Walk into any university graduation, and you'll see a story unfolding through the caps and gowns. While most people recognize the classic square mortarboard, another piece of headwear stands out: the tam. This soft, multi-sided velvet cap is reserved for those who have earned advanced academic degrees.
The tam is the academic world's alternative to the mortarboard, a clear symbol of a higher level of scholarly achievement. It's worn by master's and doctoral graduates, as well as university faculty, and its plush material and distinct shape broadcast years of dedicated study and expertise. The tam graduation hat is more than just headwear; it is a prestigious emblem of academic success.
Understanding This Symbol of Academic Pride
Think of the sea of graduates as a visual timeline. The flat mortarboards are a proud symbol for those completing their high school and bachelor's degrees. The tam graduation hat, on the other hand, is the marker of advanced scholarship. It’s the specialist's attire, instantly communicating a deep well of knowledge earned through rigorous postgraduate work.
This distinctive cap isn't some modern trend; it's steeped in tradition. The tam’s roots trace all the way back to medieval Europe. By the early 20th century, it had become a key part of academic dress in the United States. It evolved from 16th-century British fashion and, by around 1900, became the standard for doctoral faculty, with its multiple sides and gold tassel setting it apart from the undergraduate mortarboard.
To wear a tam is to connect with a long legacy of intellectual pursuit. It represents not just the completion of a degree, but the contribution of new knowledge to a specific field of study.
What Makes the Tam Special
Unlike the familiar mortarboard, the tam has several unique features that make it stand out. These aren't just for show; they're woven into academic tradition and tell you something specific about the person wearing it. The tam hat for graduation is a powerful symbol.
Here are a few key characteristics:
- Material: Tams are almost always made from high-quality velvet, a fabric historically tied to honor and prestige. This gives them a rich, luxurious look and feel that's a clear step up from the polyester or felt of standard caps.
- Shape: Instead of a stiff, flat square, the tam has a soft, rounded, and often "puffy" body. It's also defined by its sides—you'll typically see four, six, or eight corners. An eight-sided doctoral tam is a particularly distinguished piece of academic regalia.
- Significance: Every detail matters. From the number of sides to the color of the tassel, each element provides a clue about the graduate’s degree level and field of study, making it a powerful piece of academic symbolism.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this distinguished cap, from its history to selecting the perfect one from Gradshop's premier collections of doctoral and master's tams to celebrate your incredible achievement.
The Story Behind the Academic Tam
To really get why the tam graduation hat is so special, you have to look back centuries, to the very first universities. Back then, scholarship and the church were deeply intertwined, and the tam's story starts there—not as a graduation cap, but as headwear for clergy. This history is key to understanding that the tam isn't just a hat; it’s a tangible link to a long and storied tradition of intellectual pursuit.
The tam's ancestor is the medieval biretta, a cap commonly worn by clergy. As universities grew out of religious schools, many of their customs, including what they wore, were borrowed directly from the church. This academic dress wasn't just for show; it kept scholars warm in cold, drafty halls. But it quickly became more than practical—it became a uniform, a way to show you belonged to the academic community.
From Medieval Clergy to Modern Scholars
The journey from clerical headwear to a symbol of academic achievement was a long one, spanning hundreds of years. The graduation caps we know today, tams included, can trace their roots back to the biretta of the 12th and 13th centuries. Over time, this evolved into the familiar square mortarboard, which by the 1700s got its name from the flat boards master masons used for mortar—a nod to the craftsmanship of a well-educated scholar.
As academic dress became more standardized, especially around the late 19th and early 20th centuries, universities needed a clear way to distinguish between different levels of academic success. Today, it's estimated that over 95% of American graduations feature coordinated regalia, a tradition that really took off with the advent of color photography in the 1930s. If you're curious, you can dive into the fascinating evolution of graduation caps to get the full story.
