Doctoral commencement attire is one of the most distinctive forms of academic dress. The velvet-trimmed gown, colorful academic hood and soft doctoral tam can make a PhD graduate immediately stand out in a commencement procession.
But those pieces are not simply decorative.
Doctoral academic dress reflects degree level and, depending on the academic-dress system used by the institution, can also incorporate information associated with the graduate’s university and academic discipline.
If you are preparing for a doctoral commencement, understanding the complete outfit can help you verify your doctoral regalia, order the correct pieces and arrive at graduation knowing how everything fits together.
This PhD graduation attire guide explains the doctoral outfit from head to toe: tam, tassel, academic hood, doctoral gown, recognition accessories, clothing and footwear.
What Is Included in a PhD Graduation Outfit?
A doctoral graduate’s required academic attire may include:
- Doctoral tam or other approved academic headwear
- Tassel
- Doctoral academic hood
- Doctoral graduation gown
- Authorized recognition accessories
- Appropriate clothing underneath the gown
- Suitable footwear
The exact requirements are determined by the degree-granting institution. Not every university uses the same doctoral regalia.
Start at the Top: Doctoral Academic Headwear
One of the first differences people may notice between doctoral and undergraduate academic dress is the headwear.
While the square mortarboard is familiar at many graduations, doctoral graduates are often associated with another style: the academic tam.
What Is a Doctoral Tam?
A doctoral tam is a soft academic cap commonly worn with doctoral regalia.
Rather than having the rigid square board of a mortarboard, a tam typically has a softer crown.
Depending on the product, it may be made from velvet or another material intended to coordinate with the doctoral gown.
Does Every Doctoral Graduate Wear a Tam?
No.
Universities establish their own academic-dress requirements. A tam may be required, optional or replaced by another approved form of academic headwear.
Always check your commencement instructions before purchasing one.
Four-, Six- and Eight-Sided Doctoral Tams
When shopping for doctoral headwear, you may see tams described according to the number of sides.
Common product descriptions can include:
- Four-sided doctoral tam
- Six-sided doctoral tam
- Eight-sided doctoral tam
Do not assume that the number automatically indicates academic rank, degree prestige or achievement.
The correct choice should be based on institutional requirements and product specifications.
How Should a Doctoral Tam Fit?
The tam should sit securely enough to remain comfortable throughout the ceremony.
Depending on the product, it may use:
- Adjustable sizing
- Elastic construction
- Specific head-size measurements
Follow the manufacturer’s sizing instructions for the actual product you are considering.
Plan Your Graduation Hairstyle Around the Tam
Do not wait until commencement morning to discover that your hairstyle changes how your tam fits.
Try it on in advance with a hairstyle similar to the one you plan to wear.
This is particularly useful if you expect substantial volume, braids, extensions or other styling that could affect the fit.
Next Comes the Doctoral Tassel
The tassel is attached to the graduate’s academic headwear.
Depending on the regalia package, it may be included with the tam or cap or sold separately.
What Color Tassel Does a Doctoral Graduate Wear?
Gold-colored tassels are commonly seen with doctoral regalia, but they should not be treated as universally required.
Your institution may specify:
- Tassel color
- Tassel material
- Attachment style
- Whether a year charm is used
Verify the current requirement.
Which Side Should the Doctoral Tassel Be On?
There is no reason to assume that every doctoral ceremony follows the same tassel-placement or tassel-moving tradition.
Follow the instructions given by your institution or ceremony staff.
The Academic Hood: The Most Colorful Part of Doctoral Regalia
Move down from the headwear and one of the most visually distinctive pieces appears: the doctoral academic hood.
The hood is worn over the gown and extends down the graduate’s back.
It can include several different colors, but those colors should not be treated as random decoration.
Why Does a PhD Graduate Wear a Hood?
The academic hood is part of traditional graduate-level academic dress used by many institutions.
Depending on the academic-dress system, its construction and colors can communicate information related to the degree and degree-granting institution.
Three Areas of an Academic Hood
A useful way to understand a doctoral hood is to examine three areas:
- Outer shell
- Interior lining
- Velvet or similar edging
Understanding these separately makes the hood easier to interpret.
