It’s one of the biggest questions on every graduate's mind: which side does the tassel go on? For most graduates, the rule is pretty simple: your tassel starts on the right side of your cap. After you’ve walked across the stage and received your diploma, you’ll move it to the left.
This small but meaningful gesture marks your official transition from a candidate to a graduate.
Your Quick Guide to Tassel Placement
You've spent years working toward this day, and the last thing you want to worry about is a tassel mishap. Don't worry, the tradition is easy to remember once you know what it all means.
In the United States and Canada, the symbolic "turning of the tassel" is a cornerstone of the graduation ceremony. When your tassel is on the right, it signifies that you're still a candidate for your degree. That simple flip to the left after your name is called is a powerful moment—it confirms you've officially earned your diploma and joined the ranks of alumni.
Tassel Rules by Degree Level
Now, while the right-to-left rule is the standard, there can be a few exceptions, especially for students earning advanced degrees.
High school and bachelor's degree candidates almost always follow the standard right-to-left tradition. However, if you're earning a master's or doctoral degree, you might be instructed to start with your tassel on the left from the very beginning. The logic here is that you've already earned a previous degree, so you're not a "candidate" in the same way an undergraduate is. Always check your school's official commencement guide, as they'll have the final say.
Before the big day, you'll also want to make sure the tassel is properly fastened to your cap to avoid any awkward fumbling on stage. For a quick walkthrough, check out our guide on how to put a tassel on a graduation cap.
Key Takeaway: The "right-to-left" tassel turn is a symbolic gesture. Starting on the right means "still a student," while moving it to the left declares "I am a graduate."
To make it even easier, here’s a quick breakdown of the general rules for tassel placement based on your degree.
Tassel Placement At a Glance
This table gives you a quick summary of where your tassel should be before and after you get that hard-earned diploma.
| Degree Level | Tassel Side Before Ceremony | Tassel Side After Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Right | Left |
| Associate's | Right | Left |
| Bachelor's | Right | Left |
| Master's/Doctoral | Often Left (Confirm with school) | Stays on Left |
Remember, when in doubt, just ask an official at the ceremony. They're there to help make sure your day goes perfectly.
Navigating the Tassel Turning Ceremony
That one moment when you move your tassel from right to left is huge. It’s more than just a tradition; it’s the physical act that says, “I did it.” But when you’re caught up in the excitement of the day, the when and how of the big flip can be a little fuzzy.
Knowing the cues ahead of time means you can enjoy this rite of passage without any last-minute awkwardness.
This diagram shows you the basic flow of where your tassel should be throughout the ceremony.
As you can see, it’s a simple journey from the right side (candidate) to the left side (graduate). This is the standard practice for nearly all high school and undergraduate ceremonies.
When to Make the Move
So, when is the right moment to actually flip your tassel? The truth is, it depends entirely on your school. There isn't a universal rule, so your best bet is to listen carefully to the speakers.
Usually, the big moment happens in one of three ways:
- The Group Turn: The most common scenario. A dean or president will formally confer the degrees on the entire graduating class at once, and then they'll say something like, "You may now move your tassels from the right to the left."
- The Individual Turn: At smaller ceremonies, you might be expected to flip your tassel as you walk across the stage and shake hands. It’s a more personal touch.
- The Post-Ceremony Turn: This is less common, but some schools save the tassel turn for the very end, right before everyone files out.
Since it can vary so much, just wait for clear instructions. Keep an eye on the faculty on stage—they’ll guide you. The power of this moment really comes from everyone doing it together.
A Smooth and Steady Flip
When the time comes, you'll be juggling a diploma cover and trying not to trip over your gown. The last thing you need is to send your cap sailing into the crowd. A little practice can go a long way.
Pro Tip: Try on your cap at home and practice the motion a few times. Use your right hand and just gently guide the tassel over the button. A dramatic flick looks cool in movies, but in reality, it's the fastest way to lose your cap.
To make sure it all goes off without a hitch:
- Secure Your Cap: Make sure that mortarboard is sitting snugly on your head. A few bobby pins are your best friend here, especially if you have smoother hair.
- Use a Controlled Motion: Don’t swat at it. Just reach up, grab the tassel, and calmly move it from the right side to the left.
- Wait for the Cue: I know it's tempting, but don't jump the gun! The visual of hundreds of tassels moving in unison is a powerful part of the ceremony.
Understanding the significance of turning your graduation tassel makes the moment feel even more special. A little prep ensures you can soak it all in with confidence.
How Tassel Rules Change by Degree Level
The big "tassel turn" from right to left is one of the most iconic moments of any graduation, but the rules aren't always the same for everyone. It's a powerful symbol, and knowing the specifics for your degree level is key to getting it right. The tradition actually evolves as you move up the academic ladder.
These distinctions aren't just for show; they prevent confusion and honor the specific traditions tied to your hard-earned achievement. Let's walk through the common practices you can expect.