The tam was the perfect answer for setting postgraduate scholars apart from their undergraduate peers. Its soft velvet and sophisticated, multi-sided shape felt like a significant step up from the rigid, common mortarboard. This move solidified the tam as the go-to headwear for master's and doctoral degrees, creating the hierarchy we still see at commencements today.
The academic tam is so much more than an article of clothing; it's a historical artifact. When you wear one, you're joining a continuous line of scholars that stretches back nearly a thousand years.
What Every Detail Signifies
Nothing about the tam's design is accidental. Every element is rich with symbolism, telling a story about the wearer’s academic journey and their respected status. The design of the academic graduation tam is a kind of language, speaking of honor, deep expertise, and a commitment to a particular field of study.
- Plush Velvet Fabric: In historical times, velvet was a luxury material reserved for royalty and high-ranking clergy, symbolizing wealth, honor, and importance. In the academic world, that prestige was transferred to the fabric, representing the distinction of earning an advanced degree.
- Multi-Sided Shape: The soft but structured shape—whether it has four, six, or eight corners—is believed to represent mastery over complex, multifaceted subjects. It’s a visual break from the single, flat plane of the undergraduate mortarboard, signaling a higher level of learning.
This powerful symbolism is why universities take pride in outfitting their faculty and doctoral candidates in full regalia for graduation. You can see this tradition alive and well in collections of distinguished faculty and doctoral regalia, which are designed to honor the highest pinnacles of academic success.
Tam vs. Mortarboard: Understanding the Difference
While both the tam and the mortarboard cap signal a huge academic achievement, they tell very different stories about the graduate's journey. You can almost think of them as different ranks in the academic world. The iconic flat, square mortarboard is the proud symbol for completing foundational degrees, while the plush tam graduation hat is set aside for more advanced scholarship. Knowing the difference helps every graduate wear their hard-earned honors correctly.
The most obvious distinction is who gets to wear each one. The mortarboard is the go-to cap for graduates from high school and bachelor's degree programs. The tam, however, is reserved exclusively for those who have earned a master’s or doctoral degree, and it's also worn by university faculty.
A Clear Visual Distinction
Look past the wearer, and you’ll see the designs themselves are worlds apart. A mortarboard has that stiff, flat square top, usually made from polyester and meant to sit level on the head. It's a classic, uniform look that brings a graduating class together.
A tam, on the other hand, is made from soft, luxurious velvet and has a puffy, multi-sided crown. This isn’t just about looking different or being more comfortable; the very material and shape signal a higher level of academic prestige. That plush velvet ties back to a long tradition of using finer fabrics to signify honor and accomplishment. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on the differences between academic regalia caps.
The mortarboard signifies the completion of a curriculum—a shared milestone for a large group. The tam, on the other hand, represents specialized mastery and a unique contribution to a field of study.
Tam vs Mortarboard Key Differences
To really see the contrast, it helps to put them side-by-side. This simple table breaks down the core distinctions between these two iconic pieces of academic headwear.
| Feature | Tam Graduation Hat | Mortarboard Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Wearer | Master's & Doctoral Graduates, Faculty | High School & Bachelor's Graduates |
| Shape | Soft, rounded, multi-sided crown (4, 6, or 8 points) | Stiff, flat, square top |
| Material | High-quality velvet | Polyester or felt |
| Symbolism | Advanced scholarship, expertise, and academic rank | Completion of foundational education |
This clear visual hierarchy is what helps everyone at a commencement ceremony understand the level of achievement being celebrated. A graduate earning their doctorate will wear a distinct doctoral tam, which immediately sets them apart from the sea of mortarboards. Every detail—from who wears it to the fabric it's made from—is a deliberate part of a rich academic tradition designed to make sure every graduate gets the recognition they've earned.
How to Choose and Size Your Academic Tam
Picking out the right tam graduation hat is a big deal when you're getting ready for commencement. It's not like the one-size-fits-all mortarboard you might be used to. A tam needs a little more thought to make sure it looks right and, just as importantly, fits comfortably through what can be a very long ceremony.
