A Guide to Tassels for Graduation: Colors, Rules, and Traditions

It’s easy to overlook the simple graduation tassel, but it's so much more than just a piece of string hanging from your cap. That tassel is a powerful symbol, a tangible link to your entire academic journey and all the hard work that got you to this moment. The way it's worn and its color are steeped in tradition, and that final, ceremonial flip marks your official transition from student to graduate.

Let's dive into everything you need to know about this cherished keepsake, from what the tassels for graduation colors mean to how to wear them with pride.

The Enduring Tradition of the Graduation Tassel

A graduation tassel is a small but mighty part of your academic regalia. Think of it as the final punctuation mark on your educational sentence—a flourish that signals you've completed one chapter and are ready for the next. The journey it takes from one side of your cap to the other is one of the most celebrated moments in any commencement ceremony, a rite of passage connecting you to centuries of scholarly tradition.

This isn't just a quaint custom; it's a huge part of the academic world. The global market for graduation caps and tassels is booming, projected to grow from $0.95 billion in 2025 to a staggering $1.8 billion by 2032. This surge is driven by more and more ceremonies happening worldwide. North America is leading the charge, especially with high school graduation rates hitting 87.4% in the 2022-23 school year. You can read more about the booming graduation accessory market and its trends to see just how significant it is.

Why the Tassel Matters

So, why all the fuss over a tassel? It actually plays a few key roles that make it an essential part of your big day.

• A Symbol of Achievement: First and foremost, the tassel is a physical reminder of your success and the degree you've just earned.
• A Marker of Transition: The classic "turning of the tassel" is the moment it all becomes real. It's the physical act that says, "I'm officially a graduate."
• A Link to Tradition: When you wear that tassel, you're joining a long line of scholars who have gone through the exact same ceremony for generations.
• A Personal Keepsake: Long after the applause fades, your tassel becomes a treasured memento. It's something you can hang on a rearview mirror or display in a shadow box for years to come.

Here at Gradshop, we get how important this tradition is. We offer high-quality tassels for graduation to make sure every student has the perfect accessory to mark their achievement. Whether you need a simple, classic tassel or something more custom, our collection has every graduate covered.

What Do All the Different Tassel Colors Mean?

Ever wondered why graduation caps sport a rainbow of different tassel colors? That splash of color isn't just for looks—it’s a visual shorthand, a tradition that instantly tells everyone your field of study. Think of it as a uniform that silently communicates your academic discipline to the entire audience as you walk across that stage.

This color-coding system creates a common language for schools to recognize different academic achievements. While some institutions might stick to their own school colors for a unified look, most follow a code established by the American Council on Education. This is why an Education major from a university in California wears the same light blue tassel as a graduate from a college in New York, forging a shared symbol of scholarly pride.

The diagram below breaks down the key traditions, etiquette, and the famous tassel-turning ceremony.

As you can see, a tassel is far more than just a decorative accessory. It’s a key piece of your regalia, loaded with its own rules and symbolism that honors your academic journey.

A Guide to Common Tassel Colors and Fields of Study

So, what story does each color tell? The spectrum is surprisingly broad, with a specific hue assigned to just about every field you can imagine. From hard sciences to fine arts, your discipline has a designated color that typically appears on both your tassel and the velvet trim of your academic hood.

For instance, that brilliant golden yellow tassel is reserved for Science graduates, a nod to the intellectual light of discovery. In contrast, you'll see Fine Arts, architecture, and drama grads sporting a deep brown tassel, a color that feels grounded and creative.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common tassel colors you'll spot during a commencement ceremony:

• Light Blue: The color for Education, symbolizing clarity and a commitment to shaping minds.
• Drab (a light brownish-tan): Represents the world of Commerce, Accounting, and Business.
• White: A classic for the Humanities, Arts, and Letters, covering fields like English, History, and Sociology.
• Orange: Denotes the field of Engineering, a color that pops with energy and innovation.
• Green: Reserved for Medicine and its related fields, reflecting life, health, and healing.

To help you find the right color for your degree, we’ve put together a comprehensive table that maps academic fields to their official tassel and hood colors.

Tassel and Hood Colors by Field of Study

This table should make it easy to pinpoint the exact color you need to look your best and honor your academic achievement properly.

When Tassels Tell a Different Story

While your tassel color usually points to your major, it can sometimes represent other accomplishments or school-specific traditions. It’s not unusual to see graduates wearing tassels that signify more than just their degree, which allows for a richer, more personal story.

For example, some universities have all bachelor's degree candidates wear a single tassel color—often one of the school’s official colors—to foster a sense of unity. In these cases, the distinction between majors is usually shown on the velvet trim of the academic hood instead. You can dive deeper into these nuances in our guide on what a graduation tassel is.

