{"id":3399,"date":"2026-09-29T08:43:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T08:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/?p=3399"},"modified":"2026-10-07T11:16:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T11:16:04","slug":"doctoral-tam-vs-graduation-cap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/doctoral-tam-vs-graduation-cap\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctoral Tam vs. Graduation Cap: Which Should a PhD Graduate Wear?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3399\" class=\"elementor elementor-3399\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29e32028 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"29e32028\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf75187 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cf75187\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"main-blog\"><p>When preparing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/cap-and-gown-packages.html\"><strong>doctoral graduation regalia<\/strong><\/a>, one of the most noticeable choices is what goes on your head. Should a PhD graduate wear the familiar square graduation cap, or is a doctoral tam the appropriate choice?<\/p><p>Both types of academic headwear can appear at doctoral ceremonies, but they are not identical.<\/p><p>A traditional graduation cap\u2014commonly called a mortarboard\u2014has a rigid square board. A doctoral tam generally has a softer, rounded crown and is frequently associated with doctoral academic dress.<\/p><p>However, the most important rule is not based on appearance or personal preference: <strong>the degree-granting institution determines what academic headwear is required or permitted for its commencement ceremony.<\/strong><\/p><p>This guide compares the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.comhttp:\/\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/velvet-tam-only.html\">doctoral tam<\/a> vs. graduation cap<\/strong>, explains four-, six- and eight-sided tams, discusses tassels and fit, and provides a practical checklist for PhD and other doctoral graduates preparing for commencement.<\/p><h2>What Is a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>A doctoral tam is a soft academic cap commonly associated with doctoral-level regalia.<\/p><p>Unlike the rigid square top of a mortarboard, a tam typically has a softer crown with a more rounded appearance.<\/p><p>Depending on the product and institution, doctoral tams may be made from velvet or velvet-like material and may be designed to coordinate with a doctoral gown.<\/p><p>A tassel is typically attached to the tam as part of the academic ensemble.<\/p><h2>What Is a Graduation Cap?<\/h2><p>The graduation cap most people recognize is the mortarboard.<\/p><p>It typically consists of:<\/p><ul><li>A fitted or adjustable cap section<\/li><li>A rigid square board on top<\/li><li>A center button or attachment point<\/li><li>A tassel<\/li><\/ul><p>Mortarboards are widely used in academic ceremonies at several degree levels, although individual institutions determine which headwear accompanies their doctoral regalia.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard: What Is the Main Difference?<\/h2><p>The easiest distinction is the construction.<\/p><h3>Doctoral Tam<\/h3><p>A tam typically has a soft crown and a more rounded silhouette. It may be made from velvet or another material coordinated with doctoral academic dress.<\/p><h3>Mortarboard<\/h3><p>A mortarboard has the familiar flat, rigid square board positioned above the graduate&#8217;s head.<\/p><p>The difference is immediately visible when the two are placed side by side.<\/p><h2>Do PhD Graduates Wear Tams?<\/h2><p>Many doctoral graduates wear academic tams, and the tam is strongly associated with doctoral regalia.<\/p><p>That does not mean every PhD graduate is required to wear one.<\/p><p>A university may:<\/p><ul><li>Require a particular doctoral tam<\/li><li>Permit a choice among approved headwear<\/li><li>Use a mortarboard<\/li><li>Use institution-specific academic headwear<\/li><li>Include headwear as part of custom doctoral regalia<\/li><\/ul><p>Always verify the current commencement requirements for your degree.<\/p><h2>Can a PhD Graduate Wear a Mortarboard?<\/h2><p>Potentially, depending on institutional policy.<\/p><p>The mortarboard is not automatically limited to undergraduate ceremonies. Academic-dress practices vary, and some doctoral regalia systems may use or permit it.<\/p><p>Therefore, a graduate should not conclude that wearing a mortarboard is \u201cwrong\u201d simply because another university&#8217;s doctoral graduates wear tams.<\/p><h2>Which Is More Traditional for Doctoral Regalia?