Traditionally, graduation attire has been worn at educational institutions as a sign of status, either by those admitted into degree programs or by professors and other academic mentors. Today, these traditional ensembles are only worn at graduation ceremonies. Each graduation outfit is distinctive in some way to the institution it is representing. It will generally consists of a gown, or “robe,” as well as a separate hood (if applicable) and a cap.
Doctoral Graduation Attire
A doctoral degree is the highest level of education a person can reach. Doctoral degree holders typically hold top university positions, including that of dean, president and professor. To show their great achievement, doctoral graduation attire is the most distinctive of all.
Doctoral robes are typically black and prominently feature a hood. The outside shell of the hood is black while the lining sports a color that represents the specific degree program. Doctoral gowns are very similar to the graduation gowns worn by bachelor and master graduates, however the doctoral graduation robe features an addition of three colored velvet bands on the sleeves as well as a colored velvet facing running down the front of the gown. This velvet accent is the color that designates the graduate’s program. For example, a PhD in theology would wear a black gown with dark blue velvet trim while a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) would wear a black gown with scarlet trim.
The Doctoral Cap
Doctoral degree holders have two main options when it comes to head attire during graduation:
- Tams – The tam is made of black velvet and is specifically reserved for those who hold a doctoral degree. Tams can come in several shapes with 4, 6, or 8 sides. However, the four-sided mortarboard-shaped tam is most common. Like the traditional graduation cap worn by the majority of graduates, the tam also features a tassel.
- Beefeaters – The special cap known as the “Beefeater” or “Tudor Bonnet” is a variation of the traditional tam and steeped in English heritage. It is made of velvet and typically matches the gown or its velvet accent trim. The brim is stiff and accented with a fixed gold bullion or metallic tassel. This type of cap is typically reserved for the highest ranking official presiding over graduation.
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