How to Wear a Graduation Cap and Apply the Tassel

Graduation Product Instructions

How to Wear a Graduation Cap and Apply the Tassel

Were you wondering about how to wear a graduation cap and tassel? We’re here to provide instructions! Schools expect students to properly adorn their graduation regalia at the ceremony. If you don’t have your cap and tassel positioned correctly, you are going to miss out on a time-honored part of this amazing tradition.  Follow these 9 simple steps to ensure you are wearing the cap properly and understand how to position your tassel, and why.

Step 1 – Remove from packaging

Unwrap your mortarboard and set aside any packaging materials. 

Step 2 – Adjust hair and stretch open up flexible cap

Before putting the graduation cap on your head, part long hair to one side. If you have short hair, tuck it back behind your ears. Unfold and stretch cap to position it over your head.

Step 3 – Put on cap CORRECTLY

Try on your graduation cap to make sure it fits, if not please reach out to your graduation coordinator or use bobby pins to keep it in place. The correct angle of the graduation cap would be where the front tip of the mortarboard appears dead center on your forehead, between your eyes.

The elastic band and tag should be centered on the back of the head. Do not tilt cap back, it should sit directly on top of your head.

Step 4 – Adjust hair accordingly with the cap on and look fantastic!

Step 5 – Smooth tassel strands

Remove your tassel from its protective sleeve. Hold it up and check for any tangled strands.

Step 6 – Hook tassel onto button

Secure the loop of tassel onto the button located at the center top part of the mortarboard.

Step 7 – Make sure tassel is secure

Tug gently on the tassel to make sure it’s firmly under the button.

Step 8 – Position tassel to the appropriate side

Prior to your ceremony, arrange the tassel so it drapes over the right side of your mortarboard (the side closest to your face) while you’re wearing it. If you are receiving anything lower than a Master’s level (High School or Bachelor), you’ll be instructed to move the tassel to the left side when you’ve officially been declared a graduate of your degree program. If you’re receiving a graduate degree, your tassel remains on the left side throughout the commencement.

Recommended Tip: Practice smoothly transitioning tassel from right to left before the ceremony so you don’t have to worry about it falling off or getting stuck.

Step 9 – Get ready to graduate!