How to Dress for a Graduation Ceremony

As your graduation day approaches, there will be plenty on your to-do list. After sending out your graduation announcements and party invitations, and deciding out what to wear, you’ll also need to order your cap and gown. But you may be confused on the right way to put on your graduation attire. If so, we’re here to help. Avoid headaches with our easy to follow instructions for how to wear your graduation cap. Our tassel turning tips will assure you’ll look picture perfect for the big day you’ve been waiting for.

How To Wear A Graduation Cap

Your graduation cap, more formally referred to as your mortarboard, is a “graduation hat” that should be worn flat on your head and parallel to the ground. You’ll want your cap to be worn properly, comfortably and without any mishaps. Follow our step-by-step instructions to make sure your rocking that grad cap cap with style:

1. Practice Wearing Your Cap Before The Big Day.

With practice, you’ll be able to feel certain that you’re wearing the cap just how you’re supposed to be. Trying your graduation cap on before graduation day will also help you make sure it stays put throughout the ceremony, looks great in all of your graduation pictures and if it does get knocked off, you’ll be able to put it back in place without a mirror.

2. Style Your Hair Accordingly.

This isn’t as big of a step for the gentlemen graduates as it is for the ladies but, it is an important thing to consider. There are a few hairstyles that will work well with a graduation cap. Although you may not be able to wear an up-do or high ponytail, there are a handful of hairstyles that look great under your graduation cap (see our hairstyle guide below).

3. Put Your Cap On Correctly.

The pointed tip of your cap is meant to go in the front of your head while the elastic band should go behind. The cap should be worn directly on your head and not tilted back and it should lie about one inch above your eyebrows. Keep in mind that your cap will usually distinguish which side goes in the front and which side goes in the back. Simply flip your cap over and you should find the instructions on the under side.

4. Secure Your Cap On Top Of Your Head.

Graduation caps usually feel as if they are going to fall right off your head and with all of the pomp and circumstance going on during the ceremony, it is even more likely that your cap may get knocked off of your head by a gust of wind or even a fellow graduate. You can secure your graduation cap into place by using a few clips or bobby pins that match your hair color.

5. Brush Out Your Graduation Tassel.

Brushing the tassel assures it’s not tangled. Then hook the tassel onto the button at the center of your cap. Once you have attached the tassel and are rocking your graduation year with pride, give the tassel a little tug to assure that it’s in place.

6. Position It To The Correct Graduation Tassel Side.

This depends on your level of graduation. There is a graduation tradition called the turning of the tassel. As tradition goes, there comes a time during the ceremony when the graduates are asked to flip their tassel from one side of their cap to another and this signifies the earning of a degree. Be sure you have your tassel on the correct side before the ceremony with the graduation tassel side details below.

7. Wear Your Graduation Cap With Pride.

Acknowledge this amazing accomplishment. It’s not everyday that you get to style your outfit with a graduation cap and gown. Embrace your ceremony attire!

What Side Does The Tassel Go On Before Graduation?

For purposes of uniformity and celebration, there is a tassel tradition during the ceremony where graduates move their tassel from one side of their cap to another to signify earning a degree. So the question is, what side does the tassel go on before graduation?

Graduation cap tassel placement is different for each degree earned and may also depend on your schools tradition. Follow the instructions below for more specific guidance on your graduation tassel side:

High School Graduation

For a high school commencement ceremony, tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

College Bachelor Degree

For an undergraduate degree, the tassel placement rules are the same as a high school commencement. Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

College Master Degree

For a college master degree, tassels are worn on the left side of the cap before, during and after graduating. They are not moved from the right side to the left side of the cap.

College Doctor Degree

For a college doctor degree, the tassels are also worn on the left side of the cap before, during and after graduating. They are not moved from the right side to the left side of the cap.

What Can I Use To Decorate My Graduation Cap?

If your school permits graduation cap decoration (check your school's rules), you may be looking for fun cap decor ideas. Keep in mind that the best graduation cap decorations help to highlight your success, not distract from you during the ceremony. Additionally, don’t forget about the graduation tassel and plan for a design in which the tassel won’t cover up any important parts.