A master’s academic hood is one of the most distinctive parts of graduate-level academic regalia. It adds color and dimension to the graduation outfit and can represent academic information associated with the graduate’s degree and institution.
It is also one of the pieces of graduation regalia that can be confusing the first time you wear it.
Which end goes in front? Where should the hood rest? How should the colored lining be displayed? What are the cords or loops for? And what should you do if your university plans to place the hood on you during a hooding ceremony?
This step-by-step guide explains how to prepare, position and wear a master’s hood while also identifying situations where your college or university’s instructions should take priority.
First: Follow Your University’s Hooding Instructions
Before arranging your academic hood, check the instructions supplied by your college, university or graduate program.
Academic hood designs and commencement procedures can vary.
Your institution may:
- Ask you to arrive already wearing your hood
- Require you to carry the hood into the ceremony
- Place the hood on you during a hooding ceremony
- Provide instructions for arranging the lining
- Use staff or faculty members to help graduates with their regalia
If your institution provides specific instructions, follow those instructions rather than relying solely on a general guide.
What Is a Master’s Academic Hood?
A master’s hood is a component of graduate academic dress worn with the master’s gown.
Although it is called a “hood,” modern academic hoods are generally displayed down the graduate’s back rather than worn over the head.
The garment can include:
- An outer shell
- A colored lining
- Velvet or other edging depending on the hood design
- A narrow front section
- Loops, cords or attachment features depending on construction
Make Sure You Have the Correct Hood Before Wearing It
Proper placement cannot correct an incorrectly selected academic hood.
Before commencement, verify that you received the hood specified for your degree and institution.
Check:
- Degree information
- Hood style
- Required colors
- Institutional specifications
- Condition of the hood
If you are uncertain whether you have the correct hood, contact your institution before the ceremony.
Do Not Select a Master’s Hood by Color Alone
Students sometimes assume that a hood should simply match their university’s general school colors.
Academic hood specifications can involve more than ordinary institutional branding.
Use the requirements supplied by your college or university rather than choosing a hood solely because its colors look appropriate.
Before You Put On the Hood: Get Dressed in the Correct Order
Preparing your academic outfit in a logical order can make the hood easier to arrange.
A practical sequence is:
- Put on your planned commencement clothing.
- Put on your master’s graduation gown.
- Zip or close the gown as intended.
- Arrange the collar and shoulders.
- Put on the academic hood if you are expected to wear it before the ceremony.
- Add authorized stoles or cords according to your institution’s instructions.
- Put on your graduation cap.
- Arrange your tassel as directed by your institution.
If your school conducts a hooding ceremony, you may be instructed not to put the hood on yourself beforehand.
Step 1: Identify the Front and Back of the Master’s Hood
Before placing the hood over your head, take a moment to examine its shape.
The hood generally has a narrower section that comes toward the front of the body and a larger portion designed to extend down the back.
Hold the hood in front of you and identify:
- The narrow neck opening
- The longer rear portion
- The colored lining
- The outer shell
- Any loops, cords or attachment features
Understanding the construction before putting it on can prevent twisting.
Step 2: Make Sure the Hood Is Not Inside Out
Before placing the hood over your head, check that the garment is oriented correctly.
The outer shell should form the exterior portion of the hood, while the lining should be arranged according to the intended academic display.
If the entire hood looks reversed or twisted, straighten it before proceeding.
Step 3: Place the Hood Over Your Head
If your institution expects you to arrive wearing the hood, carefully lower the neck opening over your head.
The narrow portion should come around the neck area while the larger portion falls down your back.
Try not to twist the hood as you lower it into position.
Step 4: Center the Hood at the Back
Once the hood is over your head, allow the larger section to fall naturally down the center of your back.
Check that it is not:
- Pulled dramatically to one side
- Twisted
- Bunched behind your neck
- Trapped beneath the gown collar
The hood should appear balanced when viewed from behind.
Step 5: Position the Front Section
Arrange the narrow front portion so that the hood sits comfortably around the neck and upper chest area according to its construction.
Some hoods have a loop, cord or another feature intended to help keep the front section in position.
Use only the attachment method appropriate for your particular hood.
Step 6: Secure the Front Loop If Your Hood Has One
Some academic hoods include a small loop or cord near the front.
