regalia
Graduation clothing should be appropriate for the ceremony and comfortable beneath the gown.
Under-Gown Outfit Checklist
- Follow the school’s dress code.
- Choose comfortable clothing.
- Consider indoor or outdoor temperatures.
- Avoid unnecessary bulk beneath the gown.
- Choose suitable footwear.
- Practice walking in your shoes.
- Try on the complete outfit before graduation.
Remember that commencement may involve walking, standing, sitting, and climbing stairs.
Graduation Regalia Package Inspection Checklist
When your graduation apparel arrives, inspect it promptly.
What to Check
- Correct academic gown
- Correct color
- Correct size
- Correct cap or headwear
- Required tassel
- Academic hood, if ordered
- Approved accessories
- Garment condition
- Product construction
- Customization accuracy
If something is missing or incorrect, contact the supplier promptly according to its policies.
How to Prepare Graduation Regalia Before Commencement
Graduation gowns may arrive folded and develop wrinkles during shipping.
Preparing your regalia in advance can help improve comfort and appearance.
Regalia Preparation Checklist
- Read all garment care labels.
- Remove the gown from its packaging.
- Hang it appropriately.
- Inspect for wrinkles and damage.
- Use only approved fabric care methods.
- Check accessories.
- Try on the complete outfit.
- Store everything together until graduation.
Do not use high heat or unapproved ironing methods on graduation gowns.
How to Wear Graduation Regalia Correctly
Academic regalia should be worn according to the institution’s instructions.
General Dressing Sequence
- Put on your approved clothing and shoes.
- Wear the graduation gown.
- Adjust the gown for comfortable movement.
- Put on approved headwear when instructed.
- Attach the tassel as required.
- Position permitted stoles and cords.
- Prepare or wear the academic hood according to ceremony instructions.
- Check your appearance before leaving.
The exact sequence may vary, especially for formal graduate hooding ceremonies.
Graduation Regalia Buying Timeline
Graduates should begin researching regalia early enough to confirm school requirements and supplier fulfillment estimates.
Illustrative Planning Timeline
| Planning Period | Recommended Task |
|---|---|
| Three Months Before | Confirm regalia requirements and approved suppliers |
| Two Months Before | Review sizes and arrange required apparel |
| One Month Before | Inspect received products and confirm accessories |
| Two Weeks Before | Try on the complete outfit and address fit issues |
| One Week Before | Prepare garments according to care instructions |
| One Day Before | Organize the complete regalia set |
This timeline is illustrative. Your institution’s deadlines and confirmed supplier lead times take priority.
Graduation Regalia Budget Checklist
Graduation apparel costs depend on the degree level, institution, and required components.
Potential Expenses
- Graduation gown
- Graduation cap
- Tassel
- Academic hood
- Doctoral tam
- Approved stole
- Honor cords
- Customization
- Shipping
- Applicable taxes
Illustrative Bachelor’s Graduation Apparel Budget
| Item | Hypothetical Cost |
|---|---|
| Cap and Gown Set | $42 |
| Approved Stole | $18 |
| Approved Honor Cords | $8 |
| Shipping | $12 |
| Total Before Applicable Taxes | $80 |
These amounts are hypothetical and do not represent current supplier prices.
Actual expenses vary by product, degree level, supplier, and institution.
How to Avoid Graduation Regalia Ordering Mistakes
Buying the Wrong Academic Gown
Verify degree level and institutional specifications.
Ordering the Wrong Size
Use the manufacturer size chart.
Forgetting the Tassel
Confirm whether the tassel is included in your package.
Purchasing an Incorrect Academic Hood
Verify degree and institutional requirements.
Assuming a Doctoral Tam Is Always Required
Check your school’s headwear rules.
Buying Unauthorized Graduation Stoles
Confirm approval before purchasing.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Follow school deadlines and confirmed supplier lead times.
Ignoring Shipping and Return Policies
Review the complete purchasing terms.
Failing to Inspect Delivered Regalia
Check your order immediately after receiving it.
Not Trying on the Complete Outfit
Conduct a full dress rehearsal before commencement.
Graduation Regalia for Group and School Orders
Schools, universities, graduation committees, and other educational organizations may need to coordinate regalia for many participants.
Group Ordering Checklist
- Confirm institutional regalia specifications.
- Identify participating graduates.
- Separate quantities by degree level.
- Collect required measurements.
- Verify sizes.
- Confirm gown colors.
- Identify required accessories.
- Calculate final quantities.
- Request supplier quotations.
- Verify production and delivery estimates.
- Inspect delivered products.
- Organize distribution.
Accurate records can reduce missing items, duplicate orders, and incorrect size assignments.
Graduation Regalia From Cap and Gown Outlet
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent graduation apparel supplier serving individual graduates, families, schools, colleges, universities, faculty members, and educational organizations.