1. The Hood Shell
The shell forms the main exterior body of the academic hood.
Its construction should correspond to the appropriate academic level and institutional specifications.
2. The Hood Lining
The colorful interior is one of the most noticeable parts of the hood.
In academic-dress traditions using institutional lining colors, this portion can identify the degree-granting institution.
The lining may contain:
- A single color
- Multiple colors
- A chevron
- Divided colors
- Another specified arrangement
Why the Arrangement of Hood Colors Matters
Two hoods can contain similar colors but use them in different arrangements.
That means simply identifying two school colors may not be enough to reproduce the correct institutional lining.
Use the actual academic-regalia specification supplied by the institution.
3. The Hood Edging
The velvet or similar edging is another prominent area.
In commonly referenced U.S. academic-dress traditions, this portion can be associated with the academic discipline represented by the degree.
Because degree classifications can be complicated, graduates should confirm the required color with their institution.
Why a General Hood Color Chart Is Not Enough
Traditional academic discipline colors can be useful for understanding academic dress, but they should not automatically become an ordering instruction.
Your degree title, academic department and discipline classification may not be identical.
The institution awarding the degree should be the primary source for the correct hood specification.
Does Every PhD Graduate Have the Same Hood Color?
No.
Even graduates receiving doctoral degrees can display different hood colors because the academic discipline and degree-granting institution can differ.
Institution-specific practices can create additional variation.
Why You Should Not Match Your Hood to Your Graduation Gown
The hood should not be selected simply because its colors look attractive next to the gown.
Academic colors and institutional specifications should guide the selection.
Can You Use Your Master’s Hood for a PhD?
Do not assume that you can.
Master’s and doctoral hoods represent different academic levels and can differ in construction.
A hood should be appropriate for the degree being awarded.
The Doctoral Gown: The Centerpiece of the Outfit
Under the hood is the doctoral graduation gown.
This is often the largest and most visually recognizable part of the doctoral ensemble.
What Does a Doctoral Gown Look Like?
Many doctoral gowns incorporate distinctive degree-level features such as:
- Velvet front facings
- Velvet sleeve bars
- Full-length academic construction
- Distinctive doctoral sleeves
- Fuller fabric
Some institutions add custom colors, piping, embroidery or other design details.
What Are the Velvet Stripes on PhD Sleeves?
The horizontal velvet elements visible on doctoral sleeves are commonly called sleeve bars.
Traditional doctoral gown designs commonly feature three velvet bars on each sleeve.
They are one of the easiest visual clues distinguishing many doctoral gowns from other degree-level gowns.
Do the Three Velvet Bars Mean Three Degrees?
No.
They are a traditional design feature associated with doctoral-level academic dress, not a count of degrees, honors, publications or years of study.
What Are the Velvet Panels Down the Front?
Many doctoral gowns also include velvet facings running vertically along the front.
Together with the sleeve bars, these facings create the characteristic appearance associated with many doctoral gowns.
Are Doctoral Gowns Always Black?
No.
Black doctoral gowns remain widely recognizable, but some universities have adopted institution-specific doctoral apparel.
You may encounter:
- Black gowns with black velvet
- Black gowns with colored velvet
- University-colored gowns
- Gowns with contrasting piping
- Custom institutional doctoral designs
Why Do Some Universities Have Unique Doctoral Gowns?
Institutions may establish custom academic dress to create a distinctive visual identity for their graduates.
A custom design may incorporate university colors, specialized trim or other approved features.
If your university requires such a design, a generic black doctoral gown may not be an acceptable replacement.
Doctoral Gown vs. Master’s Gown: What Changes?
The differences are more substantial than simply adding a hood.
A master’s gown generally uses graduate-level construction appropriate for that degree level.
A doctoral gown commonly introduces the velvet facings and sleeve bars strongly associated with doctoral academic dress.
Institution-specific designs can create further differences.
Can You Turn a Master’s Gown Into a Doctoral Gown?
Simply attaching velvet bars or wearing a doctoral hood does not necessarily transform a master’s gown into compliant doctoral regalia.
