A doctoral graduation ceremony looks different from many undergraduate commencements for an important reason: doctoral academic regalia often contains some of the most distinctive elements of traditional academic dress.
Instead of simply wearing a graduation gown and mortarboard, a PhD graduate may wear a doctoral gown with velvet details, an academic hood, a doctoral tam or other approved headwear, and a tassel.
But exactly what does a PhD graduate wear?
The answer depends on the degree-granting institution and its academic-dress requirements. Although there are widely recognized traditions associated with doctoral regalia, universities can establish their own gown designs, colors, hoods, headwear and commencement policies.
This guide breaks doctoral regalia down piece by piece so graduates and families can understand the gown, velvet bars, academic hood, tam, tassel and other elements commonly seen at doctoral commencement ceremonies.
What Is Doctoral Regalia?
Doctoral regalia is the academic dress worn by recipients of doctoral-level degrees at commencement, hooding ceremonies and certain other formal academic events.
A doctoral ensemble may include:
- Doctoral graduation gown
- Doctoral academic hood
- Doctoral tam or another approved academic cap
- Tassel
- Authorized academic or recognition accessories
The exact combination varies by university and degree.
What Does a PhD Graduate Typically Wear?
In many U.S. academic traditions, a PhD graduate can be recognized by several visual elements.
The graduate may wear a doctoral gown featuring velvet front facings and velvet sleeve bars, a doctoral-level academic hood, and a tam or other approved academic headwear.
These characteristics help distinguish doctoral academic dress from bachelor’s and master’s regalia.
However, they should be treated as general characteristics rather than a universal specification for every institution.
1. The Doctoral Graduation Gown
The doctoral gown is the foundation of the ensemble.
While bachelor’s and master’s gowns can sometimes appear relatively simple, doctoral gowns commonly incorporate more visible decorative and degree-level details.
Depending on the institution, these can include:
- Velvet front facings
- Velvet sleeve bars
- Fuller gown construction
- Distinctive sleeves
- Decorative piping
- Institutional colors
- Custom embroidery or trim
What Are the Velvet Panels on a Doctoral Gown?
Many doctoral gowns feature velvet facings running vertically down the front.
These create one of the most recognizable differences between many doctoral gowns and simpler degree-level gowns.
The exact width, material, color and construction can vary by garment and institution.
What Are the Velvet Bars on Doctoral Sleeves?
Another recognizable feature of many doctoral gowns is a series of velvet bars across the sleeves.
Traditional doctoral gown designs commonly display three velvet bars on each sleeve.
These bars are associated with doctoral-level academic dress and make the gown visually distinguishable from many bachelor’s and master’s styles.
Why Are There Three Bars on a Doctoral Gown?
The three sleeve bars are a traditional design feature associated with doctoral gowns.
They should not be interpreted as three separate degrees, honors or academic rankings.
The details of the gown should still follow the graduate’s institution.
What Color Is a PhD Gown?
There is no single gown color used by every PhD graduate.
Black doctoral gowns are widely recognized, but universities may use institution-specific doctoral apparel in other colors.
A graduate could encounter:
- Traditional black doctoral gowns
- School-colored doctoral gowns
- Custom institutional gowns
- Gowns with contrasting velvet
- Gowns with decorative piping or trim
Do not select a doctoral gown solely by looking at the university’s general brand or athletics colors.
Black Velvet vs. Colored Velvet
Doctoral gowns may use black velvet or other approved velvet colors depending on the degree and institution.
When colored velvet is offered, graduates should not assume that every available color is appropriate for their degree.
Academic-dress requirements should determine the selection.
Doctoral Gown vs. Master’s Gown
A doctoral gown is not simply a more expensive version of a master’s gown.
The two represent different academic levels and commonly use different construction.
Master’s gowns often have distinctive graduate-level sleeves, while doctoral gowns commonly incorporate velvet facings and sleeve bars.
Exact designs vary, but the degree-level distinction is important.
Can a PhD Graduate Wear a Master’s Gown?
A graduate should not assume that a previous master’s gown can be used for a doctoral commencement.
Even if both garments are black, the doctoral gown may require different sleeves, velvet details, fabric or institution-specific construction.
Follow the doctoral requirements provided by the university.
