You’ve spent years—and a small fortune—earning that degree. Now, the big day is finally here, and you’re handed a bizarre, colorful piece of fabric that looks like a medieval windsock. It’s the academic hood. Honestly, for something that represents so much hard work, it’s surprisingly confusing to put on. If you’re standing in a parking lot squinting at a YouTube video five minutes before your processional, you aren’t alone.
Knowing how do you wear an academic hood is basically a rite of passage in itself. It’s not just about draping it over your shoulders and hoping for the best. There is a specific logic to the velvet, the silk lining, and that tiny little string that always seems to be in the wrong place. If you get it wrong, you end up with the velvet rubbing against your chin or the colors hidden inside out, which is a bummer for the photos your parents are definitely going to frame.
The Basic Setup: Getting the Orientation Right
First things first. Stop thinking of it as a "hood" in the sense of a hoodie you'd wear to the gym. You are never, under any circumstances, going to put this thing over your head during the ceremony unless it starts pouring rain and you’ve given up on tradition.
The hood is composed of three main parts: the neckband, the velvet trim (which tells people what you studied), and the silk lining (the colors of your university).
When you pick it up, look for the narrowest part. That’s the neckband. You want to place that over your head so it rests on your shoulders. The velvet trim should be facing outward, and the "tