Hamilton College in New York holds a traditional Commencement ceremony with strong ties to historical academic regalia practices. Seniors order their “GreenWeaver” academic regalia through the College Bookstore; these gowns are eco-friendly, made from recycled plastic bottles. There is no cost for the cap and gown for students, once the required measurements are submitted.

Hamilton’s academic regalia follow classic styles: the bachelor’s gown has long pointed sleeves, the master’s gown has square sleeves with arm slits, and doctoral gowns have velvet facings and three velvet bars on each sleeve. While traditional gowns were black, the College allows its own regalia color. The cap is the standard mortarboard (“’tis square like scholars and their books”).

The academic hood design at Hamilton is particularly symbolic. The velvet facing width indicates the degree (e.g., master vs bachelor) and velvet color denotes the field of study: white for Arts & Letters, dark blue for Philosophy, scarlet for Theology, and golden yellow for Science. The lining of the hood bears the colors of the degree-granting institution — for Hamilton, this is “blue with a buff chevron.”

Some student organizations, academic departments, and officially recognized groups may provide additional adornments — like stoles, honor cords, medallions, pins, or tassels — based on their own traditions. The College also awards a “senior cane” to each graduate as a unique symbolic keepsake.

In short, Hamilton’s commencement combines sustainable regalia with deeply symbolic academic dress, using traditional gown cuts, field-specific hood colors, and optional cords or stoles from student groups.

Hamilton College Academic Regalia — Sustainable Cap & Gown Set

Optimized for: academic regalia, graduation gown color, graduation cap, tassel set

Description

Celebrate your Hamilton College graduation with their distinctive GreenWeaver cap and gown. This academic regalia set includes a mortarboard cap, gown, and hood — crafted in the college’s style and color tradition.

Key Features

• Eco-Friendly Gown: Made of recycled plastic bottles, Hamilton’s GreenWeaver gown reflects environmental commitment. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Classic Gown Design: Bachelor sleeves are pointed, Masters have square sleeves, and Doctoral robes include velvet facings and three velvet sleeve bars. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Mortarboard Cap: Traditional square academic cap worn by graduates in procession. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Degree Hood: Regalia includes an academic hood—velvet facing color by discipline: white (Arts), dark blue (Philosophy), scarlet (Theology), golden yellow (Science). :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Institution Lining: Hood lining features Hamilton’s institution colors: blue with a buff chevron. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Honor & Recognition Cords/Stoles: Eligible students can add cords, stoles, tassels, pins, or medallions per recognized campus groups. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Faculty & Platform Regalia: Faculty members and platform party wear traditional academic robes following Hamilton’s intercollegiate dress code. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Tip: For precise tassel and stole color by major or honors distinction, consult Hamilton College Bookstore or Registrar prior to ordering your regalia.

Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Hamilton College, you can reach out directly to the college's administration or the office responsible for commencement and student services. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic regalia.