Tams & Beefeaters
Academic Tams & Beefeaters
$29.95
$54.95
All the Buzz
See what customers are gossiping about
-
GraduationSource makes graduation unbelievably efficient for us—the complete package arrives in a single shipment, giving our students a seamless, stress-free experience. The quality is consistently impressive.
Wendolyn Larkins
American National University
-
I want to thank GraduationSourceâ„¢ and its staff for helping us with a last-minute order. They went above and beyond to make sure we received the items in a timely manner. Thank you!
Minerva
Cape Coral Technical College
-
Our experience with GraduationSource™ was excellent. We received every cap, gown, and tassel on time and perfectly organized—making it easy to distribute across four campuses.
Carson Osborn
Metro Tech
-
I am absolutely delighted with the quality of the Premium Doctoral Hood. When I opened the package, I was very pleased. Thank you!
Sherry
Northern Arizona University
-
GraduationSource’s quality and customization made our graduates look amazing on stage. Everything arrived on time, and the entire experience was smooth and stress-free. The ordering process was simple and straightforward. GraduationSource is reliable, responsive, and truly takes the stress out of planning.
Ana Gonzalez
Rio Grande Valley College
-
The parents and the students would like to say thanks for making our children look nice for graduation. The smile on the faces of our children when I delivered the gowns to their classroom was overwhelming!
Yolanda B
Velasco Elementary
Doctoral Tams & Beefeaters - Traditional Academic Headwear for PhD Graduates
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by graduation experts.
-
What is a tam, and when is it worn at graduation?
A tam is a soft, round academic cap often worn instead of a traditional mortarboard at advanced graduation ceremonies. Tams are most commonly worn by doctoral graduates and, in some cases, by master’s or specialist degree graduates, depending on the institution’s regalia traditions. They create a more formal academic look and are often paired with doctoral gowns and hoods.
-
What is a beefeater cap, and how is it different from a tam?
A beefeater cap, also called a Tudor bonnet, is a formal academic cap usually worn by university presidents, deans, trustees, marshals, and other ceremonial officials. A tam is more commonly worn by graduates, especially at the doctoral level. Both are more formal than a mortarboard, but a beefeater is typically associated with academic leadership and ceremonial roles rather than standard graduate attire.
-
How do you choose the right tam or beefeater size?
To choose the correct tam or beefeater size, measure around your head with a flexible measuring tape where the cap will sit. If you do not have a tape measure, use a string and then measure the string with a ruler. Choose the size closest to your measurement to help ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
-
Why do some graduation tams come with tassels and others do not?
Some graduation tams come with tassels, while others are sold without them so schools or graduates can choose the correct color separately. Gold tassels are a common choice for doctoral regalia, but some institutions require tassels that match school colors, degree level, or academic discipline. Buying a tam without a tassel allows more flexibility.
-
Who wears a beefeater cap at graduation ceremonies?
Beefeater caps are most often worn by academic leaders and ceremonial officials, such as university presidents, deans, trustees, and commencement marshals. In some institutions, senior faculty members or doctoral-level participants may also wear them. The beefeater’s distinctive design helps identify formal leadership roles during academic ceremonies.