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Achieving a Doctorate degree is a significant academic accomplishment that comes with a distinctive tradition: the wearing of specialized academic regalia during the graduation ceremony. PhD graduation attire is steeped in history and symbolizes not just the hard work and dedication invested by the graduates but also their entry into the community of scholars. The regalia, consisting of a gown, cap or tam, and hood, each feature particular designs, colors, and embellishments that reflect the wearer's level of education and academic discipline.
The traditional doctoral gown is characterized by its unique design elements, such as velvet trim and bell sleeves, that differentiate it from other academic robes. Caps and tams, often worn with a tassel, represent the completion of an advanced scholarly program. The academic hood, perhaps the most symbolic piece of the attire, includes colors and shapes that signify the graduate’s specific field of expertise and the institution from which they earned their degree. As graduates prepare for their commencement, they must also decide whether to purchase or rent their regalia and consider the appropriate attire for under the graduation gown.
Academic regalia for doctoral graduates is rich in tradition, signifying academic achievements through distinctive elements including gowns, hoods, and tassels, each with their own colors and symbolism.
The tradition of academic regalia dates back to the medieval universities of Europe, where it served as a daily uniform and a status symbol. The modern academic gown is an evolution of this custom, now reserved for ceremonial occasions such as graduation. Within the United States, the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume of 1895 standardized the regalia, which has undergone refinements over the years but remains deeply rooted in historic academia.
Academic regalia at the doctoral level generally comprises three main components:
Gown: A doctoral gown usually exhibits more elaborate details than those worn by bachelors or masters graduates, including velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. Some institutions deviate from the traditional black gown and employ colors that reflect their school’s identity.
Hood: The doctoral hood is a garment with a specific length that denotes the scholar's academic level and is often trimmed in velvet of a color indicative of the scholar's discipline.
Tassel: Traditionally, the tassel attached to the graduation cap, or tam, is black or gold. At some schools, the color might signify the degree or field of study, and for doctoral graduates, it is customarily worn draped over the left side before and after the degree is conferred.
Each element of the academic regalia carries colors that are symbolic:
The attire is a physical testament to one's dedication and expertise within a particular field of study, recognized universally by the academic community.
The PhD gown is an emblem of scholarly achievement and tradition, characterized by distinctive velvet accents and a sophisticated design tailored to represent academic distinction.
The PhD gown stands out with its black velvet trim, which signifies the wearer's attainment of the highest level of academic achievement. One typically sees these gowns adorned with:
PhD gowns are not only symbolic but are crafted from durable, high-quality fabrics to withstand the importance of their use. Key qualities include:
Graduates often invest in a Deluxe Doctoral gown that can be reused for future ceremonial events, symbolizing both their personal dedication and the value of their scholarly achievements.
The distinction in academic attire for those achieving their doctoral degrees is evident in the distinct headwear known as caps and tams, which symbolize high academic achievement.
In the realm of doctoral regalia, two primary types of headwear are prevalent: the mortarboard and the doctoral tam. The mortarboard is a traditional square cap with a flat top, commonly known for its use in various graduation ceremonies. It often features a tassel that is affixed to the center of the board. On the other hand, the doctoral tam denotes a higher level of academic attainment and differs from the mortarboard with its soft, rounded shape and velvet material.
For those holding a doctorate, the choice between a mortarboard and a tam may be determined by institutional tradition or personal preference. The standard doctoral tam is typically made of velvet and comes in a four-, six-, or eight-sided design. The number of sides often refers to the level of achievement or tradition. The tam can be adorned with a tassel that represents the discipline of the degree.
The tassel is not simply an accessory — it carries its own significance in the doctoral ensemble. Traditionally, the tassel color corresponds to the discipline of the degree earned. For instance, a blue tassel might represent a degree in philosophy, while a light blue one would indicate education.
The tassel's placement also has importance: Graduates wear their tassel on the right side of their cap at the start of the commencement ceremony; once their degree is conferred, they shift the tassel to the left side. For those wearing a doctoral tam, the tassel is often a gold bullion tassel, signifying the prestigious nature of the degree. Doctoral tams may come with fixed tassels, and unlike the mortarboard, the tassel typically does not move once the degree has been awarded.
When purchasing or renting regalia, it is essential to obtain the correct tams in the appropriate velvet color and ensure that the tassel reflects the academic discipline.
In the ceremonial regalia of PhD graduations, the academic hood is a pivotal element, symbolizing scholarly achievements and the discipline of study. It complements the traditional gown, distinguishing the wearer's academic field through its distinctive color coding and design.
