how to wear phd cap

See also Deluxe Doctoral Gowns Custom Doctoral Gowns Doctoral Tams

In the case of Ph.D. hoods, the wearer will normally wear the Ph.D. blue velvet on his or her hood regardless of the field or discipline of their Ph.D. This means, for example, that whereas a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) would wear sky blue velvet representing Education, a Ph.D. in Education would wear the darker Ph.D. blue. For that reason, it is important that Ph.D. holders order their hoods as Ph.D. hoods rather than Doctor of... hoods. The cost of Ph.D. and doctoral hoods, and post-doctoral Masters hoods is $145.00 with piping, or $130.00 without piping.  

Deluxe Ph.D. gown with Gold Piping shown with Ph.D. hood with Gold Piping.

Doctoral Regalia Order Form

Deluxe Ed.D. - Doctor of Education Hood with Sky blue velvet (for edu).

Deluxe Doctoral Gown, black velvet, shown with Deluxe Hood without piping.

Dressing for graduation

Caps, gowns & tassels.

Students are required to wear caps, gowns and tassels when participating in-person in the University Commencement Ceremony as well as any college convocation ceremony and most special interest convocation events. 

The Stole of Gratitude is an additional amenity to the official cap and gown. It is NOT a required part of the academic regalia.

For students who are participating in ceremonies that take place at Mountain America Stadium, it is highly recommended that everyone wear flat-soled shoes (avoid heels). 

Upon arriving to check in for their ceremonies, students are required to hand-carry their gowns through security to gain access to the venues. 

Caps, Gowns and Graduation Products

How to purchase your regalia

Discounts on graduation packages.

The ASU Grad Fair is your one chance to receive exclusive discounts on graduation packages including your cap, gown and tassel. At this online event, discounts are offered through ASU’s official graduation regalia vendor, Herff Jones. After Grad Fair, graduation packages are full price online or in store.

ASU Grad Fair: Upcoming dates

Starts: Friday, October. 4, 2024 at 8 a.m. MST Ends: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8 p.m. MST

On the first day of Grad Fair, graduating students receive an email with a unique link to access discounted graduation packages.

For questions about the Grad Fair, email [email protected] or call 480-219-3247

Buying regalia

You can purchase your graduation regalia online through Herff Jones until April 8. Online purchases will be full price.

Commemorative maroon and gold tassels and announcements are also available for purchase via the Herff Jones online store . Graduation announcements will be delivered to your home address two to three weeks after your order is placed.

How to wear your Bachelor's cap and gown

How to wear your master's cap and gown.

How to wear your Doctorate cap and gown

What do you wear under your cap and gown.

What you wear under your cap and gown is about comfort and style! Think business-casual dress, and remember: your shirt collar or dress top will show. Wear comfortable shoes suited for the surface — a football field? Stairs to climb or descend? Check to see what the temperature will be during the ceremony and make sure you are prepared. Most importantly, wear something that won’t distract from the formality of the ceremony and is the right fit for post-ceremony dinner or an outing with family and friends.

How do you wear a mortarboard?

Wear your mortarboard like the academic pro you are. Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

How do you iron a graduation gown?

If you choose to iron your graduation gown, here are a couple of quick tips:

• Turn the gown inside out and use the “Warm” setting on your iron. If you are ironing your stole, iron it face down, not directly on the stitching on the front.
• Move the iron continuously; don’t stay too long in one spot! Hang the gown to keep it wrinkle-free. You can use a steamer on your graduation stole, too!

What side do you wear your graduation cap tassel?

Wear your graduation tassel on the right side of your mortarboard. When you have received your diploma, you will be told to flip your tassel to the left side!

How do you wear honor cords at graduation?

Here’s how to properly wear your graduation honor cord(s):

• Once you are in your gown, first place your graduation stole around your neck, making sure the ends are at the same length.
• Place your honor cord(s) on top of your graduation stole, again making sure the cords are at the same length.

How do you wear a post-graduate hood at graduation?

To wear your graduation hood, follow these tips:

• Unfold your graduation hood with the colors facing outward and place it over your head.
• Attach the hood cord to your shirt button, or use a pin to keep the hood properly secured and positioned.
• Get some assistance to turn your colors out on the back, so they show.
• You can also carry your hood to your graduation ceremony to get some help!

