What Is a Graduation Tassel: History, Colors, and How to Wear It

Of all the pieces of graduation regalia, the tassel might be the most iconic. It’s that familiar ornament dangling from the mortarboard cap, and it carries a weight of symbolism far greater than its size.

This small, swinging cord is the centerpiece of the "turning of the tassel" ceremony—that fantastic moment when graduates move it from the right side of the cap to the left, signifying their official transition from student to alumnus.

What Is a Graduation Tassel, Really?

Think of the tassel as more than just a decoration. It's a tangible marker of achievement, the final punctuation mark on years of hard work, late-night cram sessions, and real intellectual growth. Without it, the cap is just a cap; with it, the whole outfit becomes a powerful symbol of accomplishment. A quality tassel, like those found in our collection of graduation tassels, completes the look and honors the tradition.

This tradition of wearing and turning the tassel isn't a modern invention. Its roots stretch back hundreds of years, all the way to Oxford University in the 16th century. Back then, students wore tassels to signal their social standing. The elite "gentleman-commoners" donned gold to show off their prestige, while regular students wore plain black.

Breaking Down the Tassel’s Meaning

To really get why the tassel is such a big deal, it helps to understand its individual parts and what they represent. Each element plays a role in the graduation ceremony.

Let’s take a quick look at the core components that make the tassel a cherished part of the graduation experience.

Graduation Tassel At a Glance

Ultimately, the tassel becomes a focal point of the ceremony, embodying both a graduate's personal success and the shared tradition of academia. If you want to dive deeper, you can learn more about the tassel on the academic regalia in our detailed guide.

The Journey of the Tassel Through History

The graduation tassel swaying from your cap is more than just a piece of string; it's a direct link to a surprisingly long and fascinating history. It wasn't always a symbol of academic achievement. In fact, its story begins with a much more practical purpose.

Picture the earliest European universities back in the 12th century. Scholars huddled in drafty, unheated halls, wearing caps—known as birettas—simply to stay warm. Function came first, and these early forms of academic regalia were plain and practical. Tassels and other decorative touches wouldn't appear for centuries.

From Practicality to Prestige

The shift from a simple cap warmer to a full-fledged status symbol started to happen at elite institutions like Oxford. By the 16th century, the tassel had become a clear sign of a student’s social and academic rank. Students from wealthy families were allowed to wear fancy gold or silk tassels, which immediately set them apart from the commoners wearing plain black ones.

This practice solidified the tassel's role as a visual marker within the academic world. The color and material of your tassel broadcasted your place in the university's pecking order—an idea that directly paved the way for the color-coded system we use today.

The tassel’s evolution shows how everyday items can gain profound symbolic meaning over time. What started as a simple accessory is now an essential part of a graduate's identity, connecting them to a long and proud academic heritage.

The Birth of a Modern Tradition

While the tassel itself is ancient, one of graduation's most iconic traditions is much younger. Think about that classic image of caps flying through the air. That moment of pure joy all started with a single event. The cap toss tradition began in 1912 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

After receiving their commissions, the midshipmen triumphantly threw their old hats in the air to make way for their new officer caps. It was a powerful, celebratory visual that quickly caught on.

By the 1920s, this spontaneous display of happiness had spread to college campuses across the country. And even though some schools briefly banned it because of injuries from the sharp corners of mortarboards, surveys show that about 70% of modern graduation ceremonies still include the cap toss. You can dive deeper into the history of this and other graduation traditions to see just how these celebrations came to be.

Honoring this history means celebrating with confidence, and having quality regalia like a durable master's cap and gown ensures your own special moment is perfect.

How to Master the Tassel Turning Ceremony

The "turning of the tassel" is that one, iconic moment everyone waits for at graduation. It’s a simple, powerful flick of the wrist that marks your official transition from a candidate to a graduate. While it looks easy, the rules actually change depending on your academic level, which can cause some last-minute confusion.

Think of this section as your simple guide to nailing the ceremony's biggest moment with confidence. No more worrying—just pure celebration.

The Right-to-Left Rule for Undergraduates

For almost all high school and bachelor's degree candidates, the tradition is the same. Before your degree is officially conferred, your tassel belongs on the right side of your mortarboard cap.

Then comes the magic moment. A dean or university president will give the cue, and all graduates will move their tassels together from the right side to the left. This coordinated gesture is the official signal that you’ve done it—you’ve completed your degree and are now officially a graduate.

This simple physical act carries immense symbolic weight. The right side represents your past as a student and a candidate, while moving it to the left symbolizes your entry into a new future as an alumnus.

To make sure your cap is secure for this pivotal moment, take a look at our collection of high school caps and gowns. A cap that fits well means you can turn your tassel without a single worry.

Tassel Traditions for Graduate Students

Once you get to the master's or doctoral level, the rules often shift. Since these students have already earned a bachelor's degree, their academic standing is different. At many schools, graduate students wear their tassels on the left side for the entire ceremony.