<\/h2><p>The soft academic tam is commonly associated with doctoral-level academic dress in the United States and is frequently seen with doctoral gowns and hoods.<\/p><p>However, \u201ccommonly associated\u201d is different from \u201cuniversally required.\u201d<\/p><p>Institutional requirements should control the actual choice.<\/p><h2>Why Do Doctoral Graduates Wear Tams?<\/h2><p>The tam helps create the distinctive appearance of doctoral academic dress.<\/p><p>A complete doctoral ensemble may include:<\/p><ul><li>Doctoral gown<\/li><li>Velvet front facings<\/li><li>Velvet sleeve bars<\/li><li>Doctoral academic hood<\/li><li>Doctoral tam or other approved headwear<\/li><li>Tassel<\/li><\/ul><p>The combination visually distinguishes many doctoral graduates from graduates wearing bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s regalia.<\/p><h2>What Does a Doctoral Tam Look Like?<\/h2><p>A typical doctoral tam has a soft crown rather than a rigid square board.<\/p><p>Depending on the style, the crown may be divided into several sections or sides.<\/p><p>This is why online product descriptions frequently use terms such as:<\/p><ul><li>Four-sided doctoral tam<\/li><li>Six-sided doctoral tam<\/li><li>Eight-sided doctoral tam<\/li><\/ul><h2>What Is a Four-Sided Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>A four-sided tam is a doctoral-style academic cap constructed with four primary crown sections.<\/p><p>Its softer construction distinguishes it visually from a standard rigid mortarboard even though both may have four-directional visual geometry.<\/p><p>Whether a four-sided tam is appropriate depends on the institution&#8217;s requirements.<\/p><h2>What Is a Six-Sided Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>A six-sided doctoral tam has six crown sections, creating a fuller and more rounded appearance.<\/p><p>Six-sided tams are commonly offered as doctoral academic headwear by regalia suppliers.<\/p><p>The presence of six sides does not, by itself, establish that the wearer has a particular type of doctorate.<\/p><h2>What Is an Eight-Sided Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>An eight-sided doctoral tam uses eight crown sections and can create an even fuller academic silhouette.<\/p><p>Some graduates prefer the appearance of this style when their institution permits multiple options.<\/p><p>However, the number of sides should not be interpreted as an academic ranking.<\/p><h2>Does an Eight-Sided Tam Mean a Higher Degree?<\/h2><p>No.<\/p><p>An eight-sided tam does not mean that someone has a \u201chigher\u201d doctorate than a graduate wearing a six-sided or four-sided tam.<\/p><p>Similarly, the number of tam sides does not automatically indicate:<\/p><ul><li>Academic honors<\/li><li>Number of degrees<\/li><li>Years of study<\/li><li>Faculty rank<\/li><li>Research achievement<\/li><li>Degree prestige<\/li><\/ul><p>The sides describe the construction of the academic headwear.<\/p><h2>4-Sided vs. 6-Sided vs. 8-Sided Doctoral Tam<\/h2><p>When an institution permits more than one style, the differences may primarily involve construction, appearance, fit and product design.<\/p><h3>Four-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>Typically offers a simpler crown with four sections.<\/p><h3>Six-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>Provides a fuller rounded appearance with six crown sections.<\/p><h3>Eight-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>Provides an even more segmented and often fuller-looking crown.<\/p><p>Do not choose solely because one version appears more prestigious. First determine what your institution requires or permits.<\/p><h2>Velvet Doctoral Tam vs. Regular Graduation Cap<\/h2><p>Material can create another noticeable difference.<\/p><p>Many doctoral tams are offered in velvet or velvet-like fabrics that coordinate visually with velvet elements on doctoral gowns.<\/p><p>A standard mortarboard commonly uses a firmer construction and different fabric treatment.<\/p><p>Product materials vary considerably, so read the actual product specifications rather than assuming all tams are made from genuine velvet.<\/p><h2>Does the Tam Need to Match the Doctoral Gown?<\/h2><p>The tam should meet the institution&#8217;s academic-regalia requirements.<\/p><p>Visual coordination may be part of an institutional doctoral ensemble, especially where custom gowns are used.<\/p><p>Do not select headwear solely because its color looks attractive with your gown.<\/p><h2>Black Doctoral Tam vs. University-Colored Tam<\/h2><p>Black doctoral tams are widely recognizable, but some institutions use custom academic regalia that can incorporate university-specific colors.<\/p><p>A graduate may encounter:<\/p><ul><li>Black tam<\/li><li>Colored tam<\/li><li>Institution-specific tam<\/li><li>Custom academic headwear<\/li><\/ul><p>University branding colors should not automatically be treated as academic-regalia specifications.<\/p><h2>What Tassel Goes on a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>The tassel is attached to the doctoral headwear and completes the upper portion of the academic ensemble.<\/p><p>Gold-colored tassels are commonly seen with doctoral regalia, but tassel requirements vary among institutions.<\/p><p>A university may specify:<\/p><ul><li>Tassel color<\/li><li>Tassel material<\/li><li>Tassel style<\/li><li>Whether a year charm is used<\/li><li>How the tassel should be positioned<\/li><\/ul><h2>Does a PhD Graduate Have to Wear a Gold Tassel?<\/h2><p>Do not assume that gold is universally required.<\/p><p>Gold-colored tassels are strongly associated with doctoral academic dress, but the graduate should confirm the institution&#8217;s current specification.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Tassel vs. Degree-Color Tassel<\/h2><p>Do not use the academic hood color to automatically determine the tassel color.<\/p><p>The hood and tassel are separate pieces of regalia and can follow different specifications.<\/p><p>If the institution requires a particular doctoral tassel, follow that instruction.<\/p><h2>Which Side Does the Tassel Go On for a PhD Graduate?<\/h2><p>Tassel-placement traditions vary by institution and ceremony.<\/p><p>Some ceremonies provide specific instructions about which side the tassel should begin on, whether it is moved, and when any movement occurs.<\/p><p>Doctoral graduates should follow the ceremony instructions rather than assuming undergraduate tassel traditions apply.<\/p><h2>Do Doctoral Graduates Move Their Tassels?<\/h2><p>Not every doctoral ceremony follows the same procedure.<\/p><p>At some institutions, doctoral graduates may receive different instructions from bachelor\u2019s graduates.<\/p><p>If your commencement includes a tassel-moving tradition, ceremony staff should provide guidance.<\/p><h2>How Should a Doctoral Tam Fit?<\/h2><p>A tam should feel secure without creating excessive pressure.<\/p><p>It should remain reasonably stable while the graduate:<\/p><ul><li>Walks in the processional<\/li><li>Sits during commencement<\/li><li>Walks across the stage<\/li><li>Participates in hooding<\/li><li>Poses for photographs<\/li><\/ul><p>The exact sizing method depends on the product.<\/p><h2>How Do You Measure Your Head for a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>If the tam uses measured sizing, follow the manufacturer&#8217;s instructions.<\/p><p>Generally, head circumference is measured around the area where the academic cap will naturally sit.<\/p><p>Use a flexible measuring tape and avoid pulling it excessively tight.<\/p><p>If the product uses adjustable or elastic sizing, consult its specific size chart.<\/p><h2>Should a Doctoral Tam Sit Flat?<\/h2><p>A tam is softer than a mortarboard, so its appearance will naturally differ.<\/p><p>It should sit securely and according to its intended construction rather than being forced into the rigid shape of a square graduation cap.<\/p><h2>How Do You Wear a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>Place the tam comfortably and securely on the head, then arrange the crown according to the product&#8217;s intended shape.<\/p><p>Check that:<\/p><ul><li>The cap feels stable<\/li><li>The tassel hangs naturally<\/li><li>The crown is not severely twisted<\/li><li>The tam is not pushed excessively backward<\/li><li>Your hairstyle does not prevent a secure fit<\/li><\/ul><h2>Doctoral Tam and Graduation Hairstyles<\/h2><p>Your hairstyle can affect academic headwear more than you might expect.<\/p><p>Before commencement, try the tam with a hairstyle similar to what you plan to wear.<\/p><p>This is especially useful for:<\/p><ul><li>Braids<\/li><li>Updos<\/li><li>Hair extensions<\/li><li>High-volume hairstyles<\/li><li>Hair accessories<\/li><\/ul><h2>Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard for Graduation Photos<\/h2><p>The two types of headwear create noticeably different portrait styles.<\/p><p>A mortarboard produces the familiar square graduation silhouette.<\/p><p>A doctoral tam can emphasize the distinctive appearance of doctoral academic dress, particularly when paired with a doctoral gown and hood.<\/p><p>The correct academic headwear should still take priority over photography preferences.<\/p><h2>Best Angles for Doctoral Tam Photos<\/h2><p>A three-quarter portrait can show:<\/p><ul><li>Tam shape<\/li><li>Tassel<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/gown-only.html\"><strong>Doctoral gown velvet<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li>Academic hood<\/li><\/ul><p>A rear three-quarter photograph can also display the academic hood while preserving the recognizable shape of the doctoral headwear.<\/p><h2>Can You Decorate a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>Do not assume that doctoral headwear may be decorated simply because decorated undergraduate mortarboards are common at some ceremonies.<\/p><p>Institutional policies vary.<\/p><p>Doctoral academic dress may be treated as formal ceremonial attire, and decorations may be restricted.<\/p><p>Check your commencement policy before adding anything to a tam or cap.<\/p><h2>Can You Wear a Previous Graduation Cap for Your PhD Ceremony?<\/h2><p>Possibly, but only if it satisfies the current doctoral requirements.<\/p><p>A mortarboard from a bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s graduation should not automatically be reused simply because it still fits.<\/p><p>Check:<\/p><ul><li>Required headwear type<\/li><li>Color<\/li><li>Material<\/li><li>Tassel<\/li><li>Institutional design requirements<\/li><\/ul><h2>Can You Reuse a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>Yes, potentially.<\/p><p>A doctoral graduate who later participates in academic ceremonies as faculty or an academic professional may have opportunities to wear academic dress again.<\/p><p>However, the future institution or ceremony may have its own expectations.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Tam for Future Faculty Use<\/h2><p>Graduates entering academic careers may want to consider long-term use when selecting doctoral regalia.<\/p><p>Factors may include:<\/p><ul><li>Comfort<\/li><li>Material quality<\/li><li>Construction<\/li><li>Fit<\/li><li>Durability<\/li><li>Storage<\/li><\/ul><p>This can make ownership more practical for someone who expects to participate in repeated academic ceremonies.<\/p><h2>Should You Buy or Rent a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>The answer depends on your institution&#8217;s regalia system and your expected future use.<\/p><h3>Buying May Make Sense When:<\/h3><ul><li>You are purchasing the complete doctoral ensemble<\/li><li>You want to keep your regalia<\/li><li>You expect future academic use<\/li><li>You want access to it for future photographs or ceremonies<\/li><\/ul><h3>Rental May Make Sense When:<\/h3><ul><li>Your university offers an established rental program<\/li><li>The required regalia is highly customized<\/li><li>You expect to wear it only once<\/li><li>The institution&#8217;s package already includes headwear<\/li><\/ul><h2>Should You Buy the Tam Separately or as Part of a Doctoral Package?<\/h2><p>Either approach can work.<\/p><p>A doctoral regalia package may simplify purchasing if it includes all required components.<\/p><p>Depending on the package, it may contain:<\/p><ul><li>Doctoral gown<\/li><li>Doctoral tam<\/li><li>Tassel<\/li><li>Academic hood<\/li><\/ul><p>Package contents vary, so never assume every piece is included.<\/p><h2>Check the Academic Hood Separately<\/h2><p>The doctoral hood can require institution- and degree-specific details.<\/p><p>Even when a package includes a hood, verify that its construction, lining and edging correspond to the requirements for your degree.<\/p><h2>How to Choose Between a Doctoral Tam and Graduation Cap<\/h2><p>Use the following process before purchasing.<\/p><h3>Step 1: Confirm Your Exact Degree<\/h3><p>Write down the complete doctoral degree being awarded.<\/p><h3>Step 2: Read the University&#8217;s Regalia Instructions<\/h3><p>Look specifically for doctoral academic headwear requirements.<\/p><h3>Step 3: Determine Whether a Tam Is Required<\/h3><p>If the instructions specifically require a tam, determine which style is specified.<\/p><h3>Step 4: Determine Whether a Mortarboard Is Permitted<\/h3><p>If the institution provides options, confirm exactly what those options are.<\/p><h3>Step 5: Verify Color and Material<\/h3><p>Do not assume black velvet is appropriate merely because it is common.<\/p><h3>Step 6: Verify the Tassel<\/h3><p>Confirm its color, style and any institution-specific requirements.<\/p><h3>Step 7: Check Sizing<\/h3><p>Determine whether the headwear is adjustable or requires a head measurement.<\/p><h3>Step 8: Compare the Product With the Requirement<\/h3><p>When shopping online, compare the complete specification\u2014not merely the product title.