PhD & Doctoral Regalia | Hoods, Gowns, & Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do the colors for PhD regalia signify?

  The colors in PhD academic regalia hold symbolic significance, representing the academic discipline and degree earned. The academic gown's black velvet trim and hood's lining colors signify specific fields of study. For instance, blue often denotes philosophy, while green can represent medicine. Gold typically designates science and white stands for arts and humanities. The hood's length, width, and the color of the lining further indicate the level of the degree. Understanding these color codes adds depth to the regalia, allowing graduates and attendees to visually recognize and appreciate the academic achievements and expertise of the individual. The tradition of color-coded regalia enhances the ceremony, fostering a rich and meaningful connection to academic disciplines.

• What is the difference between a doctoral hood and a master's hood?

  The key distinction between a doctoral hood and a master's hood lies in the length and design, signifying the level of academic achievement. A doctoral hood is typically longer and features a wider band of velvet compared to a master's hood. The velvet band on the doctoral hood often extends down the entire length, while on a master's hood, it covers only a portion. Additionally, the width of the hood itself varies, with doctoral hoods being wider. These differences in length and width serve as visual indicators, allowing for an immediate recognition of the wearer's academic accomplishment, whether it be a master's or doctoral degree, contributing to the rich tradition and symbolism of academic regalia.

• What hat does a PhD candidate wear?

  PhD candidates traditionally wear a mortarboard or tam as part of their academic regalia during graduation ceremonies. The mortarboard is a square cap with a flat, horizontal top, adorned with a tassel. The tassel's position can hold significance, with some institutions having candidates start with the tassel on the right and move it to the left after receiving their degrees. Alternatively, a tam is a softer, round cap often associated with doctoral regalia. Tams typically feature a gold metallic button at the center, and the tassel is attached to it. The choice between a mortarboard and a tam may depend on institutional traditions, and both add a distinguished finishing touch to the regalia, symbolizing the academic achievement of a doctoral degree. Our velvet tam packages provide just what you need for your graduation day. A beefeater is another doctoral cap worn by some PhD candidates. The beefeater is a velvet color cap with a tied tassel and a stable brim around the cap.

• What are the various pieces of doctoral regalia?

  Doctoral regalia comprises several key components that together form a distinguished ensemble. The central element is the deluxe doctoral gown, typically made of high-quality fabric, featuring full-length sleeves with velvet trim. The hood is another essential component, characterized by its length, width, and the color of its lining, denoting the academic discipline. The hood also showcases the velvet trim, indicating the degree level. Completing the regalia is the cap, with PhD candidates commonly wearing a mortarboard or a soft tam. The mortarboard is a square cap with a flat top, while the tam is a round, softer alternative. These pieces collectively symbolize the academic accomplishment and expertise of the individual, creating a visually striking representation of scholarly achievement during graduation ceremonies.

• What is the significance of the doctoral hood?

  The doctoral hood is a crucial and symbolic element of academic regalia, holding deep significance in its design and hood colors. Its length, width, and velvet trim convey the wearer's academic achievements. The colors of the hood's lining, chevrons, and velvet represent the field of study and the level of the degree earned, enriching the ceremony with symbolism. Beyond its visual appeal, the hood carries historical roots, tracing back to medieval times when scholars wore hoods to combat cold and damp conditions. Today, it serves as a tangible representation of scholarly accomplishments, reflecting the wearer's expertise and dedication. Donning the doctoral hood during graduation not only adds a sense of tradition and solemnity to the ceremony but also fosters a connection to the rich history and traditions of academia.

• What is the significance of the tassel on the tam?

  The tassel on the tam is a distinctive and symbolic element that carries historical and ceremonial significance. Traditionally, the tassel symbolizes the transition from candidate to graduate. During the ceremony, candidates wear the tassel on the right side of their cap, and upon receiving their doctoral degree, they move it to the left. This symbolic gesture represents the academic journey's completion and the attainment of the highest level of scholarly achievement. The movement of the tassel is often accompanied by a ceremonial turning of the hood as a visual marker of the transition. Beyond its ceremonial role, the tassel also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the academic regalia, adding a touch of tradition and symbolism to the distinctive attire worn during the momentous occasion of graduation. Tassels are frequently worn in school colors, but they can also be used to signify areas of study. You can find tassels available in many different colors, such as antique gold, light blue, royal blue, maroon, emerald green, and many others.

• Does a PhD graduate wear a cap or a hood?

  A PhD graduate traditionally wears both a cap and a hood as part of their academic regalia during graduation ceremonies. The cap is often a mortarboard or a soft doctoral tam, contributing to the overall distinguished appearance. The doctoral hood, however, holds particular significance. It features distinctive elements such as length, width, and colors that symbolize the candidate's academic discipline and degree level. The academic hood is typically draped over the candidate's shoulders and worn with the cap. The cap, adorned with a tassel, is usually worn in accordance with institutional traditions, starting on the right side and moved to the left after the degree is conferred. Both the cap and hood together represent the culmination of the candidate's scholarly journey and are essential elements in the visual representation of academic achievement during graduation ceremonies.