Depending on the design, this may help prevent the hood from moving backward or pressing against the neck.
Possible attachment points can vary with the garment and gown.
Do not force a loop onto a button or zipper component unless that is how your particular hood is designed to be worn.
Why the Front Attachment Matters
A hood can naturally pull toward the back because much of its fabric hangs behind the graduate.
When the hood includes an appropriate front attachment, securing it as intended can help:
- Keep the neckline positioned correctly
- Reduce backward movement
- Improve comfort
- Maintain a balanced appearance
Step 7: Arrange the Back of the Hood
Now focus on the larger portion hanging down your back.
Smooth the fabric so that it is not folded into an unintended bundle.
The hood should hang naturally over the master’s gown.
This is much easier with another person helping you because you cannot clearly see the back while wearing it.
Step 8: Display the Hood Lining Properly
Many academic hoods are intended to display their colored lining rather than leaving all of the lining hidden inside.
The exact arrangement depends on the hood’s construction and your institution’s instructions.
Generally, the rear portion is arranged so the intended lining colors are visible while the hood continues to sit neatly against the gown.
Do Not Completely Turn the Hood Inside Out
Displaying the lining does not usually mean reversing the entire hood.
The goal is to arrange the rear portion according to its intended construction so that the appropriate interior colors can be seen.
If you are unsure how your specific hood should be turned or folded, ask your university’s commencement staff for assistance.
Step 9: Check the Hood From Behind
This is one of the most useful steps.
Ask another person to stand behind you and check:
- Is the hood centered?
- Is the lining visible as intended?
- Is the fabric twisted?
- Is one side significantly higher than the other?
- Is the hood lying smoothly?
- Is the neckline comfortable?
A mirror can help, but another person can usually identify a twisted hood more easily.
Step 10: Check the Hood From the Front
Look in a mirror and check the neckline.
The front portion should not appear unnecessarily bulky or severely off-center.
Make sure the hood is not pulling so tightly against your neck that it becomes uncomfortable.
Step 11: Walk, Sit and Stand While Wearing the Hood
Do not evaluate the hood only while standing still in front of a mirror.
Before commencement:
- Walk across the room
- Sit down
- Stand up
- Turn your shoulders
- Move your arms naturally
Then check whether the hood remains reasonably positioned.
Step 12: Recheck the Hood Before Photographs
Academic hoods can shift after sitting, walking or putting on other accessories.
Before graduation portraits or family photographs, ask someone to check the back again.
A quick adjustment can make a noticeable difference in photographs.
How Should the Master’s Hood Look From the Front?
From the front, the hood should generally appear neat around the neck and upper gown area without dominating the entire outfit.
Most of the distinctive hood display is visible from behind.
If the hood appears heavily twisted or uneven from the front, check the back as well.
How Should the Master’s Hood Look From the Back?
From behind, the larger portion of the hood should generally:
- Hang down the center of the gown
- Remain reasonably symmetrical
- Display the intended lining according to its design
- Avoid obvious twisting
- Remain free of accidental folds
Exact appearance varies according to hood construction.
Should the Hood Go Over or Under a Graduation Stole?
This depends on the academic-dress instructions established by your institution and the types of accessories being worn.
If both a master’s hood and stole are authorized, check how the university wants them arranged.
Do not assume that a stole can replace an academic hood.
Can You Wear Honor Cords With a Master’s Hood?
Possibly, when you are eligible and the institution permits them.
Because multiple accessories can crowd the neckline, it is useful to try on the complete outfit before graduation day.
Follow your institution’s guidance concerning the arrangement of cords, stoles and the academic hood.
What Happens During a Master’s Hooding Ceremony?
Some universities or graduate programs include a formal hooding component.
Instead of arriving with the hood already positioned on your shoulders, graduates may be instructed to carry the hood until it is placed during the ceremony.
Procedures vary considerably.
If You Are Told to Carry the Hood
Follow the program’s specific instructions regarding:
- How the hood should be folded
- Which arm or hand should carry it
- When it should be handed to faculty or staff
- Where you should stand
- Whether you should bend or turn during hooding
Do not put the hood on before the ceremony if your program specifically tells graduates to carry it.
If Faculty Will Hood You
Listen carefully to the ceremony instructions.
