For Promotional Products / SWAG Click Here!!
Do You Keep Your Cap and Gown After Graduation?

Do You Keep Your Cap and Gown After Graduation?

Graduation is one of the most memorable moments in a student’s life. Walking across the stage in your cap and gown, receiving your diploma, and celebrating with family and friends makes all the hard work worth it. What’s next, though? Do you keep your cap and gown after graduation? Many graduates wonder what happens to their cap and gown after the ceremony. Is it something you keep forever, or does it need to be returned? Tassel Depot explores the importance of this symbolic attire and shares additional insights. 

Understanding what to do with your graduation gown is important as it ties into the rich traditions of academia. Whether you’re renting or purchasing your commencement cap and gown, there are options to consider. Learn about the different choices graduates have and what it means to keep this iconic attire.

Do You Have to Buy Your Cap and Gown?

In many cases, students have the option to either rent or buy their cap and gown. If you rent, the items must be returned to the institution or rental company after the ceremony. Renting can be a more budget-friendly option, but you won’t be able to keep your graduation gown and cap as a memento. For those who value having their commencement cap and gown as a keepsake, purchasing is often the preferred option. 

When you purchase your cap and gown, it becomes a special reminder of your academic achievement. Tassel Depot offers high-quality sets that allow graduates to keep their attire long after the ceremony. Additionally, you can personalize your graduation accessories with options like graduation stoles and cords, making your cap and gown even more meaningful as part of your memory collection.

What Is Commencement Cap and Gown Etiquette?

Wearing a commencement cap and gown is part of a long-standing tradition that dates back centuries. These garments symbolize academic achievement and create a sense of unity among graduating students. Most institutions have specific guidelines about what type of graduation gown regalia should be worn. They might also dictate whether the gown is rented or purchased. Be sure to check with your school to understand the rules surrounding your commencement cap and gown. 

In many cases, the graduation gown regalia is something you can purchase and keep. Some schools, however, require graduates to rent the regalia, which must be returned after the ceremony. Whether you keep or return your commencement cap and gown, the experience of wearing it is a significant part of celebrating your academic success.

When Do You Have to Return Your Cap and Gown?

The timing for returning your cap and gown can vary depending on the policies of your academic institution. It's important to be aware of the specific deadlines to ensure a smooth conclusion to your graduation experience. Some key points to consider include: 

  • Post-ceremony returns: Following the commencement ceremony, several universities require graduates to return their cap and gown. This makes it possible to reuse the regalia for subsequent graduations. 
  • Rental programs: If your institution has a rental program, there probably will be a deadline for returning all rented attire. Usually, this date is announced well in advance. 
  • Purchased regalia: If you bought your cap and gown, you can retain them as a priceless remembrance indefinitely. In this situation, there are typically no set return deadlines. 
  • Late returns: It is very important to stick to the specified return date. Graduating students may be asked to pay the cost of replacing unreturned regalia in specific circumstances, and late returns may result in additional fines. 
  • Donation opportunities: Some institutions provide you the choice of donating your cap and gown for use in the future. If you choose this way, there can be designated donation dates or collection locations. 
  • Contact the university bookstore or registrar's office: It is best to speak with the university bookshop or the registrar's office for detailed instructions on how and where to return your cap and gown. They will be in possession of the most recent and institution-specific information. 

What Can You Do with Your Graduation Attire?

If you decide to keep your graduation cap and gown, there are several ways to preserve and cherish these items. Many graduates choose to frame their graduation honor cords, sash, tassel, or diploma alongside their cap and gown to create a beautiful display that captures their academic journey. This is a great way to showcase your hard work and keep your achievements visible for years to come. 

Other graduates may opt to donate their cap and gowns to future students or repurpose them for various events such as themed parties or photo shoots. Tassel Depot offers a variety of graduation accessories, which can be used to enhance your gown, creating a keepsake that is uniquely yours. Whether you choose to frame it or reuse it, keeping your cap and gown allows you to hold onto a piece of your graduation day forever.

What Are Graduation Stoles and Cords?

Graduation stoles and cords are often worn as part of the graduation gown regalia to signify special academic achievements, affiliations, or honors. These accessories not only enhance the look of your cap and gown, but they also serve as symbols of your accomplishments and memberships in honor societies, student organizations, or academic programs. Tassel Depot provides a wide variety of customizable graduation accessories to help you stand out on your big day.

Stoles and cords are typically kept by the graduate as a reminder of their success and dedication. They are often cherished items that can be framed or worn again at future events like reunions. Including graduation stoles and cords with your cap and gown creates a more personalized and meaningful look, making your commencement attire even more special and memorable.

Contact Tassel Depot Today!

So, do you keep your cap and gown after graduation? The answer depends on whether you rented or purchased your attire. Renting typically requires a return while purchasing allows you to keep your graduation attire as a permanent reminder of your achievement. Regardless of your decision, your cap and gown, along with other graduation accessories like stoles and cords, will always represent your hard work and success. 

For those looking to make their commencement cap and gown a keepsake, please contact us. For more information, feel free to check out our blog. From graduation sash and cords to stoles and other accessories, you can customize your attire to reflect your unique academic journey. Celebrate your graduation in style and keep the memories alive with Tassel Depot.

Related Readings: