Getting your tassel on your graduation cap is surprisingly simple. Just find the loop at the top of your tassel and slip it over the button in the very center of your mortarboard. That’s it!
The key, though, is which side it hangs on. Before the ceremony starts, you’ll wear the tassel on the right side. Once your degree is officially conferred, you'll move it over to the left side in one swift, symbolic motion. This small gesture marks your official transition from a candidate to a full-fledged graduate.
Understanding Your Cap and Tassel
Before you walk across that stage, let's get you comfortable with your academic regalia. Your cap, gown, and tassel aren't just an outfit; they're symbols of a long-standing academic tradition, and each piece plays a part. Knowing what's what helps you wear it all correctly and appreciate the moment even more.
The Anatomy of Academic Regalia
Your graduation cap, officially called a mortarboard, is that familiar flat, square hat that anchors the whole look. Right in the middle, you’ll spot a small button—this is specifically for your tassel. The tassel itself is a cluster of threads held together by a metal clasp, with a loop at the very top for attachment.
This whole getup connects you to centuries of scholars. The cap's design dates back to medieval European universities in the 12th and 13th centuries, inspired by the birettas worn by clergy and academics. Oxford and Cambridge were early adopters, and by 1321, gowns became standard for all graduates.
The Role of Each Component
Every piece of your regalia has a job to do, ensuring you look the part on your big day. Let's break it down:
- The Mortarboard: The flat, square top should be worn parallel to the ground. Make sure one of the corners points straight ahead, like a diamond.
- The Button: This is the small, raised circle in the center. It’s designed to be the anchor for your tassel, keeping it secure while still letting it swing.
- The Tassel Loop: The loop at the top of your tassel is made to slide right over that button, holding it firmly in place throughout the ceremony.
The single most iconic moment for your tassel is the ceremonial turn. That simple act of moving it from the right to the left is a powerful, silent announcement that you've officially earned your degree.
Getting these basics down will have you ready for a smooth and memorable graduation experience. If you’re curious to learn more about the deeper meaning behind it all, check out our guide on the tassel on the academic regalia. It really transforms the process of getting dressed from a simple task into a meaningful ritual.
Getting Your Tassel and Charm Secured Just Right
It might seem like a small detail, but getting your tassel placed correctly is the finishing touch that pulls your whole graduation look together. The good news is, it’s incredibly simple. Your entire focus should be on the small, raised button right in the center of your mortarboard—that’s your anchor point.
Take your tassel and find the loop at the very top, just above the metal clasp. Gently pull that loop open and slide it over the button. It's designed for a snug fit, so you should feel it pop securely into place. Give it a light tug to make sure it's on there for good.
Adding Your Year Charm
Most tassels come with a year charm (or signet) that dangles from a tiny chain. Before you even think about attaching the tassel to your cap, make sure the charm is properly threaded onto the main loop of the tassel. This allows it to hang freely next to the tassel strands.
If your charm came packaged separately from the tassel, don't worry. Just follow these quick steps:
- Locate the small jump ring on the charm’s chain.
- Slide that ring onto the main loop of your tassel.
- With both pieces now connected, secure the entire tassel assembly to the button on your cap.
A quick pro tip: Take a moment to check that the charm isn’t twisted around the loop. You want it to hang straight down so the year is clearly visible in all your photos. It's a small thing that makes a big difference in looking polished.
Finding the Perfect Tassel
Having a high-quality tassel that correctly matches your school colors is non-negotiable for a complete look. A good one feels substantial and hangs perfectly without bunching up.
If you’re still searching, Gradshop has a huge collection of graduation tassels designed to match any academic regalia, whether you’re graduating from high school or earning your doctorate.
You’ll find just about every color and style imaginable, so you can easily find the exact one required by your school or honor society. It’s all about making sure every graduate has the perfect finishing piece for their big day.
Mastering the Art of Turning the Tassel
That moment when you move your tassel from one side to the other? It's the symbolic peak of your entire graduation day. This one small gesture is packed with meaning, officially marking your transition from a candidate to a full-fledged graduate. It’s the grand finale you’ve earned.
For almost every high school and undergraduate ceremony, you'll start with your tassel on the right side of your mortarboard. Think of this as "candidate" mode. It stays there through the opening procession, the speeches, and even as you make that memorable walk across the stage.
The Big Moment
When it's time to actually move the tassel, the "how" and "when" can vary based on your school's traditions. Pay close attention to the instructions, as it usually happens in one of two ways.
- The Individual Turn: At some ceremonies, you'll shift your tassel from right to left at the exact moment you're handed your diploma. It’s a personal, immediate celebration of your accomplishment.
- The Collective Turn: More often than not, the turning is a group affair. After every single name has been called and all degrees are conferred, an official will prompt the entire graduating class to move their tassels together.
The collective turn is a truly powerful experience. The sound of hundreds or thousands of tassels shifting at once, followed by the eruption of cheers from your classmates and the crowd, is something you’ll never forget. It’s a shared victory.
This tradition is steeped in history and symbolism. To really appreciate the weight of that moment, it’s worth diving into the significance of turning the graduation tassel. Knowing the "why" behind the tradition makes the experience even more special.
Tassel Rules for Different Degree Levels
The moment you flip your tassel is iconic, but where it starts its journey depends entirely on the degree you're about to receive. It's a common point of confusion, and the rules aren't the same for everyone. Knowing the proper placement ensures you're honoring tradition and wearing your regalia with confidence.