A tassel's color is a powerful, immediate signifier of a graduate's area of expertise. It connects them to a specific academic lineage and provides a sense of belonging and shared accomplishment with others in their field.

On top of that, you might see multi-colored tassels. A student with a double major, for instance, might wear a tassel that blends the colors for both of their fields. Honor societies also often provide their members with special tassels in the society's official colors to wear alongside, or even in place of, their primary academic tassel. These variations turn a simple accessory into a detailed story of success, celebrating the unique path each student took to get to graduation day.

How to Wear Your Tassel Correctly

The big day is almost here, but just before the ceremony, one question always comes up: which side does the tassel go on? It’s a small detail, but getting it right is a nod to a long-standing academic tradition. Let's walk through it step-by-step so you can feel completely confident when you march in.

First things first, let's get that tassel onto your cap (also called a mortarboard). Your tassel has a loop on one end and a metal charm with your graduation year on the other. You'll notice a small button right in the center of your cap—just hook the tassel's loop securely around that button. Easy. Now, just let it hang naturally over the side.

Rules for High School and Bachelor's Graduates

For anyone graduating from high school or earning an associate's or bachelor's degree, the tradition is pretty much universal. You’ll start the ceremony with your tassel hanging on the right side of your cap. Think of it this way: the right side signifies that you’re still a candidate for your degree.

The most exciting part of the ceremony is the famous "turning of the tassel." After the dean or president officially confers your degree, you'll get the signal to move your tassel from the right side over to the left side. It's a simple, symbolic gesture that marks your official transition from student to graduate.

This tradition is a huge milestone for millions. In fact, high school graduation rates in the U.S. hit an impressive 87.4% for the 2022-23 school year, a massive jump from 73.7% just three decades ago. That’s a lot of tassels being turned!

Tassel Placement for Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Once you get to the postgraduate level, the rules flip. If you're graduating with a master's or doctoral degree, the etiquette is a bit different. You’ll begin the ceremony with your tassel already placed on the left side.

So, why the change? It’s because you've already earned a previous degree. Your tassel placement shows you aren't becoming a graduate for the first time; you're adding an advanced credential to your academic history.

For master's and doctoral candidates, the tassel remains on the left throughout the ceremony. The key ceremonial moment for these graduates is often the "hooding," where a faculty member places the academic hood over their shoulders.

This small difference really highlights the progression of your academic journey. If you want to dive deeper into the specifics, check out our dedicated article on what side the tassel goes on.

The Ceremonial Turning of the Tassel

That moment when hundreds or thousands of graduates move their tassels together is truly powerful. For high school and bachelor's students, this is the grand finale. Here’s how it usually plays out:

1. Wait for the Cue: Don't jump the gun! The head of your institution—the principal, chancellor, or president—will give a clear instruction, typically after all the degrees have been formally awarded.
2. The Big Moment: On command, every graduate reaches up and, all at once, moves their tassel from the right side of their cap to the left.
3. Celebrate: This is almost always followed by huge applause, cheers, and the iconic tossing of caps into the air.

At Gradshop, our high school graduation packages come with a cap, gown, and tassel designed for a perfect fit, making sure every student can participate in this cherished tradition without a hitch.

Choosing Your Perfect Graduation Tassel

Your graduation tassel is so much more than a simple accessory—it's a final, personal touch on your academic journey. While the standard, single-color tassel is a classic for a reason, there’s a whole world of options out there to help you celebrate what makes your story unique. This is your chance to make that small, swinging piece of regalia a true keepsake.

Think of it this way: the standard tassel gets the job done, but a little customization turns it into something that speaks for you. It’s about finding a tassel that truly reflects the hard work, the late nights, and the specific passions that got you to this day.

Beyond the Single Color Tassel

One of the easiest ways to add a personal flair is by choosing a tassel that represents more than just your school. You can get surprisingly creative while still keeping things formal, which is perfect for graduates who want to show off a more complex academic path.

This desire for personalization lines up with what we see in the market. Every May, the search for tassels for graduation explodes, matching Amazon's sales spike for cap-and-gown bundles. With high school graduation rates holding strong at 87.4%, many families are looking for all-in-one solutions. That's why Gradshop offers complete high school graduation packages with tassels, cords, and stoles ready to ship. You can even discover more insights about graduation accessory trends to see how this seasonal rush shapes everything.

