How To Wear A Graduation Cap: The Definitive Guide To Academic Regalia Etiquette

To wear a graduation cap correctly, the mortarboard must sit flat on the head, parallel to the floor, with the front point positioned approximately one inch above the eyebrows. The crown’s shorter tapered end indicates the front, while the deeper part of the skullcap sits at the back of the head, secured by internal elastic or bobby pins. Tassels are traditionally worn on the right side before the degree is conferred and moved to the left side upon the official declaration of graduation.

Pre-Ceremony Preparation and Regalia Checklist

Properly wearing academic regalia begins long before the processional starts. The mortarboard, or graduation cap, is a standardized piece of academic dress that requires specific handling to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Most modern caps are constructed from a blend of polyester or acetate with a stiffened fiberboard interior. Understanding the physical components of your regalia ensures you do not encounter mechanical failures during the ceremony.

Before attempting to fit your cap, organize the following essential components and tools:

• Primary Regalia Components: The mortarboard (cap), the tassel with a year-date charm (signet), and any authorized cords or stoles.
• Fixative Tools: At least four to six bobby pins that match your hair color, a handheld mirror, and a garment steamer or low-heat iron for smoothing the gown.
• Prerequisite Standards: Verification of your institution’s specific tradition regarding tassel color and side placement (while the "right-to-left" rule is standard for undergraduates, some doctoral and master's programs utilize different protocols).
• Duration Benchmarks: Allot at least 20 minutes for hair styling and cap fitting. Do not wait until the line-up for the processional to secure your cap, as the rush often leads to improper alignment.

Precise Mechanics of Wearing the Mortarboard

Achieving the correct fit requires more than simply placing the hat on your head. The geometry of the mortarboard is designed to complement the academic gown, and improper orientation can lead to the cap sliding off or appearing haphazard in professional photography.

Step 1: Identifying the Front and Back Orientation

One of the most common errors in graduation attire is wearing the cap backward. To identify the front, look at the interior skullcap portion of the mortarboard. The crown is usually shaped like a teardrop or a softened rectangle. The front of the cap features a shallower curve and a shorter point, while the back features a deeper, more rounded pocket designed to cup the occipital bone (the base of your skull). Many manufacturers place a small label or an "Elastic Back" tag inside the rear portion of the cap to assist with orientation.

Step 2: The Leveling Procedure

Hold the cap with both hands and pull the back of the crown down over the rear of your head first. Once the back is secure, pull the front down until the edge of the cap is roughly one inch above your eyebrows. The top board—the flat square—must be perfectly level and parallel to the ground.

Warning: Avoid tilting the cap back toward the nape of your neck. This is a common styling choice that frequently results in the cap falling off during the walk across the stage. A tilted cap also creates harsh shadows on the face in photographs and violates the formal aesthetic of academic tradition.

Step 3: Tassel Attachment and Initial Positioning

The tassel is attached to the center button on the top of the mortarboard. Loop the cord over the button and pull it toward the edges. Ensure the cord is seated securely under the button's lip so it does not slide off during movement. For undergraduate candidates, the tassel starts on the right side of the head. It should hang freely between the right eye and the right ear.

Step 4: Securing the Cap for Stability

Once the cap is leveled, use bobby pins to lock it into place, regardless of your hair length or texture.

1. Insert two pins in an "X" configuration on the left side, just behind the ear, catching both the fabric of the cap and a substantial section of hair.
2. Repeat this process on the right side.
3. For those with very fine hair or short buzz cuts, look for caps with adjustable elastic bands or use a small amount of toupee tape on the inside of the front rim to prevent sliding.
4. If you have thick, curly, or natural hair, you may need to secure the cap higher on the head or use extra-long "heavy-duty" bobby pins to reach the scalp through the volume of the hair.

Step 5: The "Tassel Turn" Protocol

The shifting of the tassel signifies the transition from candidate to graduate. This usually occurs en masse after the president of the university or the principal formally confers the degrees. When instructed, use your right hand to move the tassel from the right side of the cap, over the front-right corner, to the left side.

Pro-Tip: Practice this motion in a mirror. Avoid grabbing the tassel by the fringe; instead, grasp the cord near the top button to ensure a smooth, snag-free transition that does not dislodge the entire mortarboard.

Academic Regalia Specifications and Standards

The following table outlines the standardized measurements and color-coding systems typically used in North American and European academic institutions based on the Intercollegiate Code on Academic Costume.

Handling Common Fit Failures and Field Fixes

Even with careful preparation, environmental factors or physical constraints can disrupt the fit of your graduation cap. Understanding how to troubleshoot these issues quickly is vital for a stress-free ceremony.

Scenario 1: High-Wind Outdoor Ceremonies

• Root Cause: The flat surface of the mortarboard acts as a sail, catching upward drafts and crosswinds.
• Actionable Fix: Increase the number of anchor points. Instead of four bobby pins, use eight. Angle the pins downward into the hair and then upward into the cap’s interior lining. If the wind is severe, use a clear chin strap (often sold in theatrical supply stores) or tuck the tassel into your mouth or behind an ear temporarily until you are seated.

Scenario 2: The Cap Is Too Large for the Head

• Root Cause: Standard sizing often fails to account for smaller cranial circumferences or very thin hair.
• Actionable Fix: Apply adhesive-backed foam weather stripping (approximately 1/4 inch thick) to the inside of the skullcap’s rim. This reduces the circumference and provides a "grip" against the forehead. Alternatively, wear a thin, matching-color headband underneath the cap to provide a wider base for bobby pins to grab.

Scenario 3: Voluminous Hair or Protective Styles (Braids, Locs, Afros)

• Root Cause: The standard skullcap is not deep enough to accommodate high-volume hair, causing the cap to "perch" precariously on top.
• Actionable Fix: Use a "graduation cap insert" or a "grad cap headband." These are plastic frames that attach to the cap and allow it to float slightly above the hair while being secured by a headband. If an insert is unavailable, sew a few small hair clips (wig clips) into the interior lining of the cap to provide a mechanical grip on the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side does the tassel go on before I graduate?

For all undergraduate degrees (Associate and Bachelor’s), the tassel begins on the right side of the cap. It is moved to the left only after the degrees have been officially conferred by the presiding official. Master’s and Doctoral candidates typically wear the tassel on the left side for the duration of the ceremony, as they have already earned a prior degree.

Can I wear my graduation cap with my hair down?

Yes, wearing hair down is a popular choice, but it requires more bobby pins to keep the cap stable since there is no bun or ponytail to act as an anchor. Ensure the hair is tucked behind the ears or pinned back slightly so the cap can sit flush against the temples.

Should I take my cap off during the national anthem or prayers?

According to traditional academic etiquette, men should remove their caps during the national anthem, the invocation, and the benediction, holding the cap in their hand. Women generally keep their caps on throughout the entire ceremony, though modern inclusive protocols often allow all graduates to choose based on their personal or religious comfort.

How do I get the wrinkles out of my graduation cap and tassel?

Do not use a high-heat iron, as the synthetic fabrics used in regalia can melt instantly. Instead, use a garment steamer on a low setting to relax the fabric of the crown. For the tassel, hold it over a steaming kettle for a few seconds and then gently pull the threads straight with your fingers to remove any kinks from the packaging.

Finalize Your Graduation Presentation

Prepare your regalia at least 48 hours in advance to ensure all components fit correctly and meet your institution's standards. By mastering these technical adjustments, you can focus on the significance of the ceremony rather than the stability of your attire.