2. The Doctoral Academic Hood
The academic hood is one of the most meaningful visual components of doctoral regalia.
It is worn over the shoulders and extends down the graduate’s back.
Depending on the academic-dress tradition used by the institution, different portions of the hood can communicate information about the degree and degree-granting institution.
What Does a Doctoral Hood Look Like?
A doctoral academic hood generally includes several visible components.
These can include:
- An outer shell
- An interior lining
- Velvet or similar edging
- Doctoral-level hood construction
The combination creates the distinctive appearance visible from behind the graduate.
What Does the Inside of the Academic Hood Represent?
In academic-dress systems using institutional lining colors, the interior lining can identify the degree-granting institution.
The lining may contain one or more colors arranged in a specific pattern.
This is why two doctoral graduates in otherwise similar black gowns can have very different-looking hoods.
Is the Hood Lining Just the University’s School Colors?
Do not assume so.
An institution’s academic hood specification may not be something that can be accurately recreated simply by looking at its website, athletics uniforms or logo.
Use the institution’s academic-regalia specification.
What Does the Velvet Edge of a Doctoral Hood Mean?
In commonly referenced U.S. academic-dress traditions, the velvet or similar edging can be associated with the academic discipline represented by the degree.
Traditional discipline-color associations exist, but they should not be used as a universal ordering chart.
The degree-granting institution should confirm the appropriate hood specification.
Why Do Doctoral Hoods Have Different Colors?
Different colors can appear because the hood may communicate more than one piece of academic information.
One portion can relate to the institution, while another can relate to the academic discipline.
Institution-specific practices can also create additional variation.
Does Every PhD Graduate Wear Dark Blue?
No universal rule should be assumed from the letters “PhD” alone.
Dark blue has a traditional association with philosophy in commonly referenced academic color systems, but universities and doctoral programs can have specific requirements.
Graduates should confirm their actual hood and gown specifications rather than selecting colors solely from a general chart.
What About Professional Doctorates?
Not every doctoral graduate earns a Doctor of Philosophy.
Doctoral education includes a variety of research, professional and applied degrees.
Depending on the institution, doctoral programs may exist in areas such as:
- Education
- Business
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Law
- Science
- Professional practice
- Other specialized disciplines
The correct academic dress should be based on the actual degree and institution.
What If a Doctoral Degree Combines Multiple Disciplines?
Modern doctoral programs can be interdisciplinary.
A degree might combine areas such as leadership, technology, healthcare, education, policy or management.
The graduate should not choose a hood color by deciding which subject seems closest.
The university should identify the appropriate academic-dress classification.
3. The Doctoral Tam
The doctoral tam is another feature commonly associated with doctoral academic dress.
Unlike the rigid square shape of the familiar mortarboard, a tam typically has a softer construction and rounded appearance.
Do All PhD Graduates Wear a Tam?
No.
A doctoral tam may be customary or required at one institution while another institution permits or requires a different form of academic headwear.
Follow the commencement instructions for your degree.
What Is a Doctoral Tam Made Of?
Doctoral tams are often available in velvet or velvet-like materials designed to coordinate with formal doctoral regalia.
Product materials vary, so check the actual item specifications when purchasing.
How Many Sides Does a Doctoral Tam Have?
Doctoral tams can be manufactured in several configurations.
You may encounter products described as:
- Four-sided tams
- Six-sided tams
- Eight-sided tams
The number of sides should not automatically be interpreted as an academic ranking.
Use the headwear required or permitted by your institution.
Does an Eight-Sided Tam Mean a Higher Degree?
Not inherently.
All of these products can be forms of academic headwear. A graduate should not select a tam simply because a higher number sounds more prestigious.
Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard
A mortarboard has a rigid square top, while a tam typically uses a softer crown.
Both may appear in academic settings, but doctoral graduates should follow their institution’s requirements rather than treating them as automatically interchangeable.
How Should a Doctoral Tam Fit?
The tam should sit securely enough to remain comfortable during the ceremony without feeling excessively tight.
Depending on the product, sizing may be:
- Adjustable
- Based on head circumference
- Available in multiple sizes
Follow the specific manufacturer’s sizing instructions.
4. The Doctoral Tassel
A tassel typically attaches to the doctoral tam, mortarboard or other compatible academic headwear.