The person placing the hood may need you to stand in a particular position so the garment can be lowered over your head or arranged appropriately.
Avoid making your own last-second adjustments until the hooding process is complete.
What If You Are Much Taller Than the Person Hooding You?
Some ceremonies provide instructions for graduates to slightly lower their height or position themselves to make hood placement easier.
Follow the procedure established by your institution rather than improvising on stage.
Should You Put the Hood On Before Your Graduation Cap?
If you are dressing yourself before the ceremony, it can be easier to arrange the hood before putting on the mortarboard.
This reduces the chance of knocking the cap out of position while lowering the hood over your head.
If your institution uses a formal hooding ceremony, however, the sequence may be different.
Can You Wear the Hood Over Long Hair?
Yes, but consider how your hairstyle interacts with the neckline and the back of the hood.
Long hair can sometimes cover part of the academic hood or make it harder to see whether the hood is twisted.
After arranging your hair, ask someone to check the hood from behind.
What If the Hood Keeps Sliding Back?
First check whether the hood includes a front attachment feature and whether you are using it correctly.
Also check whether:
- The hood is twisted
- The front is positioned incorrectly
- The rear fabric is unevenly distributed
- An authorized accessory is interfering with the neckline
If the hood still does not sit correctly, ask commencement staff or the regalia supplier for guidance specific to the product.
What If the Hood Looks Too Bulky?
Excess bulk can sometimes result from twisting, incorrect orientation or the lining being arranged improperly.
Remove the hood, lay it flat and identify the front, back, outer shell and lining again.
Then put it on carefully from the beginning.
Should You Use Safety Pins?
Do not automatically pin academic regalia.
Pins can damage fabric, leave visible holes or interfere with a rental return.
If additional securing is necessary, first check your institution’s or supplier’s instructions.
Can You Iron a Master’s Hood?
Do not apply high heat without checking the care instructions.
Academic regalia can contain synthetic fabrics or multiple materials that react differently to heat.
If the hood arrives wrinkled, follow the manufacturer’s recommended care method.
How to Store the Hood Before Graduation
Avoid leaving the hood tightly compressed in shipping packaging until the morning of commencement.
After receiving it:
- Inspect it
- Confirm it is the correct hood
- Review care instructions
- Allow appropriate time for shipping folds to relax
- Store it in a clean, dry location
Practice Wearing Your Hood Before Graduation Day
A practice fitting can prevent confusion on commencement morning.
Put on:
- Your planned ceremony clothing
- Your master’s gown
- Your academic hood
- Your approved stoles or cords
- Your graduation cap
- Your tassel
Then take front and back photographs.
Photographs can reveal twists and uneven placement that are difficult to notice in a mirror.
Common Master’s Hood Mistakes
Wearing the Hood Backward
Identify the narrow front and larger rear portion before putting it on.
Leaving the Hood Twisted
Straighten the hood before placing it over your head and check the back afterward.
Hiding the Entire Lining
Many hood designs are intended to display the lining in a particular way. Follow your institution’s or product-specific instructions.
Turning the Entire Hood Inside Out
Displaying the lining does not normally mean reversing the complete garment.
Letting the Hood Pull Against the Neck
Check the front attachment and overall positioning.
Choosing a Hood Based Only on School Colors
Verify the correct academic hood for your degree and institution.
Putting the Hood On Before a Formal Hooding Ceremony
If your program instructs you to carry the hood, follow that process.
Waiting Until Graduation Morning to Practice
Try on the complete academic outfit beforehand.
Master’s Hood Step-by-Step Quick Checklist
- Verify that you have the correct academic hood.
- Read your institution’s hooding instructions.
- Put on your master’s gown.
- Identify the front and back of the hood.
- Check that the hood is not twisted or inside out.
- Place it carefully over your head if instructed to wear it beforehand.
- Center the larger portion down your back.
- Arrange the front neckline.
- Use the hood’s attachment feature if applicable.
- Arrange the rear lining according to the hood design.
- Ask another person to check the back.
- Walk, sit and stand to test the placement.
- Add authorized accessories according to school instructions.
- Put on your cap and arrange the tassel.
- Recheck the hood before photographs and the ceremony.
