Figuring out how to put on a graduation cap seems simple enough, but getting it just right is the key to looking sharp and feeling comfortable all day. The basics? Place it flat on your head with the pointed front centered on your forehead. If you're an undergraduate, make sure your tassel starts on the right side before the ceremony kicks off.
This sets you up perfectly for that big tassel-turning moment.
Your Guide to Wearing a Graduation Cap Correctly
Graduation day is a huge milestone, and nailing your look is part of the celebration. That iconic square mortarboard might look straightforward, but wearing it correctly makes a world of difference in your photos and your comfort level. The first thing you need to do is figure out the front from the back.
Most caps have a slightly pointed front and a softer, elasticized back that’s designed to grip your head. Getting this orientation right is the first step to a secure fit. Once you have it on, the cap should sit level and parallel to the ground—not tilted back on your head or angled down over your eyes. Think of it as a perfectly balanced platform.
This classic placement doesn't just honor tradition; it also keeps the cap from slipping while you walk, sit, and celebrate. A well-placed cap feels secure without being too tight, letting you focus on soaking in the moment.
To help you get it just right, here's a quick rundown of the essential components and how to wear them.
Graduation Cap Essentials at a Glance
This table breaks down the key steps for getting your graduation cap perfectly placed for the big day.
| Component | Correct Placement | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Mortarboard | Sits flat and level, parallel to the ground. | Avoid tilting it back or forward; think of balancing a book on your head. |
| Front Point | Aligned with the center of your forehead. | Should be about one inch above your eyebrows for a classic, polished look. |
| Tassel | Starts on the right for undergraduates. | Moves to the left after your degree is officially conferred. |
Following these simple guidelines ensures you'll look polished and be ready for every photo op and a memorable walk across the stage.
Key Elements of Proper Cap Placement
Achieving that perfect, polished look involves a few small but important details. Getting these right will ensure you’re completely ready for the ceremony.
- Front Point Alignment: The pointed part of the mortarboard should be right in the middle of your forehead, sitting about an inch above your eyebrows.
- Level and Flat: Keep the cap sitting squarely on your head. You want it parallel with the floor for a sharp, dignified appearance.
- Tassel Position: For bachelor's degrees, the tassel hangs on the right side before your degree is conferred. Afterward, you'll move it to the left side as a group.
Wearing your cap and gown correctly is more than just following rules; it's about honoring the culmination of years of hard work. A proper fit ensures you look and feel confident.
With the global Graduation Cap and Gown market projected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2025 to $3.3 billion by 2032, the demand for quality regalia is clearer than ever. This growth highlights just how much students value this timeless tradition. For a complete overview, check out our guide on the essentials of a graduation cap and gown.
How to Secure Your Mortarboard All Day Long
Nothing ruins the graduation vibe faster than a cap that slips, slides, or completely falls off. It's the last distraction you need on your big day. The real goal is to get that mortarboard anchored so firmly you forget it's even there—without giving yourself a headache.
First things first, let's find the sweet spot. Your cap should sit about one to two inches above your eyebrows, with the front point centered perfectly on your forehead. This is the most stable position and stops the cap from tilting too far forward or backward.
Once you’ve found the right placement, it’s time to lock it in. Bobby pins are your absolute best friend here, but how you use them makes all the difference.
Pinning Techniques for Every Hair Type
If you have fine or straight hair, just sliding in a few pins probably won't cut it. The trick is to create an "X" shape with two bobby pins on each side of the cap. Slide one pin through your hair and the cap's edge, then slide another one over it in the opposite direction. This creates a surprisingly strong anchor.
For those with thick, curly, or textured hair, you've got a bit of an advantage with all that natural volume. You can get away with using larger, more heavy-duty hair clips or pins. A fantastic method is to create small, hidden pin-curls or tiny braids exactly where the cap will sit. This gives the bobby pins a solid structure to grab onto.
The secret to a secure cap isn't about the number of pins you use; it's about creating a stable foundation. A little prep work goes a long way in making sure your mortarboard stays put for hours.
