{"id":2456,"date":"2026-08-24T10:01:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T10:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/?p=2456"},"modified":"2026-10-07T12:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T12:53:10","slug":"doctoral-tam-vs-mortarboard-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/doctoral-tam-vs-mortarboard-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctoral Tam or Mortarboard? How to Choose the Right Academic Cap"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2456\" class=\"elementor elementor-2456\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4740b82 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4740b82\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00141e4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"00141e4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"main-blog\"><p>Doctoral graduates often have one important headwear question before commencement: should you wear a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/velvet-tam-only.html\"><strong>doctoral tam<\/strong><\/a> or a <strong>mortarboard<\/strong>? Both are traditional forms of academic headwear, but they look different, fit differently, and may be used for different degree levels or institutional traditions.<\/p><h2>What Is a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>A doctoral tam is a soft academic cap commonly associated with doctoral regalia. It typically has a rounded or multi-panel crown instead of the flat square board found on a mortarboard.<\/p><h3>Common Doctoral Tam Features<\/h3><ul><li>Soft, flexible construction<\/li><li>Rounded or multi-sided crown<\/li><li>Often made from velvet or velvet-like fabric<\/li><li>Usually worn with a tassel<\/li><li>Commonly paired with doctoral gowns and academic hoods<\/li><\/ul><h2>What Is a Mortarboard?<\/h2><p>A mortarboard is the classic square graduation cap seen at many high school, bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s, and some doctoral ceremonies. It has a fitted cap section and a flat square board on top.<\/p><h3>Common Mortarboard Features<\/h3><ul><li>Flat square top<\/li><li>Structured academic appearance<\/li><li>Center button for tassel attachment<\/li><li>Used across multiple academic levels<\/li><\/ul><h2>Doctoral Tam vs. Mortarboard: Quick Comparison<\/h2><table><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Doctoral Tam<\/th><th>Mortarboard<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Shape<\/td><td>Rounded or multi-sided<\/td><td>Square and flat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Structure<\/td><td>Soft and flexible<\/td><td>More structured<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Common Degree Level<\/td><td>Doctoral<\/td><td>High school through graduate levels<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Typical Material<\/td><td>Velvet or similar fabric<\/td><td>Fabric-covered board<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tassel<\/td><td>Usually attached at the top<\/td><td>Attached to center button<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2>Why Do Doctoral Graduates Often Wear Tams?<\/h2><p>Doctoral regalia is generally more formal and visually distinctive than bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s attire. The soft shape of a tam complements the velvet panels, sleeve bars, and academic hood commonly associated with doctoral gowns.<\/p><p>That said, not every doctoral program requires a tam.<\/p><h2>Can Doctoral Graduates Wear Mortarboards?<\/h2><p>Yes. Some universities permit or require doctoral graduates to wear mortarboards instead of tams. Academic dress rules vary by institution, so your school\u2019s official commencement requirements should determine which headwear is appropriate.<\/p><h2>How Many Sides Can a Doctoral Tam Have?<\/h2><p>Doctoral tams are commonly available in several styles, including four-sided, six-sided, and eight-sided designs.<\/p><h3>Four-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>This style creates a simpler multi-panel appearance and is usually less rounded than versions with more sides.<\/p><h3>Six-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>A six-sided tam provides a fuller crown and a more rounded appearance.<\/p><h3>Eight-Sided Tam<\/h3><p>An eight-sided tam creates one of the fullest traditional doctoral cap silhouettes and is commonly seen with formal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/velvet-tam-only\/doctoral-phd-graduation-velvet-tam-with-no-tassels.html\"><strong>doctoral regalia<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><h4>Which Tam Style Should You Choose?<\/h4><p>Do not choose based only on appearance. Verify whether your university specifies a particular style or permits multiple options.<\/p><h2>What Tassel Goes With a Doctoral Tam?<\/h2><p>A doctoral tam is typically worn with a tassel. Depending on institutional traditions, the tassel may be black, gold-colored, or another approved color.<\/p><p>Some tam products include a tassel, while others may require it to be purchased separately.<\/p><h2>Does a Doctoral Tassel Move From Right to Left?