University Academic mortarboard (Bachelor) - Graduation Cap

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At the University of Cambridge, undergraduates by ancient convention used to cut their tassels very short so that the tassel does not extend beyond the edge of the board. After they graduated, they wore the square cap with the tassel at the normal length. [10] This convention has now fallen into disuse; few people now wear headgear with academic dress at any time and undergraduates in particular have no need to wear the cap. In the mid-1600s, colleges and universities started appearing all over the United States. Once again the entry point for men looking to enter the church was styled on both Oxford and Cambridge University. The precursors to the mortarboard and graduation robes also came over, once again based around the religious dress. Well, originally during graduation (particularly in the United States) the mortarboard had to be worn at all times during the ceremony. Only during prayer may it be removed. This changed in 1912, though. In celebration of their new enlistment as captains, the graduating class of midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy threw their midshipmen caps in the air as they received the ones equivalent to their new rank.

The UK graduation cap, or UK mortarboard, is highly recognizable, but few understand the illustrious history behind its design. Whether for the religious or academic ceremony, the UK graduation cap has a rich history, as well as a plethora of variations in style. In the early days of universities, graduation caps were only worn by those who earned Doctor or Master degrees. But, as the years have gone by they have become part of the graduation attire for all graduating students, from Bachelors level upwards. Photographic evidence exists proving that the modern style of mortarboard has been in existence since the 1800s. The style and shape changed not only for aesthetic purposes but to keep up with societal progression as well. When women were allowed into university in the United Kingdom, changes had to be made in uniform to compensate for the differences in clothing and bodily shape. Despite these changes, the first mortarboard cap patent was only approved in 1930. Modern TimesYears ago, it would only usually be people with naturally curly hair or those with fringes (bangs) who would ask this question. However, with more flamboyant and expressive hairstyles becoming the norm and more man buns and flowing Viking-esque hair emerging, this one’s for you gentlemen too.

Hargreaves-Mawdsley, A History of Academical Dress in Europe Until the End of the Eighteenth Century (1963), p.137About Graduation Caps, Academic Mortarboards, Doctoral Tams & Beefeaters offered by Graduation Gowns UK In most cases, academic caps are not worn indoors by men – with the exception of university Chancellors and other high-ranking officials. Instead, they are typically carried. Other changes have occurred over time. In some graduation ceremonies, caps are no longer worn by men, and are only issued to women – who typically do wear them indoors.

Doctors often wear a rounded, soft headpiece called the Tudor bonnet, or a tam, instead of the trencher. Other varieties of hats appear, especially throughout the UK. Examples include the John Knox cap, primarily with Scottish universities; the Bishop Andrewes Cap, a redesign of an ancient mortarboard now donned on Cambridge DDs; or the pileus, worn at Sussex. Women may don the Oxford ladies’ cap, one such example being at Oxford. If you’ve measured your head circumference and find it is on the boundary between sizes, we recommend going for the larger size, to allow for a more comfortable fit. 2. Put Your Graduation Cap on LastMisunderstanding over regulations has contributed to the confusion. For example, Open University no longer prescribes headwear for graduation ceremonies. Likewise, others have done away with the cap for socio-political purposes, or due to designer intent, as with Vivienne Westwood’s design for the ceremonies of King’s College London.