Graduation is a significant milestone, an accumulation of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. One of the most exciting aspects of this milestone event is donning your academic regalia in celebration of your achievements. The academic hood is a crucial component of the regalia, distinguishing you and the degree you have earned. It can be tricky to wear it correctly, but fear not! We have compiled three different ways to wear your academic hood with ease and confidence.

1. The Traditional Method

The traditional method for wearing an academic hood is relatively simple and follows typical guidelines provided by educational institutions:

a) First, ensure that your gown is worn correctly with its frontal zipper zipped up.

b) Open up the hood and locate the small velvet strip that lines its outer edge. This velvet strip represents your degree or faculty colors.

c) Drape the hood over your shoulders, making sure that the colorful velvet strip is visible on the outside. The larger part of the hood should rest against your back, while the smaller part with a loop lies along your collarbone.

d) Use this loop to secure the hood to a shirt button or use a safety pin to attach it to your gown or garments underneath so that it stays in place during the ceremony.

2. Stole-Style Method

For those seeking a fashionable take on tradition:

a) Follow steps a-c from the traditional method above.

b) Instead of securing the hood in place at your collarbone, cross one side of it over the other at chest level as you would wear a stole.

c) Use safety pins or clips to keep both sides in position over each shoulder.

3. The Prestigious Twist

This method adds extra prestige and style to how you present yourself at graduation:

a) Follow steps a-c from the traditional method above.

b) Before securing the hood, give it a slight twist so that the lining color is showcased from the side. This twist highlights both your academic standing and any additional honors you may have earned.

c) Secure the twisted hood in place using the shirt button loop or safety pins as described earlier.

In conclusion, wearing your academic hood with pride is an essential part of marking your graduation day. By following one of these three methods, you can wear it with confidence, showcasing your achievements as you step into the next phase of your life’s journey.