It may be included with the cap or sold separately.
What Color Tassel Does a PhD Graduate Wear?
Gold-colored tassels are commonly associated with doctoral regalia, but there is no reason to assume one tassel specification applies to every institution.
Check your university’s requirements.
Does a Doctoral Tassel Need a Graduation-Year Charm?
A year charm may be offered with some tassels, but it is not necessarily required.
Treat it as a product or institutional detail rather than a universal part of doctoral academic dress.
Which Side Does a Doctoral Tassel Go On?
Tassel placement and movement traditions can vary among institutions and ceremonies.
Some ceremonies may provide specific instructions about where the tassel begins or whether it is moved at all.
Follow the directions given by your institution or ceremony staff.
5. Doctoral Stoles and Honor Cords
Some doctoral graduates may also be authorized to wear recognition accessories.
These can include:
- Honor cords
- Organization cords
- Academic stoles
- Cultural or affinity stoles
- Medallions
- Other recognized accessories
Permission and eligibility vary by institution.
Is a Doctoral Hood the Same as a Graduation Stole?
No.
An academic hood is part of degree-level academic dress.
A stole is a separate accessory that can represent an organization, recognition, identity, program or other approved distinction depending on the institution.
A stole should not be used as a substitute for a required doctoral hood.
Are Honor Cords Part of Standard PhD Regalia?
Not automatically.
Cords are typically recognition accessories rather than the element that identifies a garment as doctoral regalia.
Wear them only when eligible and permitted.
6. Clothing Worn Under Doctoral Regalia
Academic regalia is worn over regular clothing.
Your university may provide ceremony-specific dress recommendations.
When choosing what to wear underneath, consider:
- Weather
- Indoor or outdoor ceremony
- Walking distance
- Stage stairs
- Gown fabric
- Length of ceremony
- Professional appearance
- Comfort
Remember That Doctoral Gowns Can Be Warm
Doctoral gowns may contain more fabric and trim than simpler graduation gowns.
For warm-weather ceremonies, consider breathable clothing underneath when consistent with the event’s dress expectations.
Choose Shoes for the Entire Graduation Day
Doctoral commencement can involve much more walking and standing than the few minutes spent crossing the stage.
You may walk through:
- Campus
- Parking areas
- Processional routes
- Stairs
- Stages
- Photography locations
Choose footwear accordingly.
7. The Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
Many doctoral graduates participate in a hooding ceremony or a commencement process that includes formal hooding.
The details vary considerably among institutions.
Do You Wear the Hood Before the Ceremony?
That depends on the event.
At some ceremonies, graduates may arrive with the hood already arranged.
At others, the hood is presented or placed on the graduate during the ceremony.
Follow your university’s instructions.
How Is a Doctoral Graduate Hooded?
The exact procedure can vary.
A faculty adviser, program representative, dean or another designated academic official may participate in the hooding process.
Graduates should follow the ceremony rehearsal and instructions rather than relying on procedures from another university.
Why Is the Hooding Ceremony Significant?
The academic hood visually identifies the graduate’s doctoral achievement and academic affiliation within the traditions used by the institution.
For many graduates, receiving or wearing the doctoral hood is one of the most recognizable moments of the ceremony.
8. PhD Regalia vs. Other Doctoral Regalia
“PhD regalia” and “doctoral regalia” are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, but they are not always identical concepts.
A PhD is one type of doctoral degree.
Other doctoral-level degrees may have their own academic-dress specifications.
For that reason, a product marketed for “PhD graduates” should still be checked against the requirements of the actual degree being awarded.
9. Doctoral Regalia vs. Master’s Regalia
Understanding the basic differences can help graduates avoid ordering the wrong degree-level apparel.
Master’s Regalia May Include
- Master’s gown
- Academic hood
- Mortarboard or approved headwear
- Tassel
Doctoral Regalia May Include
- Doctoral gown with degree-level construction
- Velvet front facings
- Velvet sleeve bars
- Doctoral academic hood
- Doctoral tam or other approved headwear
- Tassel
The actual specifications remain institution-specific.
10. Doctoral Regalia vs. Bachelor’s Regalia
Bachelor’s academic dress is generally less elaborate than doctoral academic dress.
A bachelor’s ensemble commonly centers on a bachelor’s gown, mortarboard and tassel, with other components depending on the institution.