High School and Bachelor's Degrees
For anyone graduating from high school, or earning an associate's or bachelor's degree, the tradition is pretty much set in stone. You'll start the ceremony with your tassel hanging on the right side of your cap. Think of it this way: you're on the right path to graduating.
Then comes the magic moment. After all the degrees have been officially conferred—you'll get a cue from a dean or the president—you and all your classmates will flip your tassels over to the left side together. This is that big, visual confirmation that you've done it. You've graduated.
If you’re a high school senior getting ready for the big day, you can find the perfect cap and gown set that will have you looking sharp.
The Big Exception: Master's and Doctoral Tassels
This is where things change. If you're walking for a master's or doctoral degree, you start—and end—the ceremony with your tassel on the left side. It's not a mistake, it's a deliberate and important distinction.
The reason for the left-side placement is to honor the degree you've already earned (your bachelor's). Since you're already a college graduate, you aren't a "candidate" in the same way an undergraduate is.
Your tassel stays put on the left throughout the entire event. The main event for advanced degree graduates isn't the tassel turn; it's the "hooding ceremony." This is where a faculty member or mentor places your academic hood over your shoulders, a deeply personal moment that signifies your official entry into the community of scholars in your field.
For those pursuing these higher degrees, you can find high-quality master's and doctoral regalia that includes the proper gown, tam, and custom hood for your discipline.
School Traditions and Special Cases
While these are the standard rules, your school always has the final say. I've seen institutions with unique traditions that bend the rules a bit. For instance, some massive universities might have all graduates, regardless of degree, follow the right-to-left turn just to keep things uniform and simple.
To make sure you're doing it right, always double-check these sources:
- The Official Graduation Handbook: Your university always publishes detailed instructions for graduates.
- Ceremony Rehearsal: Pay attention! The marshals will walk you through every single step, including exactly what to do with your tassel.
- Your Department's Website: Sometimes, a specific college within the university has its own protocols.
A quick check will give you the confidence to enjoy the ceremony without worrying about being on the wrong side. You'll know you're honoring the traditions that make the day so special.
Putting It All Together: Your Complete Graduation Regalia
Okay, so you’ve got the tassel placement down. That’s a huge part of the puzzle, but your cap and tassel are really just the beginning. Your full academic regalia—the whole cap-and-gown ensemble—is what tells the complete story of your years of hard work. Getting each piece right isn't just about looking good for photos; it’s about feeling the weight and pride of your accomplishment.
When you see a graduate, you're looking at a collection of symbols. From the cut of the gown to the colors on a hood, every item has a specific meaning rooted in centuries of academic tradition.
Let's break down what you'll be wearing.
More Than Just a Gown: Understanding Cords and Stoles
The gown is the foundation of your look, but its style is far from one-size-fits-all. A bachelor's gown, for instance, has simple, pointed sleeves. Move up to a master's or doctoral gown, and you’ll see more elaborate oblong or bell-shaped sleeves, often accented with velvet panels. These aren't just fashion choices; they are visual cues that signify a higher degree.
But the gown is just the canvas. The real personalization comes from the accessories.
- Honor Cords: These are the twisted, rope-like cords you see worn around the neck. They typically signify academic honors (like graduating cum laude) or membership in a specific honor society. The colors tell a story, too—gold is almost universally recognized for top academic achievement.
- Stoles or Sashes: Unlike cords, stoles are wide, flat pieces of fabric draped over the shoulders. These are your opportunity to represent involvement in Greek life, student clubs, cultural organizations, or study abroad programs. They add a fantastic layer of personal history to your regalia.
Proper placement is key to a polished look. Cords should hang evenly, and stoles should be centered so they don't slide off one shoulder. If you're feeling a bit lost in all the layers, this guide on how to wear academic regalia is a lifesaver.
The Academic Hood: A Symbol of Advanced Achievement
For anyone earning a master's or doctoral degree, the academic hood is arguably the most meaningful piece of the entire outfit. It’s a stunning, cape-like garment worn over the shoulders that drapes down your back, and its colors are a vibrant code communicating your academic journey.
The colors aren't chosen at random. The velvet trim indicates your specific field of study—you might see light blue for Education, drab for Business, or golden yellow for Science. The satin lining flips open to show the official colors of the university that granted your degree.
Key Insight: The "hooding ceremony" is a profoundly symbolic moment for master's and doctoral candidates. A faculty mentor places the hood over the graduate's head, officially welcoming them into the community of scholars. It’s the advanced-degree equivalent of the tassel turn.
Essential Graduation Regalia Checklist
With so many different pieces to keep track of, it’s easy to forget something in the pre-ceremony excitement. A checklist is your best friend on graduation day, ensuring you have every item you need before you walk out the door.