This isn't just a random detail; it's a mark of distinction. It shows they aren't earning their first degree. Their tassel placement reflects their advanced journey from the moment they walk in.

• Master's Students: Usually start with the tassel on the left. They’ve already done the "right-to-left" turn as undergraduates.
• Doctoral Students: Also begin with the tassel on the left. For them, the highlight is often the separate "hooding" ceremony, which is a unique tradition recognizing their incredible achievement.

Here’s a quick breakdown to keep it all straight.

Tassel Placement Rules by Degree Level

This table offers a clear guide on where to place your tassel before and after your degree is conferred.

Following these small but significant traditions is a way of honoring your academic journey.

This variation in tassel placement is a subtle but meaningful part of academic tradition. To learn more about this custom, check out our guide on the significance of turning the graduation tassel. Whether you need the right tassel for your doctoral regalia or master's attire, getting the placement right shows respect for the academic hierarchy and your own unique accomplishment.

Decoding the Meaning of Tassel Colors

That sea of colorful tassels you see bobbing across the graduation hall isn't just for show. It’s a silent, vibrant language of achievement. Each color tells a specific story, acting as a visual shorthand for a graduate's field of study or special academic honors. Once you understand this color code, you can instantly recognize the incredible diversity of accomplishments in the room.

This system, which is largely standardized by the American Council on Education, links specific shades to different academic disciplines. It’s a bit like an academic uniform, where the color of your tassel immediately signals your area of expertise to everyone present.

The Official Color Code of Academia

Think of this system as the key to a map of the entire university. Just like different colors on a map might represent various territories or topographical features, tassel colors represent distinct fields of knowledge. It all comes together during the commencement ceremony to create a beautiful visual tapestry of the institution's academic depth.

This tradition brings a wonderful sense of order and history to the celebration. A quick glance is all it takes to see who studied what, from the hard sciences to the fine arts.

Here are just a few common examples from the established color code:

• Golden Yellow: This bright hue represents the Sciences, covering everything from biology and chemistry to physics.
• Light Blue: Signifies the field of Education, a nod to all the future teachers, principals, and administrators in the room.
• Drab: It might not sound glamorous, but this tan color proudly denotes Commerce, Accounting, and Business.
• White: This classic color represents the Humanities, including disciplines like English, history, and philosophy.
• Orange: A bold color for a bold field, this one corresponds to Engineering.
• Sage Green: Symbolizes the Health Sciences, from physical therapy to public health.

This color-coding tradition is about more than just looking the part. It's a deeply meaningful way of publicly honoring the specialized knowledge each graduate has worked so hard to attain, connecting them to a long lineage of scholars in their field.

This chart shows how the ceremony itself is the final, powerful step in a student's journey, rich with symbolism like tassel colors.

It’s a great visual reminder of how the commencement ceremony is that capstone event where all academic achievements—symbolized by regalia colors—are formally and publicly celebrated.

Colors Beyond Fields of Study

While your academic major is the main reason behind your tassel color, it's not the only one. Many high schools, and even some universities, choose to use tassels in their official school colors. This is a great way to build a sense of unity and shared institutional pride among the entire graduating class.

On top of that, some tassels are meant to signify specific honors. A brilliant gold tassel, for example, is almost universally reserved for students graduating with the highest honors, like Summa Cum Laude. These tassels often work alongside other regalia, like colorful honor cords, which can denote everything from GPA to membership in an honor society. You can get a fuller picture by reading about the colors of graduation regalia and the shades of knowledge they represent.

Whether you're looking for a specific color to match your degree or a custom design for your school, finding the right one is a key part of the experience. Gradshop has a huge selection of graduation tassels to make sure every single graduate can wear their unique academic story with pride.

Picking Out the Perfect Graduation Tassel

It might seem like a small detail, but choosing the right tassel is one of the final, important steps in getting ready for your big day. Think of it as the finishing touch—a reflection of your academic level, your field of study, and the whole journey that got you to this point. Getting it right ensures your regalia feels complete and looks correct for the ceremony.

Most tassels you'll see are made from rayon. It’s a popular choice because it's sleek and durable, giving the tassel a nice sheen and just the right amount of weight to hang perfectly from your cap. The standard length is nine inches, which works great for high school, bachelor's, and master's degrees. This consistency helps create that classic, unified look across the entire graduating class.

The All-Important Year-Date Charm

What really makes a graduation tassel special is the year-date charm. This little metallic signet, usually in gold or silver, proudly displays your graduation year. It’s what transforms your tassel from a simple accessory into a personal keepsake.

This small but mighty detail permanently marks you as a member of your specific graduating class. Without it, it's just a tassel. With it, it's a time capsule of your achievement—a little piece of metal that says, "This was my year."