Academic hoods are comprised of a shell (usually black) and a lining that displays the colors of the wearer's institution. Most hoods also feature a velvet trim, which represents the wearer's field of discipline. A PhD hood is notably elaborate; it is longer than those for bachelor's or master's degrees and often has panels at the sides. The design reflects a hierarchy within academia, where doctoral hoods are more intricate, signaling the highest level of academic achievement.
The velvet trim on doctoral hoods is not just decorative; it signifies the scholar’s discipline. For instance, the color scarlet represents the discipline of theology, while dark blue is associated with philosophy, which typically represents a PhD. Each discipline has a specific color, which can be found on the velvet trim of the hood, and this tradition helps in visually differentiating the fields of study during a commencement ceremony. For a detailed depiction of these colors and their corresponding disciplines, individuals may wish to consult resources such as the page from Graduation Outlet, which offers insight into the color schemes for various academic hoods.
When dressing for a PhD graduation, the accessories worn with the doctoral regalia should complement the formality of the occasion. Selecting appropriate items enhances the dignified appearance that such an event demands.
A tie is a crucial accessory for those wearing a suit beneath the doctoral gown. It should be simple and not distract from the regalia. Men may opt for a solid color or a subtle pattern that coordinates with the rest of their attire. A secured doctoral hood is essential; it must be affixed in place to avoid any slipping, using the string to loop onto the gown or shirt button underneath.
Furthermore, some institutions may include unique items such as the beefeater, a special type of hat reserved for doctoral degree holders or officials, adding a distinctive touch to the doctoral ensemble.
The attire for a doctoral graduation should always adhere to the institution's guidelines. It is critical to:
Appropriate attire underneath the gown is typically conservative and professional. For men, this includes dress shoes, dress pants, and a dress shirt. Women may wear a dress or a professional blouse and skirt or trousers. The footwear should also be formal, clean, and polished, reflecting the prestige of the occasion.
The attire worn during a PhD graduation ceremony is rich with symbolism, reflecting the graduate's academic discipline. Each area of study is represented by specific colors and styles in the gown, hood, and, occasionally, cap decoration.
For graduates in Philosophy and other humanities disciplines, the traditional color is dark blue, symbolizing the depth and stability of these fields. The regalia for a doctoral degree in philosophy may have a dark blue velvet edge on the hood, and the gown itself is typically a black velvet robe with full sleeves.
In the Sciences and Engineering, the gown features represent the rigor and precision of these disciplines. The velvet edges of the hood will vary according to the specific science field: for instance, golden yellow for general science, sage green for physical science, or orange for engineering. At many institutions, engineering graduates also have special attire elements that signify their professional status, such as a gown with three velvet bands on the sleeves and an embroidered school emblem.
Professional degrees in fields such as Medicine and Law have unique regalia that sets them apart from other academic disciplines. Medical graduates traditionally wear a hunter green velvet edge, while those in Law don a purple edge, linking the attire to the life-saving and judicial importance of these professions respectively. Often the design for professional degrees includes a gown with velvet panels down the front and a tam or beefeater cap instead of the usual mortarboard.
Each discipline's regalia serves as a visual lexicon of educational achievement, marking the graduate's place within the ancient and ongoing academic tradition.
Graduation day is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. The regalia worn signifies the graduate's expertise and academic achievement. Customizing this attire allows for a personal and visual representation of the graduate's unique journey.
Graduates may choose to personalize their regalia to reflect their individual achievements and tastes. This can include selecting a gown that is aligned with the colors and emblems of the institution or their field of study. Accessories such as stoles, cords, and medallions can be added to denote special recognitions or memberships in various academic societies. Additionally, GraduationAttire offers Deluxe Doctoral gowns which are tailored to fit a range of body types and sizes, further customizing the graduation experience.
Cultural heritage often plays a significant role on graduation day. Some graduates incorporate elements that honor their cultural heritage, such as traditional fabrics or symbols, adding a layer of personal significance to the ceremony. When customizing regalia, it's essential to respect the formality of the event while also embracing one's personal and cultural identity. FacultyRegalia presents options for custom made doctoral regalia, providing graduates the opportunity to integrate cultural aspects into their attire.
When choosing between purchasing and renting graduation attire, doctoral candidates weigh cost-effectiveness and accessibility of various options.
Purchasing a deluxe doctoral gown can be seen as a long-term investment for those who frequently attend academic ceremonies. The lowest price for a purchase might be high upfront when compared to renting; however, repeated rental fees over time could exceed the cost of a single purchase. High-quality graduation gowns that are bought can be reused, offering greater value to those in academia for years.
Renting provides immediate availability and a range of options without a significant initial payment. It allows graduates to choose from various styles without committing to a single type of regalia. Rental services generally ensure that the attire is well-maintained and appropriate for the ceremony. On the other hand, purchasing may limit options to what is currently on sale, or what can be afforded at the time, which might not include the most deluxe versions.
