How To Put On The Graduation Cap: A Precision Guide To Academic Regalia Placement

Achieving the correct placement of a graduation cap, or mortarboard, relies on positioning the flat square plane parallel to the ground with the internal lining centered on the crown of the head. Following professional grooming standards and securing the cap with discreet anchoring techniques ensures the regalia remains stable throughout the ceremony and photography sessions.

Preliminary Preparation and Gear Requirements

Before arriving at your commencement ceremony, ensure your academic regalia—specifically the mortarboard—is in optimal condition. A standard mortarboard consists of a stiffened fabric-covered square board (the skullcap or crown), a tassel, and an internal lining. Unlike casual headwear, the mortarboard is designed for formal static display rather than ergonomic comfort.

• Essential Equipment Checklist:
• Mortarboard (graduation cap) appropriate for your degree level.
• Tassel with current academic year charm.
• Bobby pins (minimum of four, preferably matching your hair color).
• Hair spray or texturizing pomade for increased friction.
• Mirror for verifying the horizontal plane of the board.
• Optional: Double-sided fashion tape for securing the cap to thick or smooth hair textures.

Preparation standards suggest that the mortarboard should be inspected for board rigidity and fabric integrity 24 hours prior to the event. If the skullcap portion is too large, the board will rotate during movement; if too small, it will perch precariously. Budget approximately five minutes for the final fitting process to account for tension adjustment and hair styling compatibility.

Sequential Mortarboard Placement and Anchoring Procedures

Step 1: Preparing the Hair Infrastructure

For individuals with medium to long hair, pull the hair back or create a low bun at the nape of the neck. This provides a structural base for the mortarboard. Avoid high ponytails or top knots, as these disrupt the internal cavity of the cap and prevent it from sitting flat. Apply a light dusting of texturizing spray to the crown of the head to create a non-slip surface, which prevents the synthetic lining of the cap from sliding against clean, smooth hair.

Step 2: Determining Frontal Orientation

Inspect the inside of the mortarboard. Most manufacturers include a tag or a slightly angled front-to-back slope that indicates the intended orientation. Position the cap so that the "front" side is centered on your forehead. For a professional aesthetic, the edge of the mortarboard should sit approximately one inch above your eyebrows.

Pro-Tip: If your cap has a distinct "V" shape on the interior lining, that "V" is intended to point toward the back of the head. Ensure the flat, horizontal board remains parallel to the floor, regardless of the slope of your skull.

Step 3: Executing the Primary Anchoring

Once the cap is level, insert bobby pins through the fabric of the skullcap and secure them into your hair. Use a crisscross technique: slide the first pin in, then slide a second pin over it in the opposite direction to lock the cap in place. Place two pins on the left side and two on the right side near the temple region.

Warning: Avoid inserting bobby pins directly into the stiff board material. Instead, pass the pins through the soft fabric lining or the seams where the skullcap meets the board. Puncturing the stiff board can cause permanent fraying or structural weakness.

Step 4: Tassel Positioning and Final Calibration

The tassel should be attached to the button at the center of the mortarboard. Before the commencement ceremony begins, the tassel should hang from the right side of the board. Following the conferring of degrees, the traditional transition involves moving the tassel to the left side. Check the alignment one final time in a mirror; the board must not tilt forward over your eyes or backward off your crown. If the cap feels loose, add additional bobby pins at the rear of the skullcap.

Comparative Analysis of Graduation Cap Specifications

Troubleshooting Common Placement Failures

• Root Cause: The cap keeps sliding forward over the eyes.

  
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Your hair is likely too slick. Apply a stronger-hold texturizing product to the crown and increase the number of bobby pins at the rear. Ensure the rear of the cap is pulled slightly lower toward the base of the skull to create a counter-balance.

• Root Cause: The cap sits at a slanted or crooked angle.

  
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: This usually stems from uneven hair volume or incorrect skullcap centering. Re-center the cap and use a mirror to verify that the board edge is equidistant from your eyebrows across the entire frontal plane. If a high hairstyle is the culprit, flatten the hair at the crown.

• Root Cause: The board feels wobbly or rotates during head movement.

  
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Use fashion tape (double-sided body tape) along the inner rim of the skullcap. This adds a localized adhesive element that prevents the cap from rotating against your scalp. Ensure you have removed excess oils from the skin or hair before applying the tape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side does the tassel start on?

For undergraduate and master’s degree candidates, the tassel starts on the right side of the mortarboard. It is moved to the left side after the degree is officially conferred by the institution's leadership.

Should I wear my hair down or up?

Wearing hair up is technically superior for stability, as the cap is designed to fit snugly against the head. If you prefer to wear your hair down, use a small amount of backcombing or dry shampoo at the roots to provide the friction required to keep the cap from sliding.

How do I keep the cap secure if it is too big?

If the cap is slightly too large, insert folded felt pads or adhesive foam strips into the interior lining at the front and back. This reduces the circumference of the skullcap, providing a more secure fit against your head without the need for excessive pinning.

Does the mortarboard have a specific front and back?

Yes, the mortarboard is designed with a specific front. Look for a label or tag inside the skullcap; if no tag is present, look for the seam overlap, which is almost always positioned at the back of the head.

Master your commencement day aesthetic by ensuring your regalia is fitted with precision. Secure your academic credentials in style and prepare for your next professional chapter with confidence by following these expert fitting techniques.