Let's walk through how to get it right, from choosing the style to nailing the size.
The Sides Signal Your Success
The first thing you'll notice is that tams come with a different number of sides—usually four, six, or eight. This isn't just a design choice; it's a code that signifies your level of academic achievement.
While some universities have their own unique traditions, the general rule is pretty clear. A six-sided tam is the classic choice for a master's degree. If you've earned a doctorate, you'll be wearing an eight-sided tam, representing the highest level of academic work. The rich, black velvet fabric is standard for both, adding a sense of prestige to the occasion.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
Trust me, you don't want to be fussing with a hat that's too tight or worrying about one that might slip off. Getting the right fit is easy and makes all the difference on graduation day. All it takes is two simple steps.
- Grab a flexible measuring tape. A soft tailor’s tape is perfect for this. No tape measure? No problem. A piece of string and a regular ruler will get the job done.
- Measure around your head. You'll want to wrap the tape around the fullest part of your head. A good rule of thumb is to place it about one inch above your eyebrows and ears—that’s exactly where the tam will sit. Jot down the measurement in inches and match it to your supplier’s sizing chart.
This picture really clears up the difference between the headwear. You can see right away how the tam is set apart for those earning advanced degrees.
It’s a clear visual reminder that the tam is a mark of higher academic rank, a step beyond the familiar mortarboard of undergraduate ceremonies.
Finalizing Your Selection
Okay, so you have your size and you know how many sides your tam should have. You're almost ready to go!
One last thing to check is the tassel. For master's and doctoral degrees, a shimmery gold tassel is the most common, but some universities get specific, using colors that represent the field of study. It’s always smart to double-check your school's regalia guidelines before you place an order.
For more in-depth advice on getting your whole outfit sized correctly, our guide on how to measure for your cap and gown is a great resource.
With the right fit, you can wear this powerful symbol of your hard work with the pride and confidence you deserve.
Wearing Your Tam and Assembling Your Full Regalia
Your tam graduation hat is the crowning piece of your academic regalia, but getting the entire ensemble right is what truly honors the moment. Assembling your full regalia is a ritual, one that transforms you from a candidate into a distinguished graduate. Each piece, from the gown to the hood, has its place and purpose.
It all starts with the gown. Unlike undergraduate robes, doctoral gowns are distinguished by plush velvet chevrons on the sleeves and matching panels down the front—an immediate signal of advanced scholarship. Once the gown is on, the next critical component is the academic hood. Think of it as a vibrant storyteller that drapes over your shoulders.
Decoding the Academic Hood
The academic hood is arguably the most meaningful part of your regalia. Its colors aren't just for show; they're a standardized code that tells the story of your academic journey. In a way, it's your visual diploma.
- Velvet Trim: The color of the velvet trim along the edge of the hood signifies your specific discipline. For instance, dark blue represents Philosophy (Ph.D.), light blue is for Education, and purple is for Law.
- Satin Lining: The colors on the inside of the hood are your university's official colors. This beautiful blend of institutional pride and academic tradition is what makes each hood so unique.
Draping the hood properly is a bit of an art. You'll place it over your head with the velvet side up, letting it rest on your shoulders. The key is to then turn the back portion "inside out" to proudly display the vibrant satin colors of your alma mater.
Placing the Tam Correctly
With your gown and hood perfectly in place, the final step is the tam itself. Getting the placement right ensures you look the part and feel comfortable. Your tam should sit squarely on your head, with one of its points centered on your forehead.
Unlike the mortarboard tradition of "turning the tassel," the tassel on a doctoral or master's tam has a fixed position. It always remains on the left side throughout the entire ceremony, signifying you've already earned a prior degree.
The tassel should hang gracefully from its button. For doctoral degrees, this tassel is typically a brilliant gold, though some universities have their own specific traditions. The goal is a secure but comfortable fit, so the tam stays put as you make that memorable walk across the stage.