I've put together this quick table to help you get organized.
| Item | Typical For | Where to Find (Example Links) |
|---|---|---|
| Cap (Mortarboard or Tam) | All Levels | High School & College Caps |
| Gown | All Levels | Master's & Doctoral Gowns |
| Tassel with Year Charm | All Levels | Tassels in Every Color |
| Academic Hood | Master's & Doctoral | Custom Academic Hoods |
| Honor Cords & Stoles | Varies | Honor Stoles & Cords |
Running through this list will save you a world of stress. And here's one final pro-tip from someone who's seen it all: steam your gown a day or two before the ceremony. A wrinkle-free gown makes a huge difference in photos and helps you feel completely prepared. Once you're dressed and ready, all that's left to do is celebrate.
Solving Common Tassel Problems
The last thing you want to deal with on graduation day is a wardrobe malfunction. All the focus should be on your big moment, but a wobbly cap or a runaway tassel can be a major distraction. Knowing a few quick fixes will keep you focused on what really matters: celebrating your accomplishment.
Picture this: you're lined up and ready for the processional, and you realize your tassel has worked its way loose. Don't panic. A well-placed bobby pin or a small safety pin is all you need. Just slip it through the tassel's loop and anchor it to the button on your mortarboard. It’s a simple, discreet fix that will keep it secure all the way across the stage.
Another moment of panic can strike when you forget the rules. If you're an undergrad and suddenly can't remember which side for tassel graduation, just take a quick peek at your classmates. Everyone will have it on the right. If you’re a master’s or doctoral candidate, it’s even easier—your tassel almost always stays put on the left.
What Do All The Tassel Colors Mean?
Ever looked around at graduation and wondered why your tassel is one color and your friend from the business school has a completely different one? It’s not random. Those colors are a long-standing academic tradition, signifying your specific field of study.
This color-coding system is standardized by the American Council on Education, and it adds a cool layer of meaning to your regalia.
- Light Blue represents Education.
- Golden Yellow is for the Sciences.
- Drab (a unique tan shade) signifies Business and Commerce.
- White is for Arts, Letters, and Humanities.
- Sage Green denotes Health Sciences.
- Orange is for Engineering.
You’ll see these colors most prominently on the velvet trim of academic hoods for advanced degrees, but they are often used for the tassels on bachelor's gowns, too.
Quick Fixes for Day-Of Mishaps
A loose tassel isn't the only thing that can go wrong. A gown fresh out of the package is usually a wrinkled mess, which doesn't look great in photos. The best tool is a portable steamer, but if you don't have one, just hang your gown in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. 20-30 minutes in the steam will release most of the wrinkles.
And if your cap feels like it's about to take flight? A few strategically placed bobby pins will lock it down, no matter how much you move.
A Pro Tip From Experience: Pack a small "graduation emergency kit." Toss in a few bobby pins, safety pins, and maybe some double-sided tape. It takes up no space and can be a lifesaver for you or a friend who needs a last-second fix.
Thinking ahead about these little things means you can relax and be fully present for the ceremony. After all, the day is about your hard work paying off, not worrying about your regalia.
Answering Your Last-Minute Tassel Questions
Even after you've learned the basics, a few questions always seem to pop up right before the ceremony. I've been there. You're trying to focus on the moment, but that one little detail is nagging at you.
Let's clear up those final bits of confusion so you can walk across that stage with complete confidence.
What Do I Do with My Tassel After Graduation?
Once the ceremony is over and the confetti has settled, your tassel transforms from a piece of regalia into a keepsake. It’s a tangible reminder of all that late-night studying and hard work, so don't just toss it in a drawer!
Lots of graduates get creative with how they display it. Some of my favorite ideas include:
- Hanging it from the rearview mirror of their car.
- Framing it with their diploma for a classic, professional look.
- Creating a shadow box with the tassel, any honor cords, and a great photo from the day.
Whatever you choose, find a place for it that makes you feel proud.
Are the Tassel Rules the Same Everywhere in the US?
Here’s a crucial point: while the "right-to-left" switch is the standard practice for most schools in the United States, it is absolutely not universal. Academic traditions can be surprisingly quirky and vary a lot from one institution to another.
Some universities have their own unique ceremonies, while others might skip the tassel-turning part altogether to keep things simple.
My Best Advice: Your school's official instructions are the only ones that matter. Listen carefully during the rehearsal, watch the ceremony marshal for cues, and give the graduation handbook a quick read. Following your university's specific protocol is the best way to show respect for the tradition.
Don't just go with what you've seen in movies—find out what your school actually does.
Can I Wear More Than One Tassel on My Cap?
Generally, the answer is no. You should stick to wearing just one official tassel during the commencement ceremony—the one provided by your school, which usually has a little metallic charm with your graduation year.
It's common to receive other tassels from honor societies, clubs, or Greek life organizations. While these are fantastic achievements worth celebrating, they're typically considered mementos, not official regalia for the ceremony itself.
Unless your school explicitly says it's okay to wear multiple tassels, stick with the official one. Piling on more can look a bit cluttered and might even violate your school's dress code. Save the extra ones for that shadow box we talked about!
At Gradshop, we're here to make sure you have everything you need to feel proud and prepared on your big day. From top-notch high school caps and gowns to the detailed regalia required for master's and doctoral degrees, we've got you covered. See our full collection at https://www.gradshop.com.