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Headwear Verification Worksheet<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Degree:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Institution:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Required headwear:<\/strong> Tam \/ Mortarboard \/ Other<\/li><li><strong>Required tam style:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Required color:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Required material:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Tassel color:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Year charm required:<\/strong> Yes \/ No \/ Not specified<\/li><li><strong>Head measurement:<\/strong> ______________________________<\/li><li><strong>Institutional requirements verified:<\/strong> Yes \/ No<\/li><\/ul><h2>Where Should You Verify Doctoral Headwear Requirements?<\/h2><p>Look for information from your institution&#8217;s:<\/p><ul><li>Commencement office<\/li><li>Graduate school<\/li><li>Registrar<\/li><li>Academic affairs office<\/li><li>Doctoral program<\/li><li>Official regalia instructions<\/li><\/ul><p>If the published information simply says \u201cdoctoral regalia\u201d without identifying the headwear, ask for clarification before ordering.<\/p><h2>Questions to Ask Before Buying a Doctoral Tam Online<\/h2><ul><li>Is this tam appropriate for doctoral academic dress?<\/li><li>How many sides does it have?<\/li><li>What material is used?<\/li><li>Is it adjustable or individually sized?<\/li><li>What head measurements does each size fit?<\/li><li>Is a tassel included?<\/li><li>What tassel options are available?<\/li><li>Is the tam sold separately or only in a package?<\/li><li>What are the return or exchange terms?<\/li><\/ul><h2>Common Doctoral Tam and Graduation Cap Mistakes<\/h2><ul><li>Assuming every PhD graduate must wear a tam<\/li><li>Assuming every doctoral graduate can wear a mortarboard<\/li><li>Choosing an eight-sided tam because it seems more prestigious<\/li><li>Assuming more sides indicate a higher academic rank<\/li><li>Ordering by appearance without checking institutional requirements<\/li><li>Guessing the tam color from university branding<\/li><li>Assuming every doctoral tassel must be gold<\/li><li>Using undergraduate tassel-placement rules without checking<\/li><li>Reusing an old mortarboard without verifying doctoral requirements<\/li><li>Ignoring head sizing<\/li><li>Trying the tam on for the first time on graduation day<\/li><\/ul><h2>Try On Your Complete Doctoral Regalia Before Graduation<\/h2><p>Do not evaluate the tam by itself.<\/p><p>Try it with the entire doctoral ensemble:<\/p><ol><li>Graduation-day clothing<\/li><li>Doctoral gown<\/li><li>Doctoral academic hood<\/li><li>Authorized cords or stoles<\/li><li>Doctoral tam or approved graduation cap<\/li><li>Tassel<\/li><li>Graduation shoes<\/li><\/ol><h2>Check the Outfit From Every Angle<\/h2><p>Take photographs from the:<\/p><ul><li>Front<\/li><li>Side<\/li><li>Back<\/li><li>Three-quarter angle<\/li><\/ul><p>This helps you evaluate the tam&#8217;s position, tassel, hood placement and overall appearance.<\/p><h2>Walk Around While Wearing the Tam<\/h2><p>A cap that feels secure while standing still may shift while walking.<\/p><p>Move around for several minutes to see whether the headwear remains comfortably positioned.<\/p><h2>Sit Down While Wearing It<\/h2><p>Doctoral ceremonies can be long. Make sure the tam remains comfortable while seated and does not create excessive pressure over time.<\/p><h2>Check It With Your Planned Hairstyle<\/h2><p>This simple step can prevent last-minute fit problems.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Tams and Graduation Caps From Cap and Gown Outlet<\/h2><p><strong>Cap and Gown Outlet<\/strong> is an independent academic regalia retailer serving individual graduates and qualifying group and institutional customers.<\/p><p>Depending on current inventory and product availability, doctoral and graduate regalia may include:<\/p><ul><li>Doctoral tams<\/li><li>Graduation caps and mortarboards<\/li><li>Doctoral graduation gowns<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/hood-only.html\"><strong>Doctoral academic hoods<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li>Graduation tassels<\/li><li>Doctoral regalia packages<\/li><li>Master\u2019s graduation regalia<\/li><li>Bachelor\u2019s graduation regalia<\/li><li>Graduation stoles<\/li><li>Honor and recognition cords<\/li><li>Diploma covers<\/li><\/ul><p>Available tam styles, numbers of sides, fabrics, colors, sizing methods, tassels and package contents vary by product.<\/p><p>Before purchasing doctoral headwear independently, compare the product with the current academic-regalia requirements supplied by your degree-granting institution.<\/p><h2>Independent Retailer Disclosure<\/h2><p><strong>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.<\/strong><\/p><p>The availability of a doctoral tam, mortarboard, tassel, gown or other academic-regalia product does not establish that it is approved for a particular university, doctoral program or commencement ceremony.