Depending on current availability, relevant product categories may include:
- High school graduation caps and gowns
- Bachelor’s graduation regalia
- Master’s graduation regalia
- Doctoral graduation regalia
- Faculty academic regalia
- Graduation caps and tassels
- Academic hoods
- Doctoral tams
- Graduation stoles and sashes
- Honor cords
- Diploma covers
- Graduation accessories
- Bulk graduation apparel
Before ordering, compare the product specifications with your institution’s official academic dress requirements.
Buyers should verify current availability, size options, approved colors, prices, shipping estimates, and applicable return policies.
Independent Supplier Disclosure
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent graduation apparel supplier and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by or officially authorized by any school, college, university, educational organization or government agency unless an actual relationship exists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Regalia
What is included in graduation regalia?
Depending on the institution and degree, regalia may include a gown, cap, tassel, academic hood, and approved accessories.
Is a graduation cap and gown enough for commencement?
Not always. Some graduates need academic hoods, specific headwear, or other required components.
How do I know which graduation gown I need?
Review your institution’s official academic dress requirements.
Do bachelor’s graduates need academic hoods?
Requirements vary. Do not assume a hood is required or prohibited without checking your institution’s rules.
Do master’s graduates need hoods?
Many master’s programs use academic hoods, but requirements depend on the institution and degree.
Do doctoral graduates need tams?
Some institutions approve or require doctoral tams, while others specify mortarboards or other headwear.
What is the difference between a master’s and doctoral gown?
They may differ in construction, design, and approved accessories. Exact specifications depend on institutional requirements.
What side should my tassel be on?
Follow your school’s official tassel placement instructions.
Can I wear graduation honor cords?
Only wear cords permitted by your institution.
Can I wear a graduation stole?
Check your school’s accessory policy and any organizational authorization requirements.
How do I choose the correct graduation gown size?
Use the manufacturer’s official size chart and required measurements.
Can I buy graduation regalia outside my university?
Policies vary. Confirm whether approved outside suppliers are permitted.
How early should I order graduation regalia?
Follow your institution’s ordering deadlines and confirmed supplier fulfillment estimates.
How do I remove wrinkles from my graduation gown?
Follow the garment care label and use only approved fabric care methods.
How should I wear an academic hood?
Follow your institution’s official instructions, especially for hooding ceremonies.
What if my graduation package is missing an accessory?
Contact the supplier promptly and review applicable replacement or return policies.
What should I wear underneath graduation regalia?
Choose appropriate, comfortable clothing that meets the institution’s dress code.
Can schools purchase graduation regalia in bulk?
Yes. Educational organizations may coordinate group orders with suppliers offering suitable products.
How should I store my graduation regalia?
Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and store garments in suitable conditions.
What is the most important graduation regalia checklist item?
Confirm your institution’s exact requirements before purchasing any academic apparel.
Ultimate Graduation Regalia Checklist Before Commencement
Academic Requirements
- Confirm graduation eligibility.
- Review official academic dress rules.
- Verify approved regalia suppliers.
- Confirm required gown style.
- Confirm gown color.
- Verify degree-level specifications.
Graduation Gown
- Select the correct academic gown.
- Review the manufacturer size chart.
- Confirm required measurements.
- Order the correct size.
- Inspect the delivered gown.
- Try on the gown.
- Prepare the fabric according to its care label.
Graduation Cap and Tassel
- Confirm approved headwear.
- Check cap size and fit.
- Verify tassel color.
- Confirm tassel attachment.
- Review tassel placement instructions.
- Check cap decoration rules.
Master’s and Doctoral Accessories
- Confirm academic hood requirements.
- Verify hood style and colors.
- Check doctoral gown specifications.
- Confirm approved doctoral headwear.
- Review hooding ceremony procedures.
Graduation Recognition Accessories
- Confirm stole eligibility.
- Verify approved stole design.
- Confirm honor cord eligibility.
- Check approved cord colors.
- Inspect all accessories.
Final Outfit Preparation
- Choose appropriate under-gown clothing.
- Select comfortable shoes.
- Try on the complete outfit.
- Check garment comfort and movement.
- Organize all regalia components.
- Prepare items for transportation.
Graduation Day
- Wear the approved academic Doctoral gown.
- Bring required headwear.
- Attach the tassel correctly.
- Bring the academic hood if required.
- Wear only approved accessories.
- Follow institutional dressing instructions.
- Arrive by the required check-in time.
- Participate in commencement.
- Celebrate your achievement.
Arrive at Commencement With Every Regalia Essential Ready
Graduation regalia is an important part of the commencement tradition, but the required garments and accessories vary by institution and academic level.
Whether you are graduating from high school, earning a bachelor’s degree, completing a master’s program, or receiving a doctorate, preparing your academic dress in advance can help avoid unnecessary problems.
Start by confirming your institution’s requirements, select the correct garments, review sizing information, inspect your order, and prepare your complete outfit before the ceremony.
Use this ultimate graduation regalia checklist to make sure every cap, gown, tassel, hood, and approved accessory is ready before you walk across the stage.