For anyone graduating from high school or earning an associate or bachelor's degree, the tradition is universal. You’ll start the ceremony with your tassel on the right side of your graduation cap. It hangs there throughout the procession and speeches, waiting for the big moment. Once the degrees are officially conferred, you’ll join your classmates in unison to move it over to the left, symbolizing your new status as a graduate.
Postgraduate Tassel Protocol
Things are a bit different once you get to the master’s and doctoral levels. If you're a candidate for an advanced degree, you'll wear your tassel on the left side for the entire ceremony.
Why the change? It’s a subtle but important distinction. The left-side placement signifies that you've already earned a baccalaureate degree. You've made that symbolic right-to-left tassel turn before, so you begin this new ceremony already positioned as a graduate, ready to be honored for your advanced scholarship. It's one of the small details that sets postgraduate regalia apart, which often includes more elaborate academic hoods and gowns.
The color of your tassel isn't just for show—it's steeped in academic code. While most colors represent a specific school or field of study, one particular color stands apart, reserved only for the highest level of academic achievement.
The American Council on Education (ACE) provides guidelines for academic dress, and they reserve a gold metallic tassel exclusively for those wearing a doctoral gown. This special tassel immediately identifies the wearer as having earned the highest degree. The ACE also standardizes that only one tassel should be worn at a time.
This flowchart breaks down the timing for the classic tassel turn during an undergraduate ceremony.
As you can see, the flip is the final celebratory act, taking place only after your name is called and your degree is officially in hand. It’s the final flourish on a day you’ve worked so hard for.
Practical Tips for a Flawless Graduation Day
Simply knowing how to attach the tassel is only half the battle. After years of attending and helping with graduation ceremonies, I can tell you a few insider tricks will keep your entire look polished, from the first step of the processional to the very last photo. It’s all about managing the little details so you can focus on your big moment.
Outdoor ceremonies, for example, are beautiful but often windy. There's nothing more distracting than a tassel smacking you in the face while the valedictorian is speaking. The quick fix? A small, discreet pin. A tiny black safety pin or a well-placed bobby pin can anchor the tassel’s cord to your cap, keeping it in place without getting in the way of that final "turning of the tassel."
Securing Your Cap for All-Day Wear
Your mortarboard should sit flat and level on your head, not tilted back, with one of the points facing forward like a diamond. If it feels wobbly, you’ll be fidgeting with it all day. Bobby pins are an absolute lifesaver here, especially if your hairstyle makes it hard for the cap to get a good grip.
- Smart Placement: Don't just stick them anywhere. Slide the bobby pins through your hair and right under the cap's elastic or fabric headband for a solid hold.
- The "X" Trick: For a truly locked-in feel, cross two bobby pins to form an "X" on each side. This creates a much stronger anchor than single pins alone.
- Stay Hidden: Always use pins that blend in with your hair color. The goal is security, not accessories.
A secure cap isn't just about looking sharp in photos. It's about being able to fully immerse yourself in the experience without constantly worrying about an impending wardrobe malfunction. You've earned this moment—be present for it.
Preserving Your Academic Regalia
Remember, your regalia isn't just a rental outfit; it's a collection of keepsakes from a major life achievement. Once the celebrations are over, hang up your gown and graduation stole right away to help any wrinkles from the day fall out.
Tuck your tassel back into its protective sleeve or a small box. This keeps the delicate threads from getting tangled or frayed, so it will look perfect when you decide to display it in a shadow box. And if you happen to misplace yours in all the excitement, our guide on https://www.gradshop.com/blogs/news/where-to-order-graduation-tassels has you covered.
Of course, beyond the regalia, many families look for thoughtful graduation gifts to mark the occasion. Pairing a meaningful present with your perfectly preserved cap and tassel is a wonderful way to create a lasting tribute to all your hard work.
A Few Last-Minute Tassel Questions
Even with all the planning, there are always a few little details that can cause some last-minute stress. When it comes to your tassel, knowing what to do in a pinch will keep you feeling cool, calm, and collected on the big day. Let's tackle a couple of the most common snags.
My Cap Doesn't Have a Button—What Do I Do?
It’s rare, but every now and then a graduate discovers their cap is missing its center button. Don't worry, this is an easy fix. The goal is to create a secure anchor point for the tassel's loop, and a small, black safety pin is your best friend here.
Just push the pin through the very center of the mortarboard from the inside out, then back in again. This creates a small, sturdy loop on top that you can easily slip your tassel onto. A black paper brad pushed through the center also makes a perfect substitute post. Problem solved.
Can I Rock More Than One Tassel?
It's tempting to show off all your achievements, but when it comes to the ceremony itself, the rules are pretty clear. The academic regalia guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE) state that graduates should only wear one tassel at a time.
That single tassel is specifically meant to represent the degree you're about to receive. While you might have other tassels from honor societies or previous degrees, save those for the after-party or a display case. For the official walk, stick with the one tassel for your current commencement.
A Quick Note on Wearing Your Hood:
Your academic hood is another crucial piece of your regalia. It goes over your gown, draping around your neck with the velvet trim showing. The colorful silk lining that represents your university should be turned out so it’s visible down your back. Most hoods have a small loop at the front to secure it to a shirt button or pin it to your gown, which keeps it from slipping off your shoulders.
For master's and doctoral graduates, your cap, gown, and hood all come together, with your tassel staying on the left side throughout the ceremony.
At Gradshop, we've got everything you need to make sure your commencement is perfect, from high school caps and gowns to doctoral hoods. Explore our complete collection of academic regalia to find exactly what you need for your graduation day.