Here are a few popular ways to go beyond the basic:

• Two-Tone Tassels: Did you double major? A two-tone tassel is the perfect way to blend the official colors of both fields of study into one design.
• Three-Tone Tassels: If you tackled a major and two minors, a three-tone tassel elegantly showcases all your areas of focus.
• Jumbo Tassels: For those who want to stand out just a little bit more, jumbo tassels are thicker and more prominent, making a bolder statement in the crowd.

Adding a Personal Touch with Charms and Signets

Another trend I’ve seen take off is adding small, meaningful charms—often called signets—to the tassel. Most come standard with the graduation year, but the options for personalization are growing every season. A custom charm can represent anything from your school mascot to a symbol of your future career.

It’s a subtle detail, but it adds a powerful layer of individuality to your regalia, making it uniquely yours.

A customized tassel transforms from a piece of academic regalia into a personal artifact. It’s no longer just a symbol of the degree you earned, but a memento of the specific journey you took to achieve it.

Consider some of these popular personalization routes:

• Custom Year-Date Signets: The current year is standard, but you can find custom signets in unique fonts or metallic finishes to better match your style.
• Mascot or School Logo Charms: Show a little extra school pride with a charm that features your institution’s official logo or beloved mascot.
• Activity or Club Charms: Commemorate your time on the field, in the band, or with an academic club with a relevant charm, like a tiny soccer ball or a musical note.

Custom and Bulk Orders for a Unified Look

For school administrators and graduation planners, getting a cohesive, distinguished look for the entire graduating class is a huge priority. Custom tassels are a fantastic way to do this. By ordering in bulk, schools can design tassels that perfectly match their official colors, feature a unique school charm, or even create a special color blend for a milestone graduating class.

This approach gives every graduate a shared visual identity, which really strengthens that sense of community on commencement day. Here at Gradshop, we specialize in providing custom academic regalia for schools of all sizes. Our team can help you design and order the perfect tassels, ensuring a high-quality look that truly reflects your school’s pride.

Whether you're a graduate looking for that one-of-a-kind memento or an administrator outfitting an entire class, a custom tassel elevates the entire experience. It’s that final, perfect detail that honors a monumental achievement.

Completing Your Academic Regalia

Your graduation tassel is the final flourish, the perfect finishing touch on an outfit that tells the story of your entire academic journey. It’s a key symbol, for sure, but it works in harmony with other important pieces—like honor cords, stoles, and academic hoods—to create a complete and distinguished look. Each element represents a different part of your success, and when you wear them together, they paint a full picture of your achievements.

Think of your cap and gown as the canvas. The tassels for graduation add the first, most important detail, signaling your degree level and field of study. But it’s the other accessories that add rich layers of meaning, celebrating the specific honors and affiliations that made your path your own.

Coordinating Tassels with Honor Cords and Stoles

Beyond the tassel, many graduates also wear cords and stoles. These aren't just for decoration; they signify special achievements or memberships that deserve to be recognized on your big day.

• Honor Cords: These are the braided ropes you see draped around a graduate's neck. They typically represent academic honors (like graduating Cum Laude), membership in an honor society, or participation in a special university program.
• Graduation Stoles: These are the wider, sash-like garments that often showcase affiliations with clubs, Greek life, or cultural organizations. They can also signify a special status, like being a first-generation graduate.

When you wear them all together, the goal is a balanced and polished appearance. Your tassel hangs from your cap, while the cords and stoles drape neatly around your neck, lying flat against your gown. A good tip to keep things from looking cluttered is to place the cords underneath the stole. This allows both to be visible without getting tangled up. Gradshop makes it easy to find what you need with a huge selection of Honor Cords designed to complement any tassel and gown.

For a truly personal touch, a custom stole can commemorate your unique journey. Whether you want to showcase your heritage with an international flag or represent your fraternity, a Custom Stole from Gradshop ensures your story is front and center. As you prepare for this momentous occasion, you might also be looking for some inspiring words for a university graduate to mark the milestone.

The Role of the Academic Hood for Advanced Degrees

For anyone earning a master's or doctoral degree, the academic hood is a non-negotiable part of the regalia. This elaborate, draped garment is worn over the shoulders and is absolutely packed with symbolism. The color of the velvet trim indicates your specific field of study—just like your tassel—while the satin lining proudly displays your university's official colors.

The academic hood is arguably the most significant piece of regalia for advanced degrees. It visually represents a graduate's mastery in their field and their connection to a specific academic institution.

Because you've already earned a bachelor's degree, your tassel starts and stays on the left side of your cap throughout the ceremony. The real main event for advanced degree candidates is the "hooding ceremony," a tradition where a faculty member formally places the hood over your shoulders. This powerful moment is the symbolic act of conferring your advanced degree.

