High school graduation is a major milestone, and the graduation cap and gown are an important part of the ceremony. Whether you are a student or parent purchasing one set or a school ordering for an entire senior class, choosing the right size, color, fabric finish, tassel, and accessories can make graduation preparation much easier. This high school graduation cap and gown buying guide covers the key details to check before ordering.
What Does a High School Graduation Cap and Gown Set Include?
A typical high school graduation set may include a graduation gown, mortarboard cap, and tassel. Some packages may also include a graduation-year charm or other accessories.Common Graduation Set Components
- High school graduation gown
- Mortarboard graduation cap
- Graduation tassel
- Graduation-year charm when included
Can You Buy Your Own High School Cap and Gown?
In many situations, students may be able to purchase graduation attire from a supplier other than the one promoted by their school. However, the school determines what graduates are permitted or required to wear during commencement. Before purchasing independently, verify the required gown color, fabric finish, cap style, tassel color, and any school-specific specifications.How to Choose the Correct Graduation Gown Size
Graduation gowns are often sized primarily according to height, although some manufacturers also consider weight, chest measurements, or body type.Measure Before Ordering
Use your current measurements and the size chart for the specific gown you plan to purchase. Do not assume that your everyday clothing size translates directly into a graduation gown size.Information You May Need
- Graduate’s height
- Weight when required by the size chart
- Chest measurement when applicable
- Additional sizing considerations for a fuller fit
How Should a High School Graduation Gown Fit?
A graduation gown is intentionally designed with a loose academic fit. It should provide enough room for comfortable movement and clothing underneath without creating unnecessary excess length. The exact finished length varies by manufacturer and size. Check the supplier’s size chart instead of relying on a universal gown-length rule.Try the Gown On Before Graduation
Once your gown arrives, put on the complete outfit you expect to wear during commencement. Walk, sit, raise your arms, and make sure you can move comfortably.Shiny vs. Matte High School Graduation Gowns
One important buying decision is whether you need a shiny or matte graduation gown. These finishes can look noticeably different even when the gowns are the same color.Shiny Graduation Gowns
Shiny gowns have a more reflective surface and can create a bright, traditional graduation appearance. Lighting can emphasize the fabric’s sheen in photographs.Matte Graduation Gowns
Matte gowns have a softer, less reflective finish. They can provide a more understated appearance and may produce fewer reflections under certain lighting conditions.Match Your School’s Requirement
If your graduating class is expected to have a coordinated appearance, verify the required finish before ordering. A matte navy gown, for example, may look noticeably different beside a shiny navy gown.Choosing the Correct Graduation Gown Color
High schools use many different graduation colors. Some use a single school color for all graduates, while others may use multiple approved colors.Popular High School Graduation Gown Colors
- Royal blue
- Navy blue
- Black
- White
- Red
- Maroon
- Green
- Purple
- Gold
How to Choose a Graduation Cap
The traditional high school graduation cap is a mortarboard with a flat square top. It should sit securely enough to remain in place while walking, sitting, and crossing the stage.Check the Cap Fit Before Commencement
Try on the cap before graduation day. Position it according to your school’s instructions and make sure the tassel attaches properly.Choosing the Right Graduation Tassel
Tassels are available in different colors and may include a graduation-year charm. Schools may require a particular tassel color or use colors connected with the school’s graduation attire. Before ordering, confirm whether the tassel is already included with the cap and gown set.Which Side Does the Tassel Go On?
Many commencement ceremonies include a tassel-turning tradition, but procedures vary by school. Graduates should follow the instructions provided by their high school regarding the starting position and when the tassel should be moved.What Should You Wear Under a High School Graduation Gown?
Your clothing should be comfortable, appropriate for the ceremony, and suitable for the weather. Parts of your outfit, particularly your neckline, lower legs, and shoes, may remain visible.Think About Ceremony Conditions
A graduation gown adds another layer of fabric. Lightweight clothing can be useful during warm outdoor ceremonies, while cooler conditions may require additional layers.Choose Comfortable Graduation Shoes
Graduates may spend significant time walking, standing in line, climbing stairs, and crossing a stage. Select footwear you can comfortably wear throughout the ceremony. If graduation is outdoors, consider grass, uneven ground, heat, or wet conditions when choosing shoes.What About Graduation Stoles and Honor Cords?
Some students may be authorized to wear graduation stoles, honor cords, medallions, or other recognition accessories. These can represent academic honors, organizations, programs, or other approved achievements. Schools establish their own policies regarding which accessories may be worn, so verify approval before purchasing or adding anything to your graduation outfit.Can You Decorate Your Graduation Cap?
Decorated graduation caps are permitted at some schools and restricted at others. If you want to personalize your mortarboard, review the school’s commencement policy first. When decoration is allowed, make sure additions do not interfere with the fit of the cap or create problems for nearby graduates.When Should You Buy a High School Cap and Gown?
Ordering early gives you more time to verify sizing, check the color and finish, inspect the package, and arrange an exchange if necessary. Processing and shipping times can vary during graduation season, so review current delivery estimates rather than waiting until shortly before commencement.After Your Graduation Set Arrives
- Verify the gown size
- Confirm the correct color
- Check shiny or matte finish
- Try on the graduation cap
- Locate the tassel
- Confirm the year charm when applicable
- Inspect all approved accessories
- Review the gown’s care instructions
Buying One Graduation Set vs. Ordering for a Senior Class
The purchasing process is different for an individual student and a school coordinating hundreds of graduates.Individual Graduation Orders
Students and parents should verify school specifications before buying and select the correct size using the product’s sizing information.Bulk High School Graduation Orders
Schools, districts, academies, charter schools, and graduation committees purchasing high school caps and gowns in bulk should create a clear ordering plan before collecting student information.High School Bulk Order Checklist
- Total number of graduating seniors
- Individual gown sizes
- Required gown color
- Shiny or matte finish
- Cap specifications
- Tassel color
- Graduation-year charm requirement
- Approved accessories
- Quantity of each size
- Ceremony date
- Required delivery date
Should Schools Order Extra Graduation Gowns?
Schools may want to consider keeping a limited number of additional sizes available for enrollment changes, sizing adjustments, or other unexpected needs. The appropriate quantity depends on the graduating class size, budget, and supplier policies.Common High School Cap and Gown Ordering Mistakes
- Ordering without checking school requirements
- Choosing a gown based only on everyday clothing size
- Ordering the wrong shade of a school color
- Confusing shiny and matte finishes
- Assuming the tassel is included
- Purchasing unapproved cords or stoles
- Not trying on the cap and gown beforehand
- Waiting until the last minute to order
How to Prepare Your Graduation Gown
Graduation gowns may develop folds while packaged. Remove the gown from its package before commencement and allow it to hang. If additional wrinkle removal is necessary, follow the garment’s care instructions and avoid assuming that high heat is safe for the fabric.High School Graduation Photo Tips
Before taking photographs, straighten your gown, position the cap properly, arrange the tassel, and center any approved cords or stoles.Graduation Photo Ideas
- Traditional cap and gown portrait
- Full-length graduation photograph
- Photo holding a diploma or diploma cover
- Picture beside the school sign
- Family graduation portrait
- Group photo with classmates
- Close-up of tassel and honor accessories
- Celebration photo after commencement
High School Graduation Day Checklist
- Graduation gown
- Mortarboard cap
- Tassel
- Graduation-year charm when applicable
- Approved honor cords or stole
- Comfortable ceremony outfit
- Comfortable shoes
- Tickets and identification when required
- Any materials requested by the school
