If you’re curious about how your university or college’s academic regalia is made, read this article. We’ll discuss the fabrics, buttons, and embroidery techniques used in producing an academic regalia purchase and how they’re styled. This article will also provide you with some information about different academic disciplines. You may even be surprised to learn several variations of the tassel.
Embroidery
Embroidery on Academic Regalia is often a way of identifying a graduate. It is common to see medals on regalia representing academic disciplines. This type of decoration is not prohibited, however, as long as the medals are embroidered only when the gown is open. Other examples of such embellishments include tassels and medallions. If a graduate wears a special gown, they must make sure the appropriate academic department approves the regalia.
Graduates of doctoral programs wear doctoral-style regalia. This style of regalia is lightweight compared to finer quality robes and is meant for one-time wear. It has open sleeves and a tassel but no embroidered school seals on the panels. Doctoral degree recipients wear hoods that have black velvet trim. They may be adorned with gold-colored tassels if they belong to national honor societies.
Fabric
Whether you’re attending an undergraduate or graduate school, there are many factors to consider when choosing fabric for your academic regalia. Thankfully, academic regalia companies have complete files on approved colors for various institutions. A regalia gown’s fabric can be made from polyester or a silky cotton blend. While both fabrics can be used for an academic robe, one must take extra care to clean them properly.
The hoods of academic regalia should be velveteen or silk with a hooded lining and a tassel attached to the middle point. The hood should be approximately two to three inches wide and five inches long. The trim should be a color representative of the degree earned. For example, a Master of Science in Agriculture degree hood should have a hooded border that looks like maize. It should represent agriculture.
Buttons
Buttons are an important part of academic regalia, but what are they for? Most graduates do not have time to spend hours examining their regalia. If you’re wondering if they’re necessary, consider that there’s no reason to be ashamed of the appearance of your gown. It may even increase your self-esteem. Regardless, it is an essential part of your education.
The buttons on an academic robe identify the degree awarded and the institution from which the student earned their degree. Doctoral hoods are trimmed with silk lining in the official colors of the graduate’s institution, such as orange with a white chevron. However, some important differences exist between doctoral hoods and their undergraduate counterparts.
Style
There are a variety of ways to purchase academic regalia. Some universities even offer Extended Opportunity Programs and Services for students from low-income households. While obtaining a piece of regalia is typically not a luxury, grad students might want to look into custom-made pieces.
Often called a “cap and gown,” academic regalia is made to represent a degree or level of scholarship. Bachelor’s regalia is simple and plain, while Master’s regalia is more detailed and contains longer sleeves. The doctoral robe is typically the most elaborate, with a hood and three stripes on the arms. Guests and faculty at these academic institutions should wear appropriate regalia. Choosing the right regalia to fit a person’s height is important.
Color
The color of academic regalia is not governed by any code or enforceable regulations, as this is a matter of tradition. Academic symbols have been used for centuries and should be kept as close to tradition as possible. While alterations are allowed to local conditions, they should remain faithful to the spirit of tradition. Further sub-divisions of the code are not acceptable, and new colors should be specified. The committee on Academic Costumes and Ceremonies offers recommendations for colleges and universities.
The tassels on a Doctor’s degree cap are gold, while a Master’s degree cap tassel is black. Bachelor’s degree holders wear their tassel on the left side. The College Mace, a traditional symbol of authority and protection, is also worn during an academic procession. The honors cap tassel, however, is a bright yellow cord.
Size
Graduation robes, caps, and doctoral tams are all one size. The only exceptions to this rule are if regalia is made in a specific size that is unavailable from the general supply. However, it is possible to order special sizes and receive them at a discounted price. You should also consider the size of your gown and any other regalia that may be needed for your graduation.
The style of academic regalia differs across institutions. In addition to the traditional doctoral gown, the hood does not have a velvet lining but is made of fabric that indicates the field of study.