Doctoral academic dress typically has additional degree-level visual features and commonly includes a doctoral hood.
Can You Tell a Graduate’s Degree Level From the Gown?
Often, degree-level gown construction provides useful clues.
Sleeves, velvet facings and sleeve bars can help distinguish academic levels.
However, institution-specific regalia can differ enough that appearance alone should not be used to determine someone’s exact degree.
11. Traditional Doctoral Regalia vs. Custom University Regalia
One of the biggest differences graduates may encounter is between traditional-style doctoral regalia and custom institutional regalia.
Traditional-Style Doctoral Regalia
This may use familiar black gown construction with traditional doctoral design elements.
Custom University Doctoral Regalia
This may incorporate:
- University-specific gown colors
- Distinctive velvet
- Custom piping
- Institutional embroidery
- Special fabric
- Unique headwear
If custom regalia is required, a generic doctoral gown may not be an acceptable substitute.
12. What Does a Doctoral Graduate Wear for Graduation Photos?
For formal doctoral portraits, graduates often want the degree-level elements of the ensemble visible.
Depending on the university and photographer, photographs may emphasize:
- Doctoral gown
- Velvet sleeve bars
- Academic hood
- Doctoral tam
- Tassel
- Diploma or diploma cover
Show the Hood in Some Photographs
Because much of an academic hood’s visual detail appears on the back, consider taking photographs from multiple angles.
A three-quarter or rear-facing portrait can display the hood in ways that a straight-on photograph cannot.
Use the Doctoral Sleeve Bars in Portraits
The velvet sleeve bars are another recognizable doctoral design feature.
Portraits with the graduate’s arms naturally positioned can help make these details visible.
13. How Should Doctoral Regalia Fit?
Academic gowns are intentionally loose, but the gown should still correspond to the graduate’s appropriate size range.
Check:
- Shoulder placement
- Sleeve positioning
- Chest room
- Overall length
- Comfort while walking
- Comfort while sitting
Do Not Use Everyday Clothing Size Alone
Graduation gown sizing may be based on height, weight, chest measurement or another manufacturer-specific system.
Use the size chart for the actual doctoral gown.
14. What Should Future Professors Know About Doctoral Regalia?
A doctoral graduate entering higher education may eventually wear academic regalia again.
Faculty can participate in formal academic ceremonies where appropriate academic dress is used.
Someone anticipating repeated use may consider:
- Comfort
- Durability
- Fabric
- Construction quality
- Long-term fit
- Storage
Future institutional requirements can still differ.
15. Should You Buy or Rent Doctoral Regalia?
Both can be reasonable depending on your circumstances.
Buying May Be Worth Considering If:
- You want to keep the regalia
- You expect future academic use
- You want access to it for photographs
- Compatible regalia is available for purchase
Rental May Be Worth Considering If:
- Your institution offers a convenient rental program
- The regalia is highly specialized
- You expect to wear it once
- Purchasing the required custom apparel is not practical for your needs
16. Doctoral Regalia Checklist
Before graduation, verify that you have everything required by your institution.
- Doctoral gown
- Correct velvet details
- Doctoral academic hood
- Correct hood lining
- Correct hood edging
- Doctoral tam or approved cap
- Correct tassel
- Authorized cords or stoles if applicable
- Appropriate clothing underneath
- Comfortable ceremony footwear
17. Try Everything On Before Commencement
Do a complete dress rehearsal.
Put on the clothing and shoes you plan to wear, then add your doctoral regalia.
Check:
- Gown length
- Sleeve placement
- Velvet alignment
- Hood arrangement
- Tam fit
- Tassel placement
- Authorized accessories
Take Front, Side and Back Photographs
Photographs can reveal issues that are difficult to see in a mirror.
The back photograph is particularly useful for checking the academic hood.
18. Common PhD Regalia Mistakes
- Assuming every doctoral gown is the same
- Ordering a master’s gown instead of a doctoral gown
- Choosing velvet color only by preference
- Guessing hood colors
- Using university athletics colors to create a hood
- Assuming every PhD hood is identical
- Confusing a stole with an academic hood
- Assuming every doctoral graduate needs the same tam
- Assuming an eight-sided tam represents a higher degree
- Buying accessories without checking whether they are permitted
- Waiting until graduation morning to try on the complete ensemble
Doctoral Graduation Regalia From Cap and Gown Outlet
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer serving individual graduates and qualifying group and institutional customers.
