How to Wear Graduation Caps Properly?

Graduation day arrives faster than expected. The cap and gown get picked up. But then comes the question—how to wear a graduation cap and tassels?

Many graduates struggle with their mortarboard. It tilts awkwardly. The tassel swings into their face. Photos turn out less than perfect. This guide breaks down graduation cap tips and tassel rules needed for a flawless graduation look.

Getting to Know Your Mortarboard

The graduation cap isn't complicated, but it has specific parts. The flat, square board sits on top. A fitted skullcap underneath holds everything in place. 

An elastic band runs around the base.

The square board should always stay parallel to the ground. No tilting to the side. The front point needs to center on the forehead, creating a diamond shape when viewed from above.

Proper Cap Positioning

How to wear a graduation cap correctly starts with the right placement. The front point should sit about one inch above the eyebrows. Not higher. Not lower.

The elastic band goes underneath the hair at the back of the head. This provides the primary hold. But it's rarely enough on its own.

Here's where graduation cap tips become essential. Bobby pins are the secret weapon. Insert two to four pins through the small holes in the cap's rim. Angle them into the hair in different directions. This creates a secure anchor point.

Long hair presents unique challenges. Pull it back into a low bun or sleek ponytail. High ponytails push the cap up too far. Loose, flowing hair doesn't provide enough anchoring surface.

Understanding Graduation Tassel Rules 

The tassel causes more confusion than any other graduation element. Tassel rules for graduation vary by education level.

Undergraduate Students

• Start with the tassel on the right side

• Keep it there throughout the ceremony

• Move it to the left after receiving the diploma

• This represents the transition from candidate to graduate

Graduate Students

• Wear the tassel on the left throughout the ceremony

• No switching happens

• This applies to master's and doctoral candidates

High School Graduates

• Follow the undergraduate tradition

• Right side before, left side after

• Schools often coordinate the exact moment to switch

Graduation tassel rules aren't universal, though. Some institutions have unique traditions. Check with the graduation coordinator before the ceremony. Nobody wants to be the only person moving their tassel at the wrong time.

Essential Graduation Cap Tips

Looking polished takes more than just knowing how to wear graduation cap basics. These details make the difference.

Hair Strategy

Flat hairstyles work best. Volume pushes the cap up. The result looks awkward in photos.

The Bobby Pin Method

Standard graduation cap tips mention bobby pins. But technique matters.

Cross 2 bobby pins in an X shape through the holes. This creates a stronger hold than parallel pins. Use bobby pins that match hair color. They'll disappear in photos.

For extra security, spray bobby pins with hairspray before inserting them. The slight stickiness adds grip.

Game-Changing Graduation Day Hacks

Beyond standard how to wear graduation cap advice, these tricks solve common problems.

The Double-Sided Tape Method

Place small pieces of double-sided fashion tape inside the cap's rim. It sticks to hair without damage. This graduation day hacks technique works especially well for fine or slippery hair.

Cut the tape into quarter-inch pieces. Too much creates a sticky mess. Just enough to provide an invisible hold.

The Hidden Elastic Trick

Thread a small elastic hair tie through a ventilation hole. Tie it around a small section of hair underneath. The cap can't slide off with this internal anchor. Nobody sees it. But it works better than bobby pins alone.

Tassel Control

The tassel swings. It gets in the face. It photobombs every picture. Spray a small amount of hairspray on the tassel string itself. Not the decorative end—just the thin cord. This adds slight stiffness. The tassel stays put instead of swinging wildly.

Another option: use a tiny clear elastic band to attach the tassel to a bobby pin. Position it behind the ear, out of sight but under control.

Common Cap-Wearing Mistakes

Even with graduation cap tips, some mistakes persist.

• Wearing the cap too far back creates an unflattering angle. It looks like the cap is falling off. The front point should sit firmly on the forehead.

• Forgetting the bobby pins leads to constant adjustments. Graduates spend the ceremony pushing their caps back into place. That's no way to enjoy the moment.

• Ignoring graduation tassel rules causes awkward confusion. Moving the tassel at the wrong time draws unwanted attention.

• Skipping the practice run means discovering problems during the ceremony. Try on the complete outfit the night before. Take photos from multiple angles. Make adjustments while there's still time.

Quick Reference Guide

The Night Before

• Practice putting on the cap

• Identify the best position

• Mark the elastic band placement with a small dot (optional)

• Prepare bobby pins and fashion tape

• Review graduation tassel rules for your institution

The Morning Of

• Style hair flat and sleek

• Position cap carefully

• Secure with bobby pins in an X pattern

• Add double-sided tape if needed

• Check tassel placement (right for undergrads, left for graduates)

• Test by shaking head gently

During the Ceremony

• Avoid touching the cap

• Keep hands away from the tassel until the designated moment

• When moving the tassel, grasp the decorative end firmly

• Swing it smoothly from right to left

• Adjust only if absolutely necessary

Making These Graduation Day Hacks Work

The best graduation day hacks combine multiple techniques. Use bobby pins AND fashion tape. Style hair appropriately AND practice beforehand.

Photography matters too. The cap should look natural and comfortable. Not perched precariously. Not tilted at odd angles.

These graduation cap tips work for all hair types and lengths. The key is adaptation. Fine hair needs more tape. Thick hair needs stronger bobby pins. Curly hair benefits from sleek styling products.

Final Check

Graduation happens once. Getting the details right matters.

Master how to wear a graduation cap properly. Understand the tassel rules for graduation for your specific institution. Implement practical graduation day hacks that prevent common problems.

The result? Confidence while walking across the stage. Great photos to treasure forever. The freedom to focus on the achievement instead of worrying about the cap. That's what graduation day should be about.