For ultimate security, especially on a long day, you might even consider using a hair wax with extra strong hold to create a non-slip base for your pins to grip.
Starting with a quality cap also helps immensely. Many modern caps, like the ones from Graduation Attire, come with comfortable elastic bands built right in, giving you a snug yet flexible fit from the start. This simple feature can seriously reduce how much pinning you need to do.
This day is a huge cultural moment. In 2024, families in the United States spent over $6.1 billion on graduation-related items, and that number is only expected to grow. All that spending just highlights how important it is to get every detail—including your cap—just right. You can discover more insights about graduation spending trends and their cultural impact.
With these tips, you can be confident your mortarboard will stay perfectly in place, letting you focus on what really matters: your incredible achievement.
Mastering Tassel Rules and Ceremony Etiquette
That tassel on your graduation cap is so much more than a decorative string. It's a powerful symbol of your academic journey, marking the exact moment you transition from candidate to graduate. Knowing the proper etiquette ensures you handle this tradition with the respect it deserves, and the rules are specific to the degree you’re walking away with.
For most undergraduates earning an associate's or bachelor's degree, the tradition is crystal clear. You'll start the ceremony with your tassel hanging on the right side of your mortarboard. This position signifies that you are still a candidate for your degree.
Then comes the moment everyone is waiting for—often called 'turning the tassel.' After your degree is officially conferred by a dean or university president, they'll give the instruction. You and your fellow graduates will collectively move your tassel from the right side to the left, a small but incredibly meaningful gesture that symbolizes your new status as a graduate.
Tassel Placement for Advanced Degrees
The rules shift a bit for those earning advanced degrees. If you’re a Master’s or Doctoral candidate, you’ll wear your tassel on the left side right from the start of the ceremony. This placement shows you've already earned a previous degree and are now receiving a terminal one.
Just like understanding formal event dress codes is key for other big occasions, mastering the rules for your graduation regalia shows respect for your institution and the academic tradition itself.
Want to get every detail just right, from placement to securing the charm? Dive deeper into our complete guide on how to put the tassel on your graduation cap. It covers everything you need for a flawless look.
The tassel flip is a rite of passage, a small but meaningful action that concludes one chapter and opens another. Getting it right is part of the experience.
This simple visual guide breaks down the core steps to making sure your cap is secure and ready for the big tassel turn.
This simple flow—from placement to pinning to the final check—guarantees your cap will stay exactly where it belongs through the entire event.
Choosing a Hairstyle That Complements Your Cap
Let’s be honest: your hairstyle can make or break how your graduation cap fits, feels, and photographs. The secret is picking a style that's both gorgeous and functional, one that keeps your cap secure without being completely crushed by the end of the ceremony.
A little planning goes a long way in avoiding the dreaded "cap hair" and making sure you look great from every single angle.
For graduates with long hair, styles that sit low at the nape of the neck are your best friend. A sleek low ponytail, a classic low bun, or even a sophisticated side braid all work beautifully. These styles create a stable, comfortable base for the mortarboard to rest on, which drastically reduces the chances of it slipping while you're walking.
Loose waves are another fantastic option, offering a soft, elegant look that flows nicely under your gown. If you go this route, just be sure to create a solid anchor point with bobby pins right where the cap sits to lock it in place.
Styles for Short and Textured Hair
If you have short hair, the game plan is all about creating a bit of volume at the roots. This prevents your hair from looking flat and lifeless the moment the cap comes off for pictures. A good texturizing spray or a light mousse can add body without making your hair stiff or impossible to pin.
For those with curly or textured hair, the goal is to protect that beautiful natural pattern. A low pineapple or puff can work wonders, keeping your curls defined while also giving the cap a solid foundation. Some graduates even use a small silk scarf or satin-lined accessories under the cap to cut down on frizz and friction.
Your graduation hairstyle isn't just about how it looks; it's about comfort and confidence. The right style makes your cap feel like a natural part of your look, not something you have to constantly balance.