<\/p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Doctoral Tams and Graduation Caps<\/h2><h3>Do PhD graduates wear a tam or graduation cap?<\/h3><p>Many PhD graduates wear doctoral tams, but academic headwear requirements vary by institution. Some universities may use or permit mortarboards or other approved headwear.<\/p><h3>What is the hat PhD graduates wear called?<\/h3><p>A soft academic cap commonly associated with doctoral regalia is called a doctoral tam.<\/p><h3>What is the difference between a doctoral tam and a mortarboard?<\/h3><p>A tam typically has a soft, rounded crown, while a mortarboard has a rigid square board.<\/p><h3>Can a PhD graduate wear a mortarboard?<\/h3><p>Potentially, if the degree-granting institution permits or requires it. Graduates should verify their commencement requirements.<\/p><h3>Is a doctoral tam required for a PhD?<\/h3><p>Not universally. Requirements vary by institution and doctoral program.<\/p><h3>What is the difference between a four-sided and six-sided doctoral tam?<\/h3><p>The primary difference is the construction and number of crown sections. The number of sides does not automatically indicate academic rank.<\/p><h3>Is an eight-sided doctoral tam more prestigious?<\/h3><p>The number of sides should not be interpreted as a measure of degree prestige, honors or academic achievement.<\/p><h3>What color should a doctoral tam be?<\/h3><p>Black is widely seen, but institutions may use different or custom academic headwear. Verify the required color before purchasing.<\/p><h3>What tassel goes with a doctoral tam?<\/h3><p>Gold-colored tassels are commonly associated with doctoral regalia, but the institution should determine the required tassel.<\/p><h3>Do doctoral graduates move their tassels?<\/h3><p>Ceremony traditions vary. Follow the instructions provided by the institution rather than assuming bachelor\u2019s-level procedures apply.<\/p><h3>How do I know what size doctoral tam to buy?<\/h3><p>Use the manufacturer&#8217;s size chart. Some tams are adjustable, while others require a head-circumference measurement.<\/p><h3>Can I use my master\u2019s graduation cap for my PhD ceremony?<\/h3><p>Only if it meets the doctoral headwear requirements established by your institution. Do not assume previous academic headwear is automatically acceptable.<\/p><h3>Can professors wear doctoral tams?<\/h3><p>Faculty members who participate in academic ceremonies may wear academic dress appropriate to their degree and the event&#8217;s requirements.<\/p><h3>Should I buy or rent a doctoral tam?<\/h3><p>Consider your university&#8217;s regalia options, the required design, total cost and whether you expect to use doctoral academic dress again.<\/p><h3>Can I decorate my doctoral tam?<\/h3><p>Only if the institution permits it. Check commencement policies before adding decorations to formal doctoral headwear.<\/p><h2>Doctoral Tam or Graduation Cap: Making the Correct Choice<\/h2><p>When comparing a <strong>doctoral tam vs. graduation cap<\/strong>, the visual difference is straightforward: a doctoral tam generally has a soft, rounded crown, while the familiar mortarboard has a rigid square top.<\/p><p>The more important question is not which one looks more doctoral or more impressive. It is which headwear your degree-granting institution requires or permits.<\/p><p>A four-, six- or eight-sided tam does not automatically represent a different academic rank, and a mortarboard is not automatically inappropriate simply because a graduate has earned a doctorate.<\/p><p>Before ordering, verify the required headwear type, style, color, material, sizing and tassel. Then try the complete ensemble on before commencement.<\/p><p>With the doctoral gown, academic hood, approved headwear and tassel correctly coordinated, the graduate can arrive at commencement with academic regalia that reflects both the doctoral achievement and the requirements of the institution awarding the degree.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When preparing doctoral graduation regalia, one of the most noticeable choices is what goes on your head. Should a PhD graduate wear the familiar square graduation cap, or is a doctoral tam the appropriate choice? Both types of academic headwear can appear at doctoral ceremonies, but they are not identical. A traditional graduation cap\u2014commonly called [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graduation-accessories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3399"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3399\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.capandgownoutlet.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}