Your tassel, hood, and gown all work together to signify your high level of academic achievement. At Gradshop, our Masters and Doctoral regalia is designed to meet the exacting standards of higher education, ensuring every detail is perfect for your ceremony.

Keeping Your Tassel as a Lifelong Memento

Once the caps are thrown and the speeches are done, your tassel shifts from being part of your graduation outfit to a treasured keepsake. It's a real, physical reminder of all your hard work, late nights, and big successes. With just a little bit of care, you can keep it looking great for years to come.

The first step is to rescue it from the post-ceremony chaos. Tassels get squished and tangled pretty easily in all the excitement. To keep it straight and neat, just hang it up as soon as you get a chance. Gravity will do most of the work, and a quick, gentle puff of steam from an iron or kettle (from a safe distance!) can help smooth out any stubborn wrinkles in the threads.

Simple Steps to Care for Your Tassel

Your tassel is built to last, but a few simple habits will keep it looking brand new. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight for long stretches, as the sun can fade those brilliant colors over time. If it gathers a bit of dust, a gentle shake or a quick once-over with a lint roller is all it needs.

If you happen to get a small stain on it, here’s what to do:

• Spot Clean Only: Use a damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap to gently blot the spot. Don't rub!
• Don't Soak It: Never dunk the whole tassel in water. This can wreck the delicate fibers and the metal charm.
• Let It Air Dry: After cleaning a spot, hang the tassel up and let it dry completely before you put it away or display it.

Creative Ways to Show Off Your Tassel

Don't just toss your tassel in a drawer! It earned its place in the spotlight. There are tons of creative ways to display it that keep the memories of graduation day front and center. A classic move is to hang it from your car's rearview mirror—a perfect daily reminder of what you've accomplished.

For a more permanent and polished display, think about framing it. Many of our high-quality Diploma Frames at Gradshop are actually designed with a special hook or cutout just for your tassel. This creates a beautiful, all-in-one showcase of your achievement, putting your diploma and tassel together where they belong.

A shadow box is a fantastic way to tell the whole story. You can arrange your tassel alongside your honor cords, a favorite graduation photo, and other special mementos to create a personalized time capsule of your academic journey.

Whether you add it to a scrapbook, build a shadow box, or frame it, displaying your tassels for graduation turns a small accessory into a lasting piece of your personal history. If you want to make your keepsake even more unique, check out our guide on adding charms for graduation tassels for some great ideas.

Your Top Graduation Tassel Questions, Answered

As your big day gets closer, you're bound to have a few last-minute questions. To make sure you walk across that stage feeling confident and prepared, we've tackled some of the most common queries about graduation tassels.

What If My Tassel Gets Creased or Tangled?

Don't panic! It's completely normal for a tassel to get a little bent out of shape, especially after being packed away with a cap and gown. The easiest fix is often just letting gravity do the work. Hang it from a doorknob or a hook for a day or two, and you'll find most of the kinks work themselves out.

If you’re dealing with some stubborn wrinkles, a little steam is your best friend. You can hold the tassel (carefully!) over a steaming kettle or use a garment steamer at a safe distance. Just a few seconds is all it takes for the steam to relax the fibers. Just remember, never use a direct iron—it’s a surefire way to melt or damage the threads.

Can I Wear More Than One Tassel?

While you might be tempted to show off all your achievements, academic tradition generally calls for wearing just one tassel. This is typically the official tassel provided by your school, signifying your degree or field of study.

Some schools do make exceptions for special tassels from honor societies or student groups. The best advice? Always check your institution's specific rules for graduation regalia first. If you get the green light to wear two, they should both be attached to the same button on top of your mortarboard.

The whole point of academic regalia is to create a look of formal unity and respect for tradition. When in doubt, stick to your school's official dress code to honor the ceremony's decorum.

What Should I Do with My Tassel After Graduation?

Your tassel is a symbol of years of hard work, so don't let it get lost in a drawer! It’s a perfect keepsake to remind you of everything you accomplished.

Many graduates find creative ways to put it on display. Here are a few classic ideas:

• Hang it from your rearview mirror. It's a popular choice for a reason—you get a daily reminder of your success.
• Frame it with your diploma. This creates a timeless, professional display for your home or office. Many Diploma Frames even come with a built-in spot just for your tassel.
• Create a shadow box. Get creative and combine your tassel with other graduation mementos, like your honor cords, a favorite photo, or even your cap.

However you decide to show it off, your tassel is a tangible piece of your academic journey.

At Gradshop, we love helping you celebrate this incredible milestone. From a single tassel to a full cap and gown package, we have everything you need to feel proud on commencement day. Check out our entire collection and place your order at https://www.gradshop.com.