Assembling your full regalia is a moment of immense pride. If you're looking for a more detailed walkthrough, our article on how to wear doctoral regalia has you covered. Making sure each piece is worn correctly allows you to fully embody the dignity of your incredible academic accomplishment.
Ordering and Preserving Your Graduation Tam
Your graduation tam isn't just another piece of your regalia; it's a memento of all the hard work, late nights, and breakthroughs that led you to this moment. Making sure you get the right one—and keeping it in great shape—is key to preserving that symbol of your journey.
The first step is always to double-check your university’s specific regalia guidelines. While academic traditions are well-established, some schools have their own unique requirements for tassel colors or gown fabrics. Once you know what you need, don't wait to place your order. Custom doctoral tams and gowns can take 8-9 weeks to be made and shipped, so getting ahead of the curve saves a lot of stress.
Keeping Your Tam in Pristine Condition
Once the celebration is over, a little care will go a long way in keeping your velvet tam looking as impressive as the day you earned it. Velvet is a beautiful but sensitive material, so gentle handling is the secret to maintaining its rich look and feel.
Think of it less like a hat and more like an heirloom. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:
- Smart Storage: The key is to avoid crushing the soft velvet crown. The best way to store it is in a hat box or on a stand that helps maintain its form. Storing it with your gown inside a protective garment bag is another great way to keep it safe.
- Gentle Cleaning: Your tam should never go in a washing machine. If it gets a bit dusty, a soft-bristled brush moved lightly in the direction of the nap will do the trick. For any small spots, gently dab the area with a slightly damp cloth, being careful not to soak the fabric.
Your tam is a trophy you can wear. Treating it with care ensures it will always be a proud reminder of your achievement, whether you choose to display it in your office or pass it down as a family treasure.
By following these simple ordering and care tips, your tam will remain a perfect symbol of your academic success for years to come. To complete your set of keepsakes, don't forget a quality diploma cover to protect the degree itself. Taking these small steps ensures every part of your achievement is properly honored.
Common Questions About Graduation Tams
As you get ready for the big day, you'll probably have a few questions about the tam graduation hat. It’s a unique piece of regalia, and knowing the ins and outs will help you feel more confident and prepared. Let's tackle some of the most common questions that pop up.
Can I Wear a Tam for My Bachelor's Degree?
In almost all cases, the answer is no. Think of the graduation tam as a symbol reserved for advanced degrees. It's traditionally worn by those who have earned a master's or doctorate.
The classic flat mortarboard is the standard for bachelor's degree candidates. Of course, it never hurts to double-check your own university's specific guidelines, but the tam is almost universally for post-graduates.
Why Do Professors Wear Tams at Graduation?
When you see faculty members in full regalia, they're not just dressing up for the occasion—they're honoring the academic tradition and representing their own scholarly journey. A professor wearing an eight-sided tam is signaling that they hold a doctoral degree.
It's a visual cue that reinforces their expertise and respected role within the academic world.
A key distinction to remember: For master's and doctoral graduates, the tassel on a tam starts on the left side and stays put. The "turning of the tassel" is a meaningful tradition, but it's one reserved for undergraduates celebrating their first degree.
Is the Tam Supposed to Be Tight?
Your tam should be snug, but definitely not tight. The goal is a secure fit that stays on your head without causing a headache or needing constant adjustments during the long ceremony.
The best way to get it right is to measure your head's circumference before you order. That simple step ensures your tam will feel comfortable and look great from the processional to the recessional.
Where Does the Tassel Go on a Tam?
This is a big one! Unlike the mortarboard, the tassel on a tam for a master's or doctoral graduate doesn't move. It's fixed in place on the left side and stays there for the entire ceremony.
This placement is intentional. It signifies that the wearer has already completed a previous degree, setting them apart from the undergraduates who will be turning their tassels from right to left for the first time.
Whether you're celebrating a master's degree or a doctorate, Gradshop has the perfect masters and doctoral regalia to honor your incredible achievement.