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• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Wharton Stories

6 tips to put on your graduation regalia the right way.

Here are a few tips to help you dress the part for graduation day, including how the hood is supposed to look.

How can such a simple outfit be so complicated? It doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you look your best as you walk across the stage in your cap and gown:

1. Adjust the gown so that it sits comfortably on your shoulders.

It should fall below your knee, but not so low that it is a tripping hazard.

2. Put the hood on over your head with the velvet side up and the small tapered end in front.*

Drape your hood around your neck with the largest portion of the hood hanging down your back. ( *Doctoral students don’t have to worry about steps 2 through 4. Read the sidebar to find out why. )

3. Secure the hood so it doesn’t slip off.

Use the cord on the front to secure the hood to a shirt button or use a safety pin to attach it to a blouse or dress. This will also give you a little breathing room so the hood isn’t tight against your neck. Fasten all hooks, buttons, and zippers securely.

4. Let your colors show.

Turn the Penn colors outward to show the red and the blue, and roll the velvet edge out as well so that the inside colors show. When you’re done, the end of the hood will look somewhat like a fin. If you are an MBA student, ask someone to give you a hand with the cord and button in the back to keep your hood together.

5. Place the cap on your head so that point is lined up with the middle of your forehead.

From above, it will look like a diamond shape.(The inside of the cap tells you which end is the front.) Adjust the mortarboard so that it’s parallel to the ground — don’t wear it to the side or to the back. You may need to use some bobby pins or clips to keep it securely on your head.

6. Fasten your tassel to the button on the top of the mortarboard.

Put the tassel on the right side and don’t turn it until your degree has been conferred.

Congrats on finishing your Wharton career in style.

— Colleen Donnelly

Posted: April 2, 2018

The Wharton School

Did you know.

Doctoral students don’t have to worry as much about getting the hood right because their Graduation involves a traditional hooding ceremony.

Graduation Information

Visit graduation.wharton.upenn.edu for Graduation details, ceremony schedules, and links to view a livestream of the undergraduate and MBA ceremonies.

Share Your Moments with Us

Use #WhartonGrad on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Watch: Video Highlights from the 2018 MBA Graduation Ceremony

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How to Wear an Academic Hood

Last Updated: June 6, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 270,414 times.

Academic hoods are often worn during commencement ceremonies and graduation events as part of the ceremonial regalia. Unlike other hoods, academic hoods are meant to hang down low on the back and around the neck. Properly wearing these hoods can be the most difficult part of the graduation ceremony. However, if you know how to make the proper folds in your hood, it’s easy to make your overall appearance fit the importance of the occasion.

Putting On Your Own Hood

• This fold should be right below your shoulder blades when the hood is placed over your head.

• Remove your graduation cap or tam when you put on your hood, as you don't want your hat to get tangled up in your hood.

• If you are not wearing a shirt or dress with buttons and your gown does not come with a specially made button, you can use a safety pin instead.
• If your hood doesn’t come with a cord, or the cord breaks, use a thick needle and sturdy yarn to create a homemade cord. Be sure to use a color that won’t clash with the hood, likely black.

Being Hooded At the Ceremony

• At some universities, you will not need to carry your hood with you. Instead, you will be expected to drop off your hood ahead of time. Follow your university's commencement instructions closely.

• If the hood includes a button and cord, such as for the satin lining, be sure these are unfastened. Your professor will secure them for you during the ceremony.

Acquiring the Correct Hood

• An Associate's degree hood is usually worn flat against the back like a cape or cowl. Note that Associate's hoods are not as commonly worn as graduate degree hoods--you might not need a hood to be a part of your regalia. [9] X Research source
• A Bachelor's degree hood is 3 feet long and does not end in a sharp point. Note that Bachelor's hoods are not as commonly worn as graduate degree hoods--you might not need a hood to be a part of your regalia. [10] X Research source
• A Master's degree hood is 3.5 feet long and comes to a point at the bottom. [11] X Research source
• A Doctoral hood is the longest hood at 4 feet long. It has the sharpest point and also the largest trim of all hoods. [12] X Research source

• Law students, for example, wear hoods trimmed in purple, while all Ph.D. students wear hoods trimmed in royal blue.

