Academic Tams & Beefeaters

Doctoral tams and beefeater caps represent the highest level of academic headwear. Reserved for PhD recipients and senior faculty, these ceremonial caps serve as a visual distinction of advanced scholarship and institutional authority. Crafted from rich velvet and designed according to long-standing academic tradition, doctoral tams and beefeaters elevate the graduation ensemble beyond the standard mortarboard. Read More

Unlike undergraduate and master’s caps, doctoral headwear is intentionally designed to reflect distinction, seniority, and ceremonial presence. The soft, rounded structure of a tam or the structured profile of a beefeater signals advanced academic standing and is traditionally worn by doctoral graduates, faculty members, and institutional leaders.

Doctoral tams are typically constructed from high-quality velvet and are available in multiple point styles, most commonly four-, six-, or eight-point designs. The number of points is a matter of institutional preference rather than academic rank, though many universities maintain consistent standards across faculty and doctoral ceremonies.

Beefeater caps, sometimes referred to as Tudor bonnets, offer a more structured alternative. Featuring a defined brim and soft crown, the beefeater is most often worn by university presidents, chancellors, and senior academic officers, though some institutions extend its use to doctoral graduates.

Most doctoral tams include a metallic gold bullion tassel affixed at the crown. This tassel is not decorative alone - it signifies doctoral-level achievement and is traditionally worn during commencement, hooding ceremonies, and formal academic processions.

Proper fit is essential for ceremonial headwear. Doctoral tams are produced in precise sizing ranges and include a full internal band designed to rest securely and comfortably during extended ceremonies.

Our doctoral tams and beefeaters include:

• Premium velvet doctoral tams in multiple point styles
• Traditional beefeater caps for senior academic leadership
• Gold bullion tassels secured at the crown
• Full-band sizing for precise and comfortable fit

Tip: Many institutions standardize tam point count and tassel style across faculty and doctoral graduates to maintain a unified ceremonial appearance.