Graduation day is a significant milestone in a doctoral candidate's journey, demanding careful attention to attire that reflects their field of study and academic achievement. The graduation ensemble is not merely a gown but a symbol of years of dedication and expertise, often detailed with fluting and other elements that are unique to the wearer’s discipline.
When selecting the doctoral graduation robe, one should ensure a proper fit that is comfortable yet formal, providing ease of movement throughout the ceremony. The robe should feature detailed fluting on the back and shoulders, representative of a high-level academic gown. The graduate will need to try on their regalia prior to the event to make certain of no issues with the fit or appearance.
Doctoral hoods are an important component of the attire and should fall in the correct manner to display the field of study through the use of specific colors. The hood's velvet trim color corresponds to the graduate’s discipline, and it is imperative to verify that these details are represented accurately.
On graduation day, graduates must be attentive to the ceremonial protocols. The doctoral regalia should be worn closed, typically with a front zipper. Graduates should double-check their attire for completeness and proper presentation:
It's crucial to arrive at the ceremony location with sufficient time to spare, allowing any last-minute adjustments to attire and participation in lineup instructions. Dress rehearsals are often recommended to acquaint with the processional order and seating arrangements.
Once the formalities of the graduation ceremony have concluded, the focus shifts to preserving the condition of the attire and considering its future use. Proper care ensures that graduation attire remains in pristine condition, whether for keepsakes or for future academic ceremonies.
Graduation gowns should be hung immediately after the ceremony to prevent the fluting around the shoulders and the folds in the sleeves from becoming permanently creased. It's advisable to use a wide hanger to maintain the shape of the gown. The cap and any cords, stoles, or hoods should be laid flat or hung separately to avoid wrinkles. For long-term storage, keep the garments in a breathable garment bag and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Doctoral gowns and regalia are often used more than once, especially for those who attend or officiate future ceremonies. Always refer to the attire guidelines of the hosting institution since different universities may have distinct requirements for the graduates' presence on stage or as faculty members. For instance, even if a gown's fluting may be characteristic of a particular school, it may be accepted in others. The inherent reusability of the garments makes the initial investment worthwhile, as they can be worn multiple times with proper care.
In this section, readers will find detailed information on selecting vendors for acquiring doctoral graduation attire and the support services available to ensure a seamless experience for this momentous occasion.
When choosing a vendor for doctoral graduation attire, it's essential to consider factors such as reputation, product variety, and shipping policies. Herff Jones is a well-established provider that offers a range of academic attire suitable for PhD graduations. Graduates should seek vendors that supply a complete array of items including gowns, caps, and hoods, tailored to their college's specifications.
Post-purchase customer service can significantly impact the graduation experience. Services may include assistance with fitting of gowns and caps, gown preservation, and even instructional videos on how to wear the regalia. Grads should also inquire about return policies and customer support for last-minute issues.
Shipping options and timelines are also a part of support services; prompt delivery is critical as graduations are time-sensitive events.
Doctoral graduates often have specific questions regarding the traditional and proper wear of their graduation attire. This section will address common inquiries, ensuring appropriate presentation for this significant academic milestone.
Doctoral regalia often varies by institution and field of study, distinguished by the gown's color, trimming, and the velvet stripes on the sleeves. The design reflects the graduate's discipline and the institution's traditions. For details on what to wear, graduates can reference their university's academic dress code or suppliers such as Graduation Outlet.
The colors on a doctoral gown and hood typically represent the wearer’s field of study. For example, blue is often associated with philosophy, and green with medicine. The institution's colors are also represented, showing the prestige of the alma mater. Information about the colors can be found in the academic guidelines provided by universities or retailers such as GradShop.
The traditional attire for a male PhD graduate includes a black gown with velvet panels, an academic hood, and a cap. The regalia signify the completion of the doctoral journey, reflecting a universal academic standard. Depending on the ceremony, additional accessories or specific attire may be required.
Personalization of doctoral regalia can be achieved through custom tailoring, selecting specific colors or materials, or by adding custom embroidery indicative of one's academic achievements or personal taste. Retailers like Graduation Source offer customized options for those looking to make their regalia unique.
During the doctorate graduation ceremony, doctoral candidates should carry their hoods over their left arms when processing and will be hooded as part of the ceremony. The hood's color and velvet trim will designate the graduate's field of study and the university from which they have earned their degree. The proper way to wear a hood can also be found in The Graduate School of Notre Dame's FAQ.
A PhD graduation cap and gown typically include a black gown with velvet stripes, a tam or mortarboard with a tassel, and a hood that denotes the graduate's field of study. The gown may have bell sleeves with three velvet bands, while the tam is often preferred over the mortarboard for doctoral degrees. Specific components and their proper use are described in Penn State's commencement regalia guidelines.