Community Q&A

• Every institution and every degree involves a different costume and different customs. Make sure you double check the commencement and regalia requirements well ahead of time so that you do not make any mistakes. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• It is not typical to wear or be presented with an academic hood for a bachelor's degree, so check with the institution in which you are graduating if this is necessary. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://static.scs.georgetown.edu/upload/kb_file/Graduation_Apparel_How_To_Guide_SCS.pdf
• ↑ https://www.madonna.edu/pdf/univres/academic_regalia_2018.pdf
• ↑ http://static.scs.georgetown.edu/upload/kb_file/Graduation_Apparel_How_To_Guide_SCS.pdf
• ↑ https://www.furman.edu/academics/commencement/academic-regalia/
• ↑ http://www.gradgowns.us/MHEC-Information-How_To_Wear_Academic_Regalia.html
• ↑ https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Academic-Regalia.aspx

About This Article

To put on an academic hood, unfold the garment and place it on a flat surface so that it's fully extended. Position the hood so that the velvet lining, which signifies your degree, is facing upward and out, and make sure the satin lining is visible at the front of the hood. Then, put the hood on over your head so that it's draped over your shoulders, with the pointed velvet hood resting at your neck. Use the buttons on the shoulders of your gown to fasten the hood in place, and adjust it as necessary so the colors are showing. Read on if you want to know the proper way to be hooded at an academic ceremony! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Numbers on Caps, Colourful Equipment this Weekend in MLB

Why are baseball players wearing numbers on their hats this weekend? Because Players’ Weekend is back!

Major League Baseball Players’ Weekend is meant to be a platform for players to celebrate the people, places, and causes that have influenced their lives (while, naturally, sneaking in some new merch out there to fans ). It’s the first time we’ve had a Players’ Weekend since 2019, and it will run through the entire weekend of August 16-17-18, 2024.

The cap patches will be the most visually obvious aspect of the 2024 edition of MLB Players’ Weekend. Each player’s uniform number will be displayed on the side panel in a “youthful design,” with each number from 0 to 9 featuring a distinct design. The rest of each player’s gear, including bats and cleats, can be customized as the player wishes, not restricted by their team’s colour scheme.

Expect to see plenty of personalized touches on the field. Players will opt for bats and cleats that reflect their roots, whether their hometowns, alma maters, or family connections. Others might pay tribute to favourite characters, nicknames, or foundations they support. MLB teams will share stories and content throughout the weekend to highlight the significance behind these choices.

✏️ It might be Summer, but Ernie is ready for school this #PlayersWeekend ! pic.twitter.com/2iDYRZJXRI — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 16, 2024

Jackson Merrill has a glow-in-dark Star Wars lightsaber bat for #PlayersWeekend 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WgQIDwa4ne — MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2024

SHOP: 2024 Players’ Weekend caps available now

Players’ Weekend debuted in 2017, originally featuring colourful pullover uniforms and player nicknames on the back of jerseys. The event became an annual tradition for three seasons, finishing up in 2019 — that was the season during which the uniforms bizarrely shifted to either an entirely all-black or all-white design , which was meant to highlight each player’s individuality through customized gear rather than their uniform colour. Did that kill the first run of Players’ Weekend? Who knows, but it took five years for us even to get a whiff of it again.

This year, Players’ Weekend is divided into three themed days:

• Friday, August 16: “FUN,” highlighting players’ personalities, friendships, and hobbies.
• Saturday, August 17: “CAUSES,” focusing on charitable and community initiatives important to the players.
• Sunday, August 18: “APPRECIATION,” dedicated to honouring those who supported the players on their journey to the Major Leagues.

After the weekend, some of the special items used by players will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to charities chosen by the players.

The 2024 Little League Classic will cap off Players’ Weekend, with the New York Yankees facing the Detroit Tigers in Williamsport, PA, on Sunday night. This game will be broadcast live in the United States on ESPN and, I’m assuming, on one of either Sportsnet or TSN in Canada. (sorry, Major League Baseball’s press release didn’t include any broadcast details for one of their team’s markets)

Related stories:

Wondering What to Wear to the U.S. Open? 8 Editor-Approved Outfits

Draw inspiration from our favorite celebrity looks and the season’s biggest trends.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Of course, you can wear whatever you want to the U.S. Open. The annual tennis tournament doesn’t enforce a strict dress code. However, it’s still fun to put a little effort into your game-day outfit. Before you go all out, remember that this is a sporting event. The day could be filled with a lot of walking up and down stadium stairs as well dealing with sweltering, end-of-summer weather. So, you’ll want to pick a look that strikes the perfect balance of sophisticated ease.

