For many graduates, the traditional cap and gown is just an eccentric outfit that you wear on graduation day, but the tradition has a long and storied past. When we walk into the ceremony with our graduation caps, we enter a rite of passage that our ancestors have performed for more than 700 years.
In this robust guide, we’ve shared everything we know about graduation caps, so that you gain a solid understanding of academic garb. First, we've outlined the history of graduation caps, and how they've evolved into today's iconic styles. Next, we've demonstrated how to wear the caps properly, as well as some fun decorative ideas, so that you look your best on graduation day. Finally, we've shared a few hairstyle suggestions that look incredible when paired with a grad cap.
By the end of this guide, you'll be confident to handle the big day and make your family proud. Let's get started!
A Brief History Of Graduation Caps
Today's iconic graduation cap style took hundreds of years to develop, with a few unlikely twists and turns along the way. Here's how it happened.
First Documented Uses of Graduation Caps
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the first “medieval” universities began forming, with robes and hoods worn by teachers and students alike. During this era, the church was an extremely influential institution, which led to the adoption of clerical attire. In fact, many professors were connected to the church in some fashion. These heavy outfits were also said to keep students and teachers warm during the winter months.
First Universities to Adopt the Usage of Graduation Caps
Oxford and Cambridge were the first traditional universities to adopt graduation garb, and after 1321, all graduates were required to wear gowns during the commencement ceremony. However, graduation caps were not popularized until the 15th century. Initially, they were a take on Catholic birettas, which priests and scholars wore from the 14th century onward. Unlike today’s graduation caps, though, the Catholic biretta had three peaks and a large tuft in the center.
Introduction of Modern-Day Graduation Caps
When the modern graduation cap was finally introduced, it was reserved for master’s degree recipients. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was called a “corner-cap”. By 1950, a Catholic priest named Joseph Durham and an inventor named Edward O’Reilly were working together to file a mortarboard patent in the United States. They realized that fiberglass could increase the mortarboard stiffness, leading to the iconic graduation cap. By the end of the decade, universities all over the country were donning mortarboards in their school colors.
Mortarboard
This is the quintessential graduation cap. Many believe the name is inspired by the board where bricklayers place their mortar. Bachelor degree recipients wear this cap on graduation day, and most mortarboards are black, along with the gown. Typically, the mortarboard is worn with one corner facing forward, like a diamond. At the center of the mortarboard, there is usually a tassel attached. During the ceremony, the tassel hangs on a specific side of the cap, with most undergraduates wearing it on the right.
Graduation Tam
Also known as a Tudor bonnet, this special cap is reserved for master’s and doctorate recipients. During the graduation ceremony, it is also worn by professors and academic officials. Typically, the academic tam is made with fluffy velvet material in a circular design. A tassel also hangs from the tam’s center, and it is usually draped over the left side. Originally, the Tudor bonnet was worn during England’s Tudor period.
Wearing Your Graduation Cap
Now that you've chosen the correct cap for your graduating class, it's time to learn how to don the cap properly. Here's how to wear a grad cap, while also avoiding hat hair and gusty weather.
- Remove the cap from packaging
- Adjust your hair and stretch open up flexible cap
- Ensure the cap is placed correctly
- Adjust your hair accordingly with the cap on and look fantastic!
- Smooth the tassel strands
- Hook tassel onto button & make sure it's secure
- Position tassel to the appropriate side
For a detailed explanation please check out our outstanding guide on: How to Wear A Graduation Cap & Apply Your Tassel