Likewise, others have done away with the cap for socio-political purposes, or due to designer intent, as with Vivienne Westwood’s design for the ceremonies of King’s College London. This type of graduation ceremony cap is traditionally worn by Bachelors and Masters graduates but is now worn by students at graduation ceremonies of all ages.

As with other forms of headdress, academic caps are not generally worn indoors by men (other than by the Chancellor or other high officials), but are usually carried.In many European countries, including Spain and Italy, the biretta is still used as an academic cap, as an alternative to the mortarboard that is used in Britain, the USA and elsewhere. This convention has now fallen into disuse; few people now wear headgear with academic dress at any time and undergraduates in particular have no need to wear the cap. In addition, the rigid skull type has the advantage of being easier to doff than the folding skull version, as there is no possibility of the skull collapsing in on itself. Our Graduation Hats and Mortarboards are perfect for all graduation ceremonies, whether you have just completed your early years of education or if you have worked for many years to achieve your PhD or Doctorate! This Graduation Cap or hat is made up of three parts, a Horizontal square felt board with a long tassel fixed upon a peak shaped skull-cap with a Velcro Fastener.

Around the 18 th century, hoods were added to capes and gowns worn by academics as a symbol of higher intelligence and superiority. Like the traditional bride and groom outfits worn at a wedding, graduation has a similar cultural tradition that showcases a particular type of dress – the graduation gown and accompanying mortarboard. The gold metallic tassel is reserved for those entitled to wear the doctoral gown, as is the use of velvet for headwear.

This tradition stuck at the academy and now has spread worldwide as a celebration of success and marks the end of a milestone chapter in a graduate’s life. Clerics holding a doctorate often wear this black cap, and their design is distinguished by four ridges rather than three, with pom and piping denoting their study. For example, if you are 5'5 (167cms) tall and of average stature, please chose the gown that is for someone of 5'3-5'6 (161cm-170cm). This latter cap proved unpopular with the student body, whose preference for the traditional square shape led to a practical disuse of caps.