On the other side of the spectrum, you could always lean into the tenniscore trend (when in Rome, right?) Kule has the cutest white pleated mini skirt that matches the sporty aesthetic. On the other hand, Miu Miu put a runway-worthy twist on the preppy miniskirt-and-polo combination by layering a checkered button-up shirt and peekaboo skivvies underneath the look.

Don’t forget to put some thought into your shoes and accessories. Comfortable loafers or chic tennis shoes are ideal for long days—not to mention, it’s wise to keep the bag policy in mind when finalizing your look. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend money on a clear pouch. At the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center , handbags smaller than 12 inches wide by 12 inches tall by 16 inches long are fine.

Discover exactly what to wear to the U.S. Open below.

A Versatile Dress With a Sporty Cap

Follow Jenner’s lead and wear a timeless dress to the match. All you’ll need is a sport hat to feel right on theme.

Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Cap

Zara Balloon Midi Dress

Jenny Bird Bird Doune Hoops

J.Crew Cardigan Sweater

Bottega Veneta Sardine Mini Bag

Tory Burch Capri Low-Heel Sandal

The cozy shorts with polished pieces.

Nothing feels as comfortable as a pair of cuddly soft sweat shorts. Of course, planning any outfit is all about creating balance. Add an elevated touch to the look with a crisp button-down and minimalist, barely-there kitten heels.

Nike Dri-Fit ADV Club Baseball Cap

Hommegirls Striped Shirt

Madewell The Essential Bag

Sporty & Rich 94 Racquet Club Shorts

Steve Madden Marianne Kitten Heel

Elisa Johnson Jane Sunglasses

The transitional outfit with a pop of color.

Enjoy the last few days of summer with a modest pair of shorts and your favorite tank top. A knotted shawl and hoop earrings help bring the entire look up a notch.

Zontroldy Knotted Shawl

Skims Cotton Rib Tank Top

Posse Wesley High-Waist Shorts

TKEES Lily Flip-Flop

Loewe Slit Bag

Mejuri Texture Hoops

The sweatshirt with sophisticated details.

For a sporty look that also feels sophisticated, pair a sleek sweatshirt with breezy line trousers. For maximum comfort, let a cool pair of white sneakers anchor the look.

Jennifer Behr Ellis Earrings

The Frankie Shop Clea Sweatshirt

Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant

Bottega Veneta Mini Bucket Bag

Toteme The Sport Sneakers

Hermès Cape Cod Fil D'Or Watch

The preppy look with a sultry skirt.

For instant sartorial success, count on preppy items—like loafers, a polo shirt, and scrunchy socks, to anchor your outfit.

Miu Miu Polo Shirt

Mara Hoffman Hailey Shirt

Miu Miu Denim Miniskirt

Marge Sherwood Zipper Small Bag

LA Apparel Big Slouch Sock

Gucci Horsebit 1953 Loafer

The ladylike jacket with relaxed fit jeans.

You can never go wrong with a great pair of jeans and comfortable black flats . An elegant blouse and a tweed jacket will prove to be perfect pairings.

Nili Lotan Paloma Tweed Jacket

Khaite Tash Tie-Neck Top

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean

Jordan Road Coco Earrings

Vince Vivian Ballet Flat

Anine Bing Nicola Belt

The denim maxi with textured accessories.

Should you want to go the dressier route, reach for a denim midi skirt to elevate your U.S. Open outfit. It’ll look exceptional with a small woven handbag and easy-to-walk-in kitten heels .

Leset Kelly Racerback Tank

Reformation Delilah Denim Midi Skirt

Bottega Veneta Andiamo Intrecciato Clutch

Gucci Leather Belt

Reformation Sophie Heeled Sandal

Alex Mill Taylor Cardigan

The tennis skirt with the coordinating rugby shirt.

Channel your favorite tennis player with a pleated skirt look that will fit right in to the scenery. Add a striped shirt to the look to amplify the color.

