Your graduation is an important day, and your institution may be more critical of your appearance than you may think.

It is for this reason why you should make special considerations about your gown and ensure that it’s suitable to wear when you receive your diploma.

Deviating from the requests and expectations of your high school, college, or university can mean that you may be pulled from the program, so consider the dos and don’ts of wearing your graduation gown.

Clothes Under the Gown

While the clothes you wear underneath will most likely go unseen, you still need to put thought into what you will wear. Make sure that you are wearing formal clothing that is breathable. Clothes that are too thick or heavy can quickly become uncomfortable during a ceremony that lasts for hours.

• The Shirt

  Graduation gowns have low necklines, which means that you can wear what you normally would when wearing a blazer. A button-up, collared shirt is ideal, and the addition of a tie can complete the outfit.

• The Pants

  Women traditionally wear either skirts or dress pants, while men usually wear khakis or dark-colored slacks. Make sure that whatever you wear is darkly colored; otherwise, it may distract from the gown itself.

The Gown

Once you receive your gown, whether by mail or picking it up at your school, take it out of the packaging at the earliest convenience—this will ensure that there is limited wrinkling. You may still need to take it to the dry cleaners if there is noticeable wrinkling in the fabric.

• Make Sure It Fits

  Try on the gown with your outfit before graduation day to make sure it is the right size for you. The hem of the gown should be halfway between your knee and ankle.

The Cap

Wear the cap so that the mortarboard is level and it is not tilted too far forward or back. An indicator on the inside of the cap will tell you which side should be facing the front.

• The Tassel

  Before graduation, your tassel should be placed on the right side. During the ceremony, you will be instructed to move it to the left side.

Accessories

Each institution has a different policy with accessories. Consult your school’s specific guidelines, but traditionally, decorating the top of the cap is encouraged. Many schools will also allow wearing a Hawaiian lei, as it is a customary sign of celebration and visually pleasing aesthetic choice. 

other related articles of interest:

Your Child’s Graduation – Now What?

Ways to Commemorate Your Child’s High School Graduation

Know the Expectations

Beyond the dos and don’ts of wearing your graduation gown, there are also rules for conduct, so familiarize yourself with your school’s rules regarding behavior. Most institutions follow the same guidelines, but it is in your best interest to see what is and is not acceptable during the ceremony.

For example, some schools discourage the use of noisemakers or excessive cheering. Additionally, you may be asked to silence your cellphone and refrain from flash photography. Remember—graduation ceremony etiquette goes beyond just the dress code.

Image Credit: wearing your graduation gown by Pixabay

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