Depending on current product availability, doctoral and graduate academic apparel may include:
- Doctoral graduation gowns
- PhD graduation regalia
- Doctoral academic hoods
- Doctoral tams
- Graduation caps
- Graduation tassels
- Doctoral regalia packages
- Graduation stoles
- Honor and recognition cords
- Diploma covers
- Master’s graduation regalia
- Bachelor’s graduation regalia
Product designs, colors, fabrics, velvet options, hood configurations, sizes and package contents can vary.
Before ordering, compare the selected product with your degree-granting institution’s current academic-regalia requirements.
Independent Retailer Disclosure
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by or officially authorized by any college or university unless an actual relationship has been established.
The availability of a doctoral gown, hood, tam, tassel or particular color combination does not mean that the product is approved for a specific university, doctoral program or commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About What PhD Graduates Wear
What does a PhD graduate wear to graduation?
Depending on institutional requirements, a PhD graduate may wear a doctoral gown, doctoral academic hood, tam or other approved academic headwear, and tassel. Additional authorized accessories may also be worn.
What makes a PhD gown different?
Many doctoral gowns feature recognizable doctoral-level details such as velvet front facings and three velvet bars on each sleeve. Institution-specific designs can vary.
Why do doctoral gowns have three stripes?
The three velvet sleeve bars are a traditional visual feature associated with doctoral academic dress. They do not represent three individual degrees or honors.
Do PhD graduates wear a hood?
Academic hoods are commonly associated with doctoral regalia, but graduates should follow their institution’s ceremony requirements.
What does the doctoral hood represent?
In academic-dress systems using traditional hood conventions, different portions can communicate information related to the degree-granting institution and academic discipline.
What color is a PhD hood?
There is not one complete hood color that applies to every PhD graduate. Hood specifications can involve institutional lining colors and discipline-related edging. Verify the exact configuration with the university.
What kind of hat does a PhD graduate wear?
A doctoral tam is commonly associated with doctoral regalia, but some institutions may use or permit other academic headwear.
What is the difference between a doctoral tam and a mortarboard?
A mortarboard typically has a rigid square top. A doctoral tam generally has a softer crown and is available in different configurations.
Does a PhD graduate wear a gold tassel?
Gold-colored tassels are commonly seen with doctoral regalia, but graduates should verify their institution’s requirements.
Can a doctoral graduate wear a stole?
A stole may be permitted for certain recognitions or affiliations, but policies vary. It does not replace a required doctoral academic hood.
Can I wear my master’s gown for my PhD graduation?
Do not assume so. Master’s and doctoral gowns represent different academic levels and commonly use different construction.
Can PhD graduates wear their regalia again?
Potentially. Doctoral graduates who later participate in academic ceremonies as faculty or academic professionals may have opportunities to wear academic dress again, subject to the requirements of those events.
Do all universities use the same doctoral regalia?
No. Universities can use traditional-style academic dress, custom institutional regalia or other approved configurations.
How should a doctoral gown fit?
The gown should provide the intended academic drape while allowing comfortable walking, sitting and arm movement. Use the sizing instructions for the specific product.
Should I buy or rent PhD regalia?
Consider your university’s available options, total cost, whether the regalia is customized and whether you expect to wear academic dress again.
Understanding the Complete PhD Graduation Outfit
So, what does a PhD graduate wear?
The complete answer is more than “a cap and gown.”
Doctoral academic dress may combine a distinctive doctoral gown, academic hood, doctoral tam or other approved headwear, tassel and authorized recognition accessories.
The gown can identify the academic level through its construction and velvet details. The hood can display academic information through its lining and edging. The headwear and tassel complete the ensemble according to institutional tradition.
Yet the most important rule is simple: your degree-granting institution determines the academic regalia appropriate for your ceremony.
Use general doctoral traditions to understand what you are seeing, but use your university’s current specifications when deciding what to wear or purchase.
Once the gown, hood, tam and tassel are correctly coordinated, the result is one of the most recognizable forms of academic dress—a ceremonial ensemble representing the completion of advanced doctoral study.
