How to Wear a Graduation Hood and Cap Correctly

Introduction

Walking across the stage in your academic gown is one of the most memorable parts of graduation. But for many students, the challenge comes before the ceremony even begins: figuring out how to wear a graduation hood and graduation cap correctly.

Your academic dress is designed to conform to your university’s dress code, so getting the details right is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, highlight common mistakes, and explain how academic gown hire from Churchill Gowns makes the whole process stress-free.

Key Points

• The graduation hood represents your degree and faculty through its colours and shape.
• The graduation cap (mortarboard) should sit flat on the head, not tilted backwards.
• Proper positioning of the hood ensures it sits comfortably and looks correct in photos.
• Common mistakes include twisted hoods, misplaced tassels, and incorrect gown sizing.
• Churchill Gowns’ hire service delivers gowns early, so you can practise wearing your outfit in advance.

Understanding the Graduation Hood

The graduation hood is more than decoration; it’s a key part of your academic dress that displays your degree and faculty through its lining colours and shape.

Why the Hood Matters

The hood’s colour and style are unique to your qualification and university, making it an essential part of your ceremony look. It ties your outfit directly to your academic achievement.

Types of Hoods

Bachelor’s hoods are often smaller and simpler, while master’s hoods feature longer, triangular cuts with additional lining. Doctoral hoods are the most ornate, sometimes with velvet trim or bold colours.

Where the Hood Should Sit

The hood should rest neatly on your shoulders, with the lining visible at the back. At Churchill Gowns, our designs are carefully cut to drape naturally, so you don’t have to worry about constant adjustments.

Wearing the Graduation Cap (Mortarboard)

The graduation cap is a unifying symbol of scholarship, but it’s also one of the easiest items to wear incorrectly.

Positioning Your Cap

The mortarboard should sit flat on your head, parallel to the ground. Avoid tipping it backwards, this is one of the most common mistakes.

The Tassel Rule

The tassel is more than decoration. Depending on your university, it may begin on the right-hand side and be moved to the left once your degree is conferred. Check your institution’s ceremony instructions for confirmation.

Comfort and Fit

Churchill Gowns’ mortarboards are made with soft black felt and a flexible inner band with elastic, ensuring a secure fit that stays in place throughout your celebration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Wearing Your Academic Dress

Getting ready for graduation is easy when you follow a simple process:

1. Start with your outfit: Wear smart, comfortable clothing that fits neatly under your gown.
2. Put on the gown: Slip your arms through the sleeves, making sure it sits evenly on your shoulders.
3. Add the hood: Place it over your head, resting the coloured side at the back and ensuring it’s not twisted.
4. Adjust the neckline: Some hoods have a loop or button to secure them, use this so it stays in place.
5. Wear the cap: Position your graduation cap flat on your head with the tassel on the correct side.
6. Final check: Look in the mirror or ask a friend to ensure the hood is sitting correctly and the gown hangs smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even small errors can distract from your polished look. Watch out for these pitfalls:

• Wearing the graduation hood inside out or with the lining hidden.
• Tilting the graduation cap too far back.
• Choosing an ill-fitting gown (too long or too short).
• Forgetting to secure the hood, causing it to slip during the ceremony.

Why Early Delivery Makes a Difference

One of the benefits of academic gown hire with Churchill Gowns is convenience. Hired gowns arrive at least two days before your ceremony, giving you plenty of time to practise wearing your gown, hood, and cap. With this head start, you’ll feel confident on the big day  and your graduation photos will look flawless.

Quality and Comfort You Can Rely On

Our graduation robes are made from 70% recycled polyester manufactured from plastic waste, blended with 30% viscose for a soft, premium finish. Each gown contains at least 550g of recycled plastic waste - equivalent to at least 28 plastic bottles. Combined with our secure-fit mortarboards and carefully tailored hoods, your attire is designed to look professional, comfortable, and fully aligned with your university’s dress code.

Conclusion

Learning how to wear your graduation hood and graduation cap correctly is just as important as choosing whether to hire or buy your gown. From proper hood placement to tassel positioning, small details make a big impact on your overall look. With academic gown hire from Churchill Gowns, you’ll receive your outfit early, giving you time to practise and perfect your style. On graduation day, you’ll step onto the stage in graduation robes that fit beautifully, conform to your university’s requirements, and make every photo a memory to treasure.

 

FAQs

Q1: How do I put on a graduation hood?

Place the hood over your head, let it rest on your shoulders, and ensure the lining is visible at the back. Use the loop to secure it if provided.

Q2: Which side should the tassel be on?

This varies by university. In many ceremonies, the tassel starts on the right and is moved to the left after your award is conferred.

Q3: What if my hood feels uncomfortable or keeps slipping?

Use the fastening loop to secure it, and ask a friend or staff member to adjust it. With Churchill Gowns’ design, the graduation hood drapes naturally and stays in place.

Q4: When will my hired gown arrive?

With academic gown hire from Churchill Gowns, your attire is delivered to your door at least two days before your ceremony.

Q5: What materials are Churchill Gowns made from?

Our gowns are crafted from 70% recycled polyester (equivalent to 28 plastic bottles) and 30% viscose, ensuring a comfortable and high-quality finish.