Iowa State University’s commencement program follows traditional U.S. academic-dress conventions while using the university’s signature palette of cardinal and gold. Undergraduate candidates wear a bachelor’s gown, a black mortarboard cap, and an appropriate color tassel (tassels vary by college/program); tassels for undergraduates are worn on the right until degrees are conferred. Graduate candidates wear the master’s gown with a hood and black cap, and doctoral candidates wear doctoral robes and tams for hooding ceremonies. The university provides clear guidance about ordering regalia through the campus Bookstore and the Commencement Office, and encourages graduates to wear approved adornments such as honor cords and society regalia only when permitted.
Iowa State specifies discipline and hood colors consistent with the Intercollegiate Code: hoods are lined with the university colors (cardinal and gold) and trimmed in velvet colors that indicate field of study (for example, business/commerce = drab, education = light blue, engineering = orange, science = golden yellow, music = pink, theology = scarlet). A public master’s hood color chart is published by the Commencement Office listing majors and their associated hood trim colors. Faculty regalia follow terminal-degree conventions, with hood trim and gown styles that reflect degree level and discipline.
Honor cords and stoles are allowed when sanctioned (honors societies, awards, veterans), but Iowa State cautions that decorative stoles must meet university guidelines and that official hood/tassel colors are determined by degree and discipline. For vendors and retailers, the safe, SEO-driven default is to list classic black gowns and mortarboards while offering discipline-color hoods and tassels (in line with Iowa State’s hood chart), plus approved honor cords and customizable stoles with a clear disclaimer to confirm university approvals.
Important: Tassel, hood, and cord colors must align with Iowa State University's published academic-dress guidelines. Confirm your degree’s discipline color with the ISU Commencement Office before placing your order. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Note: To confirm the exact colors of the graduation gown, cap, tassel, honor cords, and stoles for your specific program at Iowa State University, 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.