Regalia for graduation refers to the formal academic attire worn by students, faculty, and sometimes guests during a commencement ceremony. It typically includes a cap, gown, hood, and accessories like tassels, stoles, and cords.

What regalia usually includes

  • Gown (robe) – A long, loose‑fitting robe whose style (sleeve cut, length, and fabric) often signals the degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral).
  • Cap (mortarboard or tam) – The square ā€œmortarboardā€ is standard for bachelor’s and master’s graduates; doctoral graduates often wear a soft, rounded tam instead.
  • Tassel – Attached to the cap; color usually corresponds to the academic discipline or school, and it is often moved from right to left after the degree is conferred.
  • Hood – Worn over the shoulders and back, with colors and lining indicating the institution and field of study; more common for master’s and doctoral degrees.
  • Stoles, cords, and medallions – Used to mark honors, special programs, or affiliations (e.g., Latin honors, honor societies, first‑generation status).

Why it matters

Regalia is both symbolic and practical : it visually unites graduates, signals achievement and discipline, and connects modern ceremonies to centuries‑old academic traditions. Different schools may tweak colors, required pieces, or whether you must rent or buy, so many universities post specific regalia rules on their commencement pages.

If you tell me what level (high school, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) and country you’re asking about, I can break down a more tailored example of what ā€œregaliaā€ looks like for that context.