Degree-level gown construction and institutional specifications should be considered as a complete garment.
PhD vs. Professional Doctorate: Is the Regalia Different?
It can be.
A PhD is one type of doctoral degree, but universities award many other doctoral-level degrees.
Academic dress can depend on the exact degree and institution.
This is why graduates should provide the full degree title when verifying regalia.
What About Interdisciplinary Doctorates?
Interdisciplinary doctoral programs can make academic color selection less obvious.
A program may cross several fields, but the graduate should not independently choose whichever discipline color seems most appropriate.
Ask the degree-granting institution how the program is represented in its academic dress.
Recognition Accessories: What Can Go Over a Doctoral Gown?
Depending on institutional policy and graduate eligibility, additional accessories may include:
- Honor cords
- Recognition cords
- Graduation stoles
- Medallions
- Organization-related accessories
- Other authorized distinctions
Doctoral Hood vs. Graduation Stole
These two pieces are not interchangeable.
The doctoral hood is a component of academic dress associated with the graduate’s degree.
A stole is a separate recognition accessory whose meaning and permitted use depend on the institution and organization.
Should the Hood Go Over or Under the Stole?
How multiple accessories are arranged can depend on the institution and ceremony.
If you are wearing both, follow your university’s instructions rather than relying on a universal layering rule.
Can PhD Graduates Wear Honor Cords?
Potentially, if the graduate is eligible and the institution permits them.
Previous undergraduate honors do not automatically authorize a graduate to wear the same cords at a doctoral commencement.
What Goes Under a Doctoral Gown?
The next layer is ordinary ceremony clothing.
There is no single outfit appropriate for every doctoral graduate or every commencement.
Consider:
- University dress guidance
- Indoor or outdoor venue
- Temperature
- Length of ceremony
- Professional appearance
- Comfort
- Amount of walking
Remember the Extra Fabric
Doctoral gowns can contain substantial fabric and velvet trim.
A heavy gown combined with a jacket or multiple clothing layers can become warm during a long ceremony.
Plan your clothing according to the expected conditions.
Do Your Clothes Show Under the Gown?
Parts of your clothing may remain visible around the neckline and below the gown.
This makes it useful to consider the complete outfit rather than treating the gown as something that hides everything underneath.
Doctoral Graduation Footwear
Shoes are technically outside the academic regalia itself, but they can strongly affect the graduation-day experience.
Doctoral graduates may need to:
- Walk across campus
- Stand during processions
- Climb stairs
- Cross a stage
- Stand for photographs
- Attend receptions afterward
Choose footwear appropriate for the venue and the amount of activity expected.
Outdoor Doctoral Commencement
For an outdoor ceremony, consider:
- Grass
- Uneven surfaces
- Heat
- Wind
- Possible rain
These conditions can affect footwear, clothing and academic headwear.
What Happens During a Doctoral Hooding Ceremony?
Many doctoral programs incorporate a formal hooding moment.
The specific procedure differs among universities.
Depending on the ceremony, a designated faculty member or academic official may participate in placing the hood on the graduate.
Should You Put the Doctoral Hood On Before Arriving?
Not necessarily.
Some institutions instruct graduates to arrive already wearing their hoods.
Others want graduates to carry or present the hood for formal hooding.
Read the ceremony instructions carefully.
Practice the Hooding Procedure
If your university provides a rehearsal, video or written instructions, review them.
Knowing what to expect can make the ceremony smoother for both the graduate and the person performing the hooding.
How Should the Complete PhD Outfit Fit?
A well-prepared doctoral ensemble should allow comfortable movement while maintaining the intended academic appearance.
Check the outfit from head to toe.
Tam
Secure and comfortable without excessive pressure.
Hood
Arranged according to institutional instructions without unnecessary twisting.
Gown
Correct size with comfortable shoulder, chest, sleeve and overall length.
Accessories
Securely positioned and authorized for the ceremony.
Footwear
Appropriate for walking, standing and the ceremony venue.
Why a Full Dress Rehearsal Is Worth Doing
Doctoral regalia has more components than many graduation outfits.
