Were you wondering about how to wear a graduation cap and tassel? We're here to provide instructions! Schools expect students to properly adorn their graduation regalia at the ceremony. If you don't have your cap and tassel positioned correctly, you are going to miss out on a time-honored part of this amazing tradition. Follow these 9 simple steps to ensure you are wearing the cap properly and understand how to position your tassel, and why.
Who knows what the weather will be like on your graduation day, it might be picture perfect or anything but. If the wind picks up, your graduation cap could blow right off your head before you make it to the stage. If you're like most graduates, you probably only want your graduation cap airborne at the end of the ceremony. Below, we’ve shared how to wear a graduation cap so that you avoid fashion disasters, make a statement, and look great when you receive your diploma.
Remove the cap from packaging
Unwrap your mortarboard and set aside any packaging materials.
Adjust your hair and stretch open up flexible cap
In the days before graduation, try on your cap and gown while watching yourself in the mirror. Practice trying on and taking off the cap a few times while seeing how it looks, and then try doing it without a mirror. This practice can be helpful if the graduation cap flies off during graduation, so you can calmly put it on and straighten it without any help.> Before putting the graduation cap on your head, part long hair to one side. If you have short hair, tuck it back behind your ears. Unfold and stretch cap to position it over your head.
Ensure the cap is placed correctly
Try on your graduation cap to make sure it fits, if not please reach out to your graduation coordinator or use bobby pins to keep it in place. The correct angle of the graduation cap would be where the front tip of the mortarboard appears dead center on your forehead, between your eyes.
The elastic band and tag should be centered on the back of the head. Do not tilt cap back, it should sit directly on top of your head.
Adjust your hair accordingly with the cap on and look fantastic!
Smooth the tassel strands
Remove your graduation tassel from its protective sleeve. Hold it up and check for any tangled strands.
Hook tassel onto button & make sure it's secure
Secure the loop of tassel onto the button located at the center top part of the mortarboard.
Position tassel to the appropriate side
Prior to your ceremony, arrange the tassel so it drapes over the right side of your mortarboard (the side closest to your face) while you're wearing it. If you are receiving anything lower than a Master’s level (High School or Bachelor), you'll be instructed to move the tassel to the left side when you've officially been declared a graduate of your degree program. If you're receiving a graduate degree, your tassel remains on the left side throughout the commencement. Recommended Tip: Practice smoothly transitioning tassel from right to left before the ceremony so you don't have to worry about it falling off or getting stuck.
Get ready to graduate!
Where do I order my graduationcap?
For those preparing for graduation and in need of a graduation cap, GraduationSource is your go-to destination. Offering a wide selection of high-quality graduation caps tailored to meet the needs of every student, GraduationSource ensures that you'll find the perfect cap for your ceremony. Ordering is made simple through our user-friendly website, where you can browse a variety of styles, colors, and customization options to match your school's requirements. Whether you're looking for traditional black or something more unique, We provides an easy, hassle-free shopping experience. Visit their website, navigate to the graduation caps section, select your preferences, and place your order today to ensure you’re ready for your momentous day.
What do I do with mycap after graduation?
After graduation, what graduates do with their caps can vary widely, reflecting personal choices, creative expressions, or even traditions. Here are some common paths:
- Keep as a Souvenir: Many graduates keep their caps as mementos of their academic achievements and the memories associated with their schooling. It becomes a cherished item that reminds them of their journey and accomplishments.
- Decorate and Display: Some graduates personalize their caps for the ceremony with messages, artwork, or decorations that reflect their personality, major, or future aspirations. After graduation, these decorated caps can be displayed in their homes or offices as a piece of art or a conversation starter.
- Gift to Someone Special: Graduates might give their cap to a family member, friend, mentor, or someone who has significantly helped them throughout their academic journey as a gesture of gratitude and recognition of their support.
- Recycle or Donate: Conscious of sustainability, some graduates choose to recycle their caps or donate them to future students who may not be able to afford graduation attire.
- Participate in Graduation Traditions: In some places, there's a tradition of throwing caps in the air at the end of the ceremony. After this celebratory toss, graduates retrieve their caps, which adds a memorable moment to their graduation experience.
Ultimately, the decision of what to do with a graduation cap post-ceremony is a personal one, with the cap often serving as a symbol of hard work, achievement, and the close of a significant chapter in a graduate's life.