Kule The Colorblock Rugby

Kule The Williams Tennis Skirt

Completedworks Recycled Gold Vermeil Earrings

New Balance 530 Sneaker

Aritzia Scrunch Crew Sock

Staud Bean Bag

Alexis is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this first-of-its-kind role, she gets to combine her love for shopping with her obsession for innovative content strategy. Alexis is constantly thinking of new ways to elevate the online shopping experience. And when she’s not browsing the market for the latest fashion trends, you can find her nerding out listening to a business podcast or taking a long hot girl walk.

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5 Colts, including Jonathan Taylor, wear 'Guardian Caps' to protect against concussions

At least five players for the Indianapolis Colts wore “Guardian Caps” during Sunday's preseason opener vs. the Denver Broncos.

The blue, eggcrate padding is attached to helmets and mandatory for players during training camp in an effort to cut down on concussions. This year players can choose to wear the protective headwear in games for the first time.

In Sunday's 34-30 loss to the Broncos , running backs Jonathan Taylor and Zavier Scott, tight end Kylen Granson, safety Rodney Thomas II and linebacker Grant Stuard used them. The blue padding is covered with a white outer layer that included the Colts horseshoe logo and blue stripe, making it more difficult to determine who was using the protection.

“Our (medical and equipment) guys here do a great job of keeping us informed,” said Scott. “They’ve done the testing, and I don’t know the numbers, but they say it (offers) a significant reduction in concussions.”

Taylor said he was trying out the Guardian Cap to see how it felt in a game and didn't commit to continue using it.

Doyel: The roof was broken, offense leaky but Anthony Richardson was back for the Colts

Do Guardian Caps reduce concussions?

According to NFL research, the cap can absorb at least 10% of the force of a hit.

It was difficult to tell which players were wearing the Guardian Caps at first glance; the straps from the coverings can be seen and the helmet looks bigger on a closer look, however.

What are Guardian Caps

Guardian Caps are pads attached to helmets in an effort to reduce the risk of suffering a concussion while playing football.

NFL players are required to wear them during training camp practices and, for the first time, can chose to wear them during games.

Guardian Cap cost

The NFL is using Guardian Caps' NXT model, according to Guardiansports.com , which are listed for $125 but only available to NFL players and college linemen.

Guardiansports.com , however, sells the helmet covers for football, lacrosse and hockey helmets for $69.99.

Guardian Caps in games

The Steelers' James Daniels is believed to be the first NFL player to wear a Guardian Cap in a game on Friday night. No one had used on in the first three preseason games.

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Collection: phd & doctorate graduation regalia, choose a category, doctoral gowns.

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Deluxe Doctoral Graduation Custom Hood - Academic Regalia

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PHD & Doctorate Regalia as beautiful the first time as it is the fiftieth. Whether you’re receiving your doctorate or presenting degrees of your own, it’s important to look and feel your best for the occasion. Our one-stop shopping, speedy delivery, and lowest prices make this graduation season easier for you than ever.

• Custom hoods, expertly crafted
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Doctoral Regalia:

Doctoral regalia is the most elaborate and sophisticated type of academic regalia. It is worn by individuals who have earned a doctoral degree, such as a PhD, EdD, or MD. Doctoral regalia consists of three main components: the gown, the hood, and the tam or bonnet.

The Doctorate Gown:

The gown is usually made of black material and has long, flowing sleeves. The front of the gown is open and often features velvet panels or decorative piping. The gown can be worn with a formal shirt and tie or a blouse and skirt for women.

The Doctoral Hood:

The hood is the most distinctive feature of doctoral regalia. It is worn over the gown and is usually made of silk or satin. The color of the hood represents the field of study or academic discipline of the wearer. For example, a blue hood signifies a degree in philosophy, green for medicine, and purple for law. The color of the lining of the hood represents the institution that conferred the degree.

The length and shape of the hood also vary according to the degree being conferred. The length of the doctoral hood is determined by the level of the degree, with the doctoral hood being the longest. The shape of the hood is also determined by the degree, with the doctoral hood having a bell-shaped design.

The Doctoral Tam:

The academic tam is a hat worn with the gown and hood. It is usually made of black velvet and features a tassel in a specific color that represents the degree being conferred. For example, a blue tassel signifies a PhD degree, while a gold tassel signifies an EdD degree.

Importance of Wearing Doctoral Regalia:

The wearing of doctoral regalia is an important tradition in academia. It symbolizes the wearer's academic achievement and expertise in their field of study. It is also a way to honor and recognize the years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that went into earning a doctoral degree.