A rehearsal lets you discover problems before commencement.
Put on:
- Your planned clothing
- Doctoral gown
- Academic hood if appropriate before the ceremony
- Authorized stoles or cords
- Doctoral tam or approved headwear
- Tassel
- Graduation shoes
Walk and Sit in the Complete Outfit
Walk around for several minutes and then sit down.
Check whether:
- The gown feels comfortable
- The sleeves interfere with your hands
- The hood shifts excessively
- The tam stays in place
- Your footwear remains comfortable
Take a Photo From Behind
This is particularly important for doctoral regalia.
The hood’s lining and much of its shape are displayed from the back.
A photograph can help you notice twisting, bunching or incorrect placement.
Take a Side Photograph Too
A side view can help you examine:
- Tam position
- Tassel placement
- Hood profile
- Sleeve length
- Gown length
Doctoral Graduation Photo Ideas
Doctoral regalia provides several details worth highlighting in photographs.
Classic Front Portrait
Shows the doctoral gown, velvet facings and headwear.
Three-Quarter Portrait
Can display the front of the gown while revealing part of the hood.
Back-of-Hood Portrait
Highlights the academic hood and its lining.
Sleeve Detail Photograph
Highlights the doctoral velvet bars.
Tam Detail Photograph
Focuses on the distinctive doctoral headwear and tassel.
Doctoral Graduation Attire Checklist
Before leaving for commencement, verify your required items.
- Doctoral gown
- Correct gown color
- Correct velvet facings
- Correct sleeve bars
- Doctoral academic hood
- Correct hood lining
- Correct hood edging
- Doctoral tam or approved cap
- Correct tassel
- Authorized cords or stoles
- Appropriate clothing
- Comfortable footwear
What If You Need to Purchase Doctoral Regalia?
Start with your university’s specifications rather than beginning with an online product search.
Confirm:
- Exact doctoral degree
- Required gown design
- Required gown color
- Velvet requirements
- Academic hood specification
- Approved headwear
- Tassel requirement
- Whether independently purchased regalia is permitted
Complete Doctoral Regalia Package vs. Individual Pieces
If you need every component, a package can simplify ordering.
However, verify exactly what the package includes.
A doctoral package might include:
- Gown
- Tam
- Tassel
- Academic hood
Another package may require the hood to be ordered separately.
Do Not Assume the Hood Is Included
The academic hood can require degree- and institution-specific selections, so it may be handled separately from a standard gown package.
Always read the package description.
Should You Buy Doctoral Regalia If You Plan to Become a Professor?
Potentially.
Faculty and academic professionals may participate in future ceremonies where academic dress is used.
If you anticipate repeated use, you may give additional consideration to:
- Fabric
- Construction
- Comfort
- Durability
- Long-term sizing
Future institutions can have their own academic-dress expectations, so verify those requirements when the time comes.
How to Store Doctoral Regalia After Graduation
If you intend to keep the ensemble, store it carefully.
Before storage:
- Follow the garment’s care instructions
- Make sure it is clean and dry
- Avoid crushing the velvet unnecessarily
- Protect the hood from excessive creasing
- Store the tam so its shape is protected
- Keep all pieces together when practical
Keep a Record of Your Regalia Specifications
If you expect future academic use, save information about:
- Degree
- Gown specifications
- Hood configuration
- Tam size
- Original product information
This can make future replacement or maintenance easier.
Common Doctoral Graduation Attire Mistakes
- Assuming a master’s gown can be reused
- Buying a doctoral gown based only on appearance
- Guessing velvet color
- Guessing academic hood colors
- Matching the hood to athletics colors
- Confusing the hood with a stole
- Assuming every doctoral graduate wears identical regalia
- Choosing a tam because it has more sides
- Assuming a gold tassel is universally required
- Wearing old recognition accessories without checking eligibility
- Ignoring the university’s hooding instructions
- Skipping the full dress rehearsal
Doctoral Graduation Apparel From Cap and Gown Outlet
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer serving individual graduates and qualifying group and institutional customers.
