How to Differentiate Between Different Types of Graduation Robes

There are a number of different types of degrees you can be completing when graduating from a college or university. Associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees all have slightly different variations in gowns, caps and hoods by tradition. Our team at Gradshop.com uses years of experience with graduation apparel for all types of degrees and are here to share our insights with you:

  • Associate Degree – When receiving an associate’s degree, black or gray gowns are the typical colors selected by schools. Depending on the school’s direction, you may or may not be wearing a standard mortarboard cap with hanging tassel. Some schools also allow you to wear a hood or stole to symbolize the school you are graduating from or the subject you earned your degree in.
  • Bachelor Degree – The traditional bachelor degree gown is black with pointed sleeves. Your cap will be a standard mortarboard cap with tassel, and your tassel may be a standard black or another color that is based on your school or area of study. A stole or sash may also be worn based on either the subject you earned your degree in or as a symbol of your school.
  • Master Degree – These gowns typically feature oblong sleeves that arch at the wrist, followed by a square cut towards the bottom. You also have the option to wear this gown open or closed at the front. You will still be wearing the standard cap with tassel. Your tassel could be black or symbolic of your school’s colors, but more often will symbolize your area of study. Stoles and sashes are also more common with this type of gown to symbolize either your school or area of study.
  • Doctoral Degree – The richest of all the gowns, these feature sleeve chevrons and velvet panels. Some educational institutions may designate your specific degree or specialty through different variations of color in the velvet trim. Your school will also choose whether you wear a soft tam or standard mortarboard cap. Stoles and ashes are most common with these gowns, although they will still symbolize either your schools colors or your area of study.

Regardless of what degree you are graduating with, let the experts at GradShop provide you with the highest-quality graduation gowns, caps, tassels and stoles. We provide apparel for any degree crafted with the finest fabrics available at a low price. Give us a call visit our website today to see what we have to offer!

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