Doctoral regalia also serves as a visual representation of the academic community. It creates a sense of unity and belonging among scholars and helps to identify individuals who have earned a doctoral degree. It also promotes a sense of pride and accomplishment among those who wear it.

Furthermore, wearing doctoral regalia is a sign of respect for the institution and the academic community. It shows that the wearer is part of a larger network of scholars who are committed to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact on society.

Conclusion:

Doctoral regalia is a traditional and important part of academia. It represents the wearer's academic achievements, field of study, and institutional affiliation. It serves as a visual representation of the academic community and promotes a sense of unity, pride, and accomplishment among scholars. The wearing of doctoral regalia is a sign of respect for the institution and the academic community and is an important tradition that should be honored and respected.

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If transitioning into academic position, should I buy my PhD graduation cap and gown?

My graduation ceremony is coming up in a few months, and I have the option of buying or renting a graduation cap and gown.

I will be starting an assistant professor job this year, so I suspect (but am not sure) that I will need to wear the dress at graduation ceremonies at my new institution.

If I were to buy the graduation dress, would I ever need to wear it again?

Location: My new job will be in an Asian university.

What I did I asked a colleague at the institution where I will be working, and he told me that indeed, I could rent a gown for free if I were to attend a graduation ceremony.

• outward-appearance
• academic-dress

• 44 How cool is your gown? –  StrongBad Commented Apr 27, 2015 at 14:52
• 1 May depend on degree type: herffjones.com/college/capgown/gowndifferences –  Compass Commented Apr 27, 2015 at 15:32

9 Answers 9

Different institutions have different policies on robes for faculty members at graduations, although most will arrange for robes for faculty who do not have their own. However, if you take advantage of this option, you might not get much choice in your regalia - so if the institution that you are graduating from has its own particular design for regalia that you love, it might be worth getting your own. I have heard that there are institutions who will require that all faculty members wear the same design of regalia for graduation ceremonies, in which case spending a lot of money on a non-traditional set - which you then cannot wear at commencements - would be less than optimal.

Since you have an assistant professor job lined up, you could just ask someone at your new institution what the policies are there.

As noted in the comment, the location might change our opinion of the problem, however I will make notes from my experience.

When I graduated with my first degree I hired a gown as I could not see the value of owning one and knew I would study for higher degrees, and perhaps I could buy one later in my career. I received my second degree in-absentia because I knew that I would graduate again with a third degree in due course.

Now I attend ceremonies on a regular basis my institution can provide my gown for any formalities. Someone really parsimonious might say that you never need to buy a gown.

However, I have great regret not getting the earlier gowns. Time has changed things in a way I could not predict when I was making the decisions. The gown from my first university was designed by the hippest fashion designer of the 1960s. It was real 1960s cool in colour, shape and cut. No black gowns and mortarboards for them. As the institution matured they felt hip fashion icons of the 1960s were no longer cool and switched to plain black gowns and mortarboards. Now, in present times, it is impossible to source the original gowns. They are collectors items that rarely come on eBay and go for huge prices. All the original graduates, like me, now realise what a fantastic item they missed and want to get them. (Because, today, they look quite fantastic again).

The gowns from my second university, which some of my colleagues own, have changed in quality over the ages. When I graduated they were made by fine tailors from excellent cloth with fine silks and quality trimmings. Today they are polyester and so forth and mass produced identically to all the other university gowns.

My rented gown just does not impress half as much as the originals that others wear at these fine ceremonies.

Only you can know how fine are the gowns that you could buy. No one can know what the future brings.

• 9 Wow, fascinating. If it isn't too much trouble, could you perhaps provide a picture of such a cool 60s gown? We have no real tradition of gowns over here in my country, so I can't even imagine a cool gown. –  SáT Commented Apr 28, 2015 at 4:09
• @SáT I can't seem to find one on google images or eBay. Have to scan some old 35mm film - take a while. Will try. –  Brian Tompsett - 汤莱恩 Commented Apr 28, 2015 at 14:00
• @SáT - Found one on Picasa! –  Brian Tompsett - 汤莱恩 Commented Apr 28, 2015 at 14:15

Don't bother. It's over 10 years since my ceremony, I've been in academia all that time, and I've never seen the need. I've also seen very few faculty with their own robes. For graduation most institutions I know of will organize robe hire (and pay for it), so there's not even that incentive.