Depending on current inventory and product availability, doctoral and graduate products may include:
- Doctoral graduation gowns
- PhD academic regalia
- Doctoral academic hoods
- Doctoral tams
- Graduation caps
- Graduation tassels
- Doctoral regalia packages
- Graduation stoles
- Honor and recognition cords
- Diploma covers
- Master’s graduation regalia
- Bachelor’s graduation regalia
Available fabrics, colors, sizes, velvet options, hood configurations, tam styles and package contents vary by product.
Graduates should verify their institution’s current academic-dress requirements before purchasing independently.
Independent Retailer Disclosure
Cap and Gown Outlet is an independent academic regalia retailer and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by or officially authorized by any college or university unless an actual relationship has been established.
The availability of a gown, hood, tam, tassel or other academic-regalia product does not establish that it is approved for a particular institution, degree or commencement ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About PhD Graduation Attire
What does a PhD student wear at graduation?
A doctoral graduate may wear a doctoral gown, academic hood, tam or other approved academic headwear and tassel, depending on the degree-granting institution’s requirements.
Why do PhD gowns have velvet?
Velvet facings and sleeve bars are recognizable traditional design elements of many doctoral gowns. Exact colors and construction can vary.
How many velvet stripes are on a doctoral gown?
Traditional doctoral gown designs commonly feature three velvet bars on each sleeve.
What do the three stripes on a doctoral gown mean?
They are a traditional feature associated with doctoral-level academic dress. They should not be interpreted as three degrees or three honors.
What is the colorful piece on the back of a PhD gown?
It is generally the academic hood. Depending on the academic-dress system, its lining and edging can communicate information related to the institution and academic discipline.
Why are PhD hoods different colors?
Academic hood colors can vary because different portions may represent institutional and discipline-related information, subject to the university’s academic-dress system.
Does every PhD graduate wear dark blue?
No universal assumption should be made. Traditional color associations exist, but the correct regalia should be confirmed with the degree-granting institution.
What is the PhD graduation hat called?
A soft academic cap commonly worn with doctoral regalia is generally called a doctoral tam. Some institutions use or permit other academic headwear.
Why do some doctoral tams have different numbers of sides?
Tams are manufactured in several configurations. The number of sides does not automatically establish academic rank or prestige.
Do PhD graduates wear a stole?
Some graduates may be permitted to wear authorized stoles, but a stole is separate from the doctoral academic hood and does not replace it when a hood is required.
Can PhD graduates wear honor cords?
They may be able to when eligible and when their institution permits them. Policies vary.
Do you wear your doctoral hood before the ceremony?
That depends on the university’s hooding procedure. Some ceremonies require graduates to arrive wearing it, while others incorporate formal hooding during the event.
Can you reuse PhD regalia after graduation?
Potentially. Doctoral graduates who later participate in academic ceremonies may have opportunities to wear academic dress again, subject to the requirements of the institution or event.
Is doctoral regalia different from PhD regalia?
“Doctoral regalia” is the broader term because a PhD is one type of doctoral degree. Different doctoral degrees and institutions may use different academic-dress specifications.
How do I know which doctoral regalia I need?
Obtain the current specifications from your degree-granting institution, including gown, hood, headwear and tassel requirements, before ordering.
Doctoral Academic Dress From Head to Toe
Understanding PhD graduation attire becomes much easier when you view it as a complete head-to-toe academic ensemble.
At the top may be the doctoral tam and tassel. Around the shoulders is the academic hood, displaying its distinctive lining and edging. Beneath it is the doctoral gown, often recognizable by its velvet front facings and three sleeve bars.
Authorized stoles, cords or other recognition pieces may be added where appropriate, while practical clothing and footwear complete the graduation-day outfit.
Each piece has its own role, but they should not be selected independently of the institution’s requirements.
Use doctoral academic-dress traditions to understand the meaning and construction of the regalia. Use your university’s current instructions to determine exactly what belongs in your own graduation ensemble.
That combination of understanding and verification can help you prepare a doctoral graduation outfit that is appropriate for your degree, comfortable for commencement and ready for one of the most memorable academic ceremonies of your career.