Master’s Hood Photo-Day Checklist
Before graduation photographs, check:
- Hood centered
- No obvious twisting
- Lining arranged correctly
- Front neckline neat
- Gown fully arranged
- Authorized stole positioned correctly
- Eligible cords arranged neatly
- Cap secure
- Tassel positioned according to instructions
Buying a Master’s Academic Hood Online
If your institution permits independently purchased academic regalia, master’s hoods may be available through academic-regalia retailers.
Before ordering, obtain the required specifications from your institution.
Check the product listing for:
- Degree-level suitability
- Hood construction
- Available specifications
- Color information
- Processing time
- Shipping information
- Return or exchange terms
Do Not Assume a Hood Is Included With Your Master’s Regalia Package
Some master’s cap and gown packages include only:
- Master’s gown
- Graduation cap
- Tassel
The academic hood may need to be ordered separately.
Always review the package contents before checkout.
Master’s Academic Hoods From Cap and Gown Outlet
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer offering graduation products for individual graduates and qualifying group and institutional customers.
Depending on current product availability, graduation merchandise may include:
- Master’s graduation gowns
- Academic hoods
- Graduation caps
- Graduation tassels
- Master’s graduation sets
- Graduation stoles
- Honor and recognition cords
- Diploma covers
- Other graduation accessories
Academic hood specifications, colors and availability vary. Graduates should verify the correct hood and other academic-regalia requirements with their college or university before purchasing independently.
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 an academic hood does not establish that it is approved for a particular institution, degree program or commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wearing a Master’s Hood
Which way does a master’s hood go?
The narrower portion generally sits toward the front neckline while the larger portion extends down the back. Because designs vary, follow the instructions for your specific hood and institution.
Does a master’s hood go over your head?
When putting on many academic hoods, the neck opening is lowered over the head so the larger portion can rest down the back. However, graduates participating in a formal hooding ceremony may be instructed to carry the hood instead.
Do you actually wear the academic hood over your head?
Despite its name, the modern academic hood is generally displayed down the back rather than worn over the head during commencement.
How should the colored lining of a master’s hood show?
The rear portion is typically arranged so the intended lining is visible according to the hood’s construction. Follow your institution’s or supplier’s instructions for the specific hood.
Should a master’s hood be pinned to the gown?
Do not automatically use pins. Some hoods have their own attachment features. Check the instructions before using anything that could damage the fabric.
Does the master’s hood go over or under a stole?
Arrangement can vary according to institutional rules. If both are authorized, follow your college or university’s academic-dress instructions.
Can you wear honor cords with a master’s hood?
Possibly, if you are eligible and your institution permits them. Check commencement rules and arrange all approved pieces before the ceremony.
Do you wear your master’s hood into the ceremony?
That depends on the institution. Some graduates arrive wearing the hood, while others carry it for placement during a hooding ceremony.
Who puts the hood on during a master’s hooding ceremony?
Procedures vary by institution. Faculty members or other designated participants may place the hood according to the ceremony’s established process.
Why does my master’s hood keep sliding backward?
Check whether the hood has a front attachment feature, whether it is centered and whether the rear fabric is arranged evenly. Product-specific instructions can help if the problem continues.
Can I practice putting on my master’s hood before graduation?
Yes. If your institution expects you to wear it into commencement, practicing beforehand can help you identify the correct orientation and placement. If the hood will be formally placed during the ceremony, practice only in a way that does not conflict with the school’s instructions.
How do I know if I have the correct master’s hood?
Compare the hood specifications with the academic-regalia requirements supplied for your degree and institution. Contact the appropriate university office if you are uncertain.
Practice Your Master’s Hood Placement Before Commencement
Learning how to wear a master’s hood is much easier when you practice before graduation day.
Start by confirming that you have the correct hood. Identify its front, back, outer shell and lining. If your institution expects you to arrive wearing it, place the hood carefully over the gown, center it down your back and arrange the lining according to the hood’s design.
Then ask someone else to check the back. Academic hoods are difficult to arrange perfectly when you cannot see them.
Most importantly, follow your college or university’s instructions. If your program includes a formal hooding ceremony, the correct procedure may be to carry the hood rather than wear it before entering.
With a short practice session and a final fit check, your master’s gown, hood, cap and tassel can be properly prepared well before commencement begins.