• 8 You don't say where you are; the asker doesn't say where they are. How do we know that your experience is representative of what their experience will be? –  David Richerby Commented Apr 27, 2015 at 19:14
• 3 My institution expects you to provide your own regalia for commencment ceremonies. As does my father-in-law's. Mind you, in both places you need only attend once a year, and it is common to borrow a robe from a colleague if your own is unavailable. –  dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten Commented Apr 27, 2015 at 23:06

I bought my Harvard doctoral robes in 1973. And I have worn them a few times over the years. Probably fewer than 10 times. Deans and higher administrators probably attend many more of these events.

At Ohio State, a representative group of faculty attends each commencement ceremony. You can wear your own robe, or our department had a few generic robes for use by those do not have one. Of course I would always be noticeable in my crimson robe among all the black.

The robe is made of some synthetic fabric, and should be dry cleaned, not just stuffed in a washing machine. I only needed that once: we were in a procession walking through the rain.

• 9 I also bought my Harvard doctoral robes, and I've had occasion to wear them again three or four times. When my children were small, my doctoral hood served as their superhero cape (and it survived!). –  Andreas Blass Commented Apr 27, 2015 at 15:07

I didn't attend my final graduation and didn't see the reason to buy a gown with so many other expenses adding up moving to my tenure track job. However, I quickly found out that at my new institution, I had to wear regalia for freshman convocation, 1-2 commencements, and now a few other special events, and at $60-$75 each for rentals, I paid the same amount renting as I ended up paying for my decent (but admittedly bargain basement) doctoral hood/gown. I also splurged for the cool soft hat because I hadn't seen the fancy flock of seagulls option of the poster above. Until today, I hadn't regretted that.

I actually wish I had. (At this particular stage in my life it seems no longer necessary, but fifteen, twenty years ago I seriously contemplated it --- and then promptly procrastinated.)

It probably does not make much sense to buy one just for your own graduation (I didn't even attend mine), but if you intend to make a career in academia, you will likely be expected to attend commencement ceremonies for your students. Sure, you can rent a gown once or twice a year, but the rentals are all so uniform, and your institution may not even offer the degree you were awarded, so the colors are all wrong, etc.

When I got my doctorate I bought the whole set - gown+hood+octagonal hat. The friendly people at the ND admin building overseeing the orders strongly advised me to also rent one for the commencement festivities. Their reasons: A) the fully tailored robe would not be done in time, B) there's the risk of getting champagne poured all over the robe at the commencement party. They exaggerated item B, but item A was compelling enough.

During the last 25 years I have needed to wear the set less than ten times at various academic festivities: At the defences of my own grad students (in these parts they are very formal occasions in comparison to US) when I've been presiding the event. And elsewhere in doctoral defences as an opponent / external examiner / whatever. This is not too often, so the argument that it's wasted money is not without merit. However, getting extensive use of it was not on top of my list of reasons for buying the doctoral outfit in the first place. It has always also been a souvenir / memorabilia and also a uniform / badge of rank.

And I still get sentimental every time I dig out the gown, dust it and put it on. Also, because it's different from our local norm academic white tie + top hat outfit, my robe always attracts some positive comments. I'm too vain to fully ignore those :-)

I think the biggest question will be whether or not you are required by your department head, dean, provost, or university head to attend some number of graduation ceremonies every year. There has been a push at my university to get faculty attendance up at these events, and they require a cap and gown. As such, and with the increased attendance, there probably aren't enough loaner robes to go around, so at least some faculty need to buy their own.

Now, since you're still a presumably poor student, why don't you rent your robe for your own graduation and then get the lay of the land when you get to your new university? There's some lost money, but in the long run it will seem small in comparison to the sunk cost of buying a robe that it turns out you don't need. You can always buy one next year at your new university (even in the style of the one you graduated from) once you get there and find out if it's worthwhile.

The best point at which to make the transition from renting to buying is when you get tenure, if you are in a tenure-track position: it means that you're likely in this for the long haul, and don't have to deal with the expensive and frustrating logistics of renting anymore. Before that point, there's always the possibility you'll leave and go to industry, or something of that sort.

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