With the U.S. high school graduation rate hitting 87.4% in the 2022-23 school year, more students than ever are figuring out the perfect look for their big day. You can read the full report on this impressive three-decade increase by checking out the latest data on high school graduation rates.
No matter what style you choose, a few simple tools are non-negotiable. High-quality bobby pins and hair clips are the secret weapons for any graduate who wants to know how to put on a graduation cap and keep it perfectly secure all day long.
Understanding Tams and Other Academic Headwear
The classic square mortarboard isn’t the only cap you’ll see on graduation day. Once you reach the Master’s or Doctoral level, the headwear often gets a serious upgrade to a soft, plush velvet tam. This distinctive piece of regalia is a clear sign of a higher academic achievement, and it comes with its own unique traditions.Unlike the rigid mortarboard, a tam features a soft, multi-sided crown that offers a more comfortable and distinguished look for advanced degree candidates. The number of sides can vary—you’ll typically see four, six, or eight—with the eight-sided version often reserved for doctoral degrees, adding another layer of academic symbolism.
The tassel rules are different here, too. While undergraduates famously move their tassel from right to left, graduates wearing tams for terminal degrees keep their tassel on the left side for the entire ceremony. This placement signifies they've already earned previous degrees.
Choosing Your Advanced Degree Regalia
Premium doctoral tams and beefeaters from Graduation Attire are crafted from high-quality materials to ensure you look and feel your best. The superior craftsmanship not only honors the prestige of your degree but also provides lasting comfort throughout a long ceremony.
Wearing a tam is a statement of academic dedication. Its unique structure and rules are steeped in tradition, setting advanced degree holders apart during commencement.
Of course, properly wearing your headwear is just one piece of the puzzle. To complete your look with precision, you’ll also need to know how to correctly wear an academic hood.
Your Top Graduation Cap Questions Answered
Even with all the prep in the world, a few last-minute questions always seem to pop up on the big day. When it comes to your graduation cap, getting a few clear answers ahead of time can make all the difference. Let’s tackle some of the most common worries graduates have.
How Do I Keep My Graduation Cap From Falling Off?
This is, without a doubt, the number one concern for most graduates. The best way to handle this is to start with a cap that actually fits you well. Before you do anything else, use a good sizing guide to make sure you're starting with the correct size from the get-go.
Once you’ve got the right fit, bobby pins are your best friend. For a hold that won’t budge, try the crisscross method: slide one pin through your hair and over the cap's edge, then slide another one over it in the opposite direction to lock it down in an 'X' shape. A light spritz of hairspray on the hair right where the cap will sit can also give you some extra grip.
Can I Decorate My Graduation Cap?
Personalizing your cap is a fantastic way to stand out and celebrate your journey. But—and this is a big but—the rules on decorated caps can vary wildly from one school to another. Before you even think about breaking out the glitter and glue, always check your school’s commencement protocol.
Many universities love this creative tradition and encourage it. Others have strict rules about maintaining a uniform look. If your school gives you the green light, go for tasteful designs that celebrate your accomplishments or thank the people who supported you. A well-decorated cap can be a real highlight in your graduation photos.
What If My Cap Is the Wrong Size?
First off, don't panic if your cap feels a bit too loose or a little too snug. If it's slightly too big, you can easily stick some foam hat sizers inside the band for a more secure fit. If it's a bit too tight, you can often gently stretch the elastic band to give yourself a little more breathing room.
Your comfort on graduation day is a top priority. A cap that fits poorly is a distraction you just don't need, so taking a moment for a quick fix is always worth it.
Of course, the best solution is to measure correctly from the start, but if you do run into an issue, these quick adjustments can be a lifesaver. For any major sizing problems, your best bet is to contact customer service for direct support and expert guidance.
At Graduation Attire, we make sure every graduate finds their perfect fit with our huge selection of high-quality caps, gowns, and accessories. Explore our full collection today and get ready for a memorable and stress-free commencement.