If you have just graduated and are looking for graduation attire, there are lots of things to consider. Graduation attire is a traditional part of earning a degree. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great keepsake for yourself. You’re going to want to learn how you can take advantage of an academic regalia sale and save a significant amount of money!
A Traditional Part of Graduation
Graduates traditionally wear graduation gowns and caps to their degree ceremonies. The graduation gown is similar to a cassock but has more buttons and a more formal style. It is usually black with a square academic cap at the back. Graduates will also wear simars, which are a traditional part of a graduate’s attire. While most schools follow the traditional graduation attire, some faculties choose to wear a color other than black.
Historically, the graduation robe and cap have been key features of the ceremony. They are a traditional part of the degree ceremony and date back to the Middle Ages. Initially, these were worn by clergy and scholars to keep them warm, but as the ages passed, students adopted the look and began wearing them. The tradition spread to the United States, where the academic regalia was associated with the most elite academic institutions.
A Celebration of Academic Achievement
The graduation ceremony is a time for academic etiquette, so the gown and cap you wear will be a reflection of this. Academic regalia will vary from school to school, and each one will tell the story of your own personal journey. In addition to the robe, you will also wear a cap, tassel, cords, and stole. All of these items are a fitting way to commemorate your accomplishments.
Graduation academic attire traces its roots to the Middle Ages when scholars wore flowing gowns to keep warm in cold buildings. Today’s graduates typically wear a cap, which was a symbol of intellectual independence in medieval times. While the elements of academic regalia differ by school, most are standardized across the nation. Academic regalia is a rite of passage and a celebration of academic achievement.
Expensive
While academic regalia is a necessity for graduation ceremonies, it can also be pricey. Many universities rely on bulk supply companies such as Jostens to provide academic regalia. But, remember that with a big price tag comes great quality too, so that’s one thing to consider.
Renting academic regalia may not be the best option for students who want to buy their own. Renting regalia might limit your options, so you should buy it instead. Buying your own will allow you to customize it to your liking, including the colors, styles, and pockets. Additionally, you can save money by purchasing several pieces at once instead of one. Also, renting can be a great option if you plan on wearing regalia repeatedly, especially if you plan to use the regalia for several years.
A Keepsake
Academic regalia is a great keepsake, and the perfect way to remember your college days is by wearing them. You can buy your college gown or rent one from a reputable company. Regardless of whether you choose to purchase your regalia or rent it, you will want to make sure that it fits properly and is well-maintained.
If you’re a graduate who plans to wear your academic regalia at a commencement ceremony, you’ll want to purchase it in advance. While most universities will sell regalia on campus during Grad Week, some institutions have special hours during commencement to accommodate all graduates. If you live outside of campus, you can order your regalia online. Unless you’re graduating during Grad Week, you’ll need to order by a certain date. Orders placed online will be subject to shipping costs, so be prepared to pay for them before they arrive.
Distinctive by University
Academic regalia originated in the Middle Ages when scholars wore robes that distinguished them from the general population. These robes were not only decorative but functional, too. The long gowns they wore were meant to keep scholars warm in drafty monasteries. The headgear they wore would be either a hood or a skull cap. This distinctive dress is still a significant symbol of higher education.
The regalia of a doctorate is often worn for several years after graduation, especially during the academic years. They are distinctive by the university and distinguish faculty members as graduates of that university. Many research universities create unique doctoral regalia, such as The University of Texas at Austin, and are worn by only graduate students of that university. This is particularly important for doctoral students who hope to pursue an academic career. In many cases, academic regalia is not unique, but it does serve an important function.