Custom Tassels for a Personal Touch

While the classic single-color tassel is always a great choice, many schools and graduates go for custom designs to better represent their institution or achievements. Customization opens up a world of possibilities to create something that feels truly unique.

• Single-Color Tassels: The traditional option. The color is usually tied to a field of study or one of the school’s official colors.
• Double-Color Tassels: A great way to show off both of your school's colors or represent a double major.
• Triple-Color Tassels: For a truly distinct look, a three-color design can symbolize a school, a specific program, and an honor society all at once.

Gradshop has a massive selection, so finding or creating the perfect design is surprisingly easy.

This screenshot from the Gradshop website gives you a glimpse of the variety of tassel options available.

As you can see, the tassels come in a vibrant spectrum of single and multi-color combinations. Each one includes a polished year charm, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every graduate and institution out there.

Tips for Schools Ordering in Bulk

If you're an administrator or purchasing officer, ordering tassels for an entire graduating class is a big responsibility. Placing a bulk order is the best way to ensure everyone has a matching tassel, and it often comes with significant cost savings. The key is to find a supplier who delivers on both quality and value.

Gradshop makes this whole process much simpler. They offer a lowest-price guarantee and same-day shipping for many items, which means you can get high-quality tassels delivered on time and without breaking the budget. You can explore their full range of graduation tassels to find exactly what you need for everyone, from kindergarteners to doctoral candidates. By partnering with a reliable supplier, you can rest easy knowing every student will cross the stage with a tassel that truly honors their success.

Don't Just Toss the Tassel: Turning It Into a Lifelong Keepsake

After the caps have been thrown and the pictures have been taken, what do you do with the tassel? For many, it gets tucked away in a drawer, but it deserves so much more. That little bundle of threads is a tangible piece of your personal history—a powerful reminder of all the late-night study sessions, the tough exams, and the final victory.

Instead of letting it collect dust, you can transform it from a one-day accessory into a lasting symbol of your dedication. One of the most popular ways to do this is with a shadow box. It’s the perfect way to tell the whole story, combining your tassel with your diploma, honor cords, and favorite photos from the big day.

Creating a Lasting Display

Another fantastic option is to pair your tassel directly with your diploma. A specialized frame not only protects your hard-earned certificate but gives your tassel a permanent, prominent home right alongside it. At Gradshop, we offer a great selection of diploma frames and covers designed to do just that.

Looking for a few more creative ideas? Consider these:

• Shadow Box Collection: Curate a display with your tassel, diploma, a graduation program, and some candid photos for a truly personal memento.
• Integrated Diploma Frame: Opt for a sleek, all-in-one frame that has a built-in tassel holder.
• Holiday Ornament: Just add a small hook to the loop, and you've got a meaningful ornament to hang on the tree each year.
• Rearview Mirror Charm: Let it hang from your car's rearview mirror—a daily reminder of how far your hard work can take you.

By finding a special place for your tassel, you honor the journey it represents. This small keepsake can serve as a constant source of motivation and pride for years to come.

Got Questions About Your Tassel? We've Got Answers.

It's totally normal to have a few last-minute questions as graduation day gets closer. You want everything to be perfect, and your tassel is a big part of that. To help you feel confident and ready for the ceremony, we've tackled some of the most common questions we hear from graduates.

What If My Tassel Falls Off During the Ceremony?

This is a classic graduation day worry, but don't panic! The fix is usually incredibly simple. Most tassels just loop right over the button on the top of your cap.

If you're worried about it coming loose during all the excitement, a small safety pin can be your best friend. Just secure the tassel loop to the cap from the underside, and it won't be going anywhere. Problem solved.

Can I Go All Out and Decorate My Graduation Cap?

Expressing your personality by decorating your cap has become a huge tradition, but you definitely need to check the rules first. Some schools absolutely love it and encourage the creativity, while others have strict policies to keep everyone looking uniform.

Before you break out the glue gun and glitter, always check your school's official graduation guidelines. You don't want any surprises on the big day.

What Should I Do With My Tassel After Graduation?

That tassel is more than just a souvenir; it's a symbol of years of hard work. It deserves better than being tossed in a junk drawer!

Many graduates create a beautiful shadow box with their diploma, honor cords, and other keepsakes. You can also find special diploma frames designed with a built-in spot to hang your tassel. It’s a fantastic way to display a reminder of what you accomplished.

Don't let your tassel get lost in a drawer. Preserving it is a way to honor the entire journey it represents, turning it into a lifelong reminder of your success and dedication.

Is the Tassel Mine to Keep?

Yes, absolutely! Just like the rest of your academic regalia, the tassel is yours. Think of it as a trophy for completing your educational journey. For many alumni, it becomes one of the most meaningful mementos from their time in school.

At Gradshop, we're here to help you celebrate your achievement with high-quality caps, gowns, and tassels that look the part. Find everything you need for your special day by exploring our huge collection of graduation tassels.