Compare the blue family
Navy is the deepest option, Royal is the bolder mid-blue, and Sky is the lightest of the three.
Shop Graduation Caps and Gowns by Color
Explore 15 classic gown colors in both shiny and matte fabric. Compare how each finish changes the look of the color, then request a free school sample kit when an exact match matters.
Black
Brown
Emerald Green
Maroon
Navy Blue
Royal Blue
15Colors in Shiny + Matte
Compare Graduation Colors in Shiny and Matte
Use the large viewer to inspect fabric texture, reflection and finish differences without scrolling through 15 oversized cards. Choose any color below to instantly compare its Shiny and Matte swatches side by side.
ShinyMore reflective surface
MatteSofter, lower-reflection surface
Compare Similar Graduation Colors
Color names are useful starting points. Fabric, finish, lighting and display settings can all affect how a shade appears.
Compare the green family
Emerald presents as the brighter green, while Forest has a deeper and more muted appearance.
Color accuracy: On-screen swatches are directional only. Schools should approve physical samples when a precise color match matters.
Shop Graduation Caps and Gowns by Graduation Level
Once you have a color in mind, choose the collection that matches your graduates and ceremony. Each path leads to age- and program-appropriate regalia, package options and sizing guidance.
College & University
Explore collegiate graduation regalia for students, degree programs and university ceremonies.
Technical & Vocational
Browse ceremony regalia for career, technical, vocational and professional training programs.
Faculty Members
Find academic regalia, gowns and hoods for faculty members participating in commencement.
High School
Shop cap-and-gown options for high school students, classes and coordinated school programs.
Middle & Junior High School
Find graduation attire for 8th-grade, middle school and junior-high milestone ceremonies.
Elementary School
Explore child-size graduation attire for elementary-school completion and promotion ceremonies.
Kindergarten & Pre-K
Celebrate early-learning milestones with child-size cap-and-gown sets for Pre-K and kindergarten.
Homeschool
Find graduation regalia and ceremony options for homeschool students and family-led celebrations.
See the Difference Between Matte and Shiny
The same color can read differently depending on the fabric finish. Matte has a softer, lower-reflection appearance, while shiny reflects more light and creates a brighter ceremonial look. The Royal Blue comparison shown here uses actual GraduationSource fabric photography for both finishes.
Availability differs by product, color and size. Verify that the intended cap, gown and replacement pieces use the same finish before coordinating a group.
COMPARE FABRIC SWATCHESFree Graduation Sample Kits for Schools and Institutions
GraduationSource's free Ceremony Planning Kit helps your team review color, finish, fit and the complete cap-and-gown presentation before making a larger program decision.
- Compare Actual ColorReview physical material under your ceremony lighting.
- Compare Fabric FinishSee and touch shiny and matte swatches.
- Review the SetExamine a cap, gown and tassel sample together.
- Plan With ConfidenceShare graduation type, quantity range and timing on the form.
Confirm Size, Fit and the Full Graduation Look
Once the shade and finish are selected, check product-specific fit guidance and coordinate accessories around the cap and gown.
Check Graduation Gown Sizing
Use the size guidance for the exact product you plan to order.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the head.
- Review the product's height and weight guidance.
- Confirm the selected color and finish are offered in the needed size range.
Coordinate a Complete Program
Use color intentionally across the cap, gown and supporting recognition pieces. Similar color names may look different across fabric, satin, cord and metal materials, so review each product instead of assuming an exact match.
For school programs, confirm the color and finish before coordinating accessories or planning for late additions and replacements.
SHOP CAPS & GOWNSMatching Graduation Accessories
Keep caps and gowns at the center of the decision, then add recognition and presentation pieces that support the ceremony.
Graduation Tassels
Explore tassels and year charms for graduation caps.
Honor Cords
Add academic recognition with graduation honor cords.
Stoles & Sashes
Browse plain, honor and custom stole options.
Graduation Medals
Explore medals and academic honor medallions.
Diploma Covers
Complete the presentation with stock or custom covers.
Choose Graduation Colors With Confidence
A coordinated program starts with the right questions. Use these steps to narrow the choice without turning a commercial decision into a long research project.
Start With the Closest Color Collection
Choose the closest color family, then review the current products available in that collection. A shared color name does not mean every style, finish or size will be available, so keep the product page as the source of truth.
Compare similar shades in physical material
Navy, Royal and Sky Blue can serve very different visual roles, as can Emerald and Forest Green. Device settings and room lighting introduce more variation. When matching school identity is important, compare physical fabric rather than approving a CSS swatch.
Keep the finish consistent
Matte and shiny materials reflect light differently, which affects how the color appears in person and in photography. Verify that the cap, gown and any replacement garments use the intended finish across the coordinated group.
Confirm the complete size range
Review the product-specific size guidance before committing a group to a particular style. Planning for the full range early helps schools make an informed program decision and reduces avoidable fit questions later.
Related Graduation Resources
Continue into the strongest commercial paths for products, fit guidance and school planning.
See the Color and Fabric Before You Decide.
Request a free Ceremony Planning Kit to compare a cap, gown and tassel sample plus shiny and matte fabric swatches in person.
Graduation Cap and Gown Color FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about color, fabric, sizing and coordinated school orders.
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What graduation cap and gown colors are available?
GraduationSource's Shop By Color hub features Black, Brown, Emerald Green, Forest Green, Gold, Maroon, Navy Blue, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Royal Blue, Silver, Sky Blue and White. Product, size and finish availability varies within each collection.
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How do I choose between Navy, Royal and Sky Blue?
Navy is the deepest blue, Royal has a brighter and more saturated appearance, and Sky is the lightest. Screen settings and fabric finish affect how each looks, so schools should compare physical samples before approving a precise match.
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What is the difference between Emerald and Forest Green?
Emerald Green has a brighter, jewel-toned appearance, while Forest Green appears deeper and more muted. Both are grouped in the Green collection; request samples when a precise school match matters.
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Can I request samples before placing a school order?
Yes. GraduationSource's free Ceremony Planning Kit includes a cap, gown and tassel sample, shiny and matte fabric swatches, diploma-cover swatches, a sample diploma, and catalog and ordering material.
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Are matte and shiny graduation gowns the same color?
A shared color name does not guarantee the finish will look identical in every setting. Matte reflects less light, while shiny appears more reflective. Compare fabric swatches and verify availability for the intended product set.
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How do I choose the correct graduation gown size?
Use the guidance for the selected product and the GraduationSource size chart. Measure from the floor to the top of the head, then follow the applicable height and weight guidance.
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Can schools coordinate caps, gowns and accessories in one color?
Start with the selected cap-and-gown collection, then review tassels, cords, stoles and other accessories. Verify each product's current shade, finish and availability rather than assuming the same color name will match across different materials.