<\/h2><p>Tassel traditions vary. The familiar right-to-left tassel movement is commonly associated with many undergraduate ceremonies, but doctoral practices may differ.<\/p><p>Follow the directions provided by your university during commencement.<\/p><h2>How Should a Doctoral Tam Fit?<\/h2><p>A doctoral tam should feel secure enough to stay in place while walking and sitting without becoming uncomfortable.<\/p><h3>Check the Sizing Method<\/h3><p>Some tams use fitted sizes, while others include adjustable features. Always review the size chart for the specific tam you plan to purchase.<\/p><h2>How Should a Mortarboard Sit?<\/h2><p>A mortarboard should generally sit level on the head, with the square board parallel to the ground. Avoid pushing it too far backward, which may make it unstable and affect graduation photos.<\/p><h2>Which Looks Better in Graduation Photos?<\/h2><p>Both styles can photograph well, but they create different looks.<\/p><h3>Doctoral Tam<\/h3><p>A tam can emphasize the formal character of doctoral regalia and coordinate visually with velvet gowns and academic hoods.<\/p><h3>Mortarboard<\/h3><p>A mortarboard creates the classic square-cap graduation appearance recognized across many academic levels.<\/p><h2>How to Coordinate Doctoral Headwear With Your Regalia<\/h2><p>A complete doctoral academic outfit may include:<\/p><ul><li>Doctoral graduation gown<\/li><li>Doctoral academic hood<\/li><li>Doctoral tam or approved mortarboard<\/li><li>Graduation tassel<\/li><li>Institution-approved academic accessories<\/li><\/ul><p>Check that the headwear style, color, and tassel coordinate with the requirements of your doctoral gown and hood.<\/p><h2>Common Mistakes When Ordering Doctoral Headwear<\/h2><ul><li>Assuming every doctoral graduate wears a tam<\/li><li>Choosing the number of sides based only on preference<\/li><li>Ordering the wrong head size<\/li><li>Forgetting to check whether a tassel is included<\/li><li>Using the wrong tassel color<\/li><li>Buying before reviewing university requirements<\/li><li>Waiting until the last minute to order<\/li><\/ul><h2>Doctoral Headwear Buying Checklist<\/h2><ul><li>Confirm your doctoral degree type<\/li><li>Check your university\u2019s regalia rules<\/li><li>Determine tam or mortarboard requirement<\/li><li>Verify tam style when applicable<\/li><li>Select the correct size<\/li><li>Confirm required color<\/li><li>Check tassel style and color<\/li><li>Confirm whether the tassel is included<\/li><li>Try on the complete regalia before commencement<\/li><\/ul><h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><h3>Is a doctoral tam more formal than a mortarboard?<\/h3><p>A tam is strongly associated with doctoral academic dress and often creates a more distinctive formal look, but the correct choice is the one required or approved by your institution.<\/p><h3>Can PhD graduates wear a mortarboard?<\/h3><p>Yes, depending on the university. Some institutions use mortarboards for doctoral graduates, while others use tams.<\/p><h3>What is the most common doctoral tam style?<\/h3><p>Several styles are used, including four-, six-, and eight-sided tams. The appropriate style depends on institutional requirements and academic tradition.<\/p><h3>Can master&#8217;s graduates wear a doctoral tam?<\/h3><p>Master\u2019s graduates should follow their institution\u2019s master\u2019s regalia requirements rather than automatically using doctoral headwear.<\/p><h3>What color should a doctoral tassel be?<\/h3><p>Tassel colors vary by institution and regalia style. Check the official requirements for your ceremony.<\/p><h2>Choose the Headwear That Matches Your Doctoral Degree<\/h2><p>The difference between a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/university-college\/doctoral-cap-and-gown\/velvet-tam-only\/doctoral-phd-graduation-velvet-tam-with-no-tassels.html\">doctoral tam<\/a> and a mortarboard<\/strong> comes down primarily to shape, construction, and academic tradition. A tam has a soft, rounded or multi-sided crown and is closely associated with doctoral regalia, while a mortarboard has a structured square top and is used across many degree levels.<\/p><p><strong>Before ordering, confirm your university\u2019s requirements, choose the correct size and style, and verify the tassel details. Proper doctoral headwear helps complete the academic regalia that represents one of the highest achievements in your educational journey.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Doctoral graduates often have one important headwear question before commencement: should you wear a doctoral tam or a mortarboard? Both are traditional forms of academic headwear, but they look different, fit differently, and may be used for different degree levels or institutional traditions. What Is a Doctoral Tam? A doctoral tam is a soft academic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2457,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2456","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graduation-caps-gowns"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2456"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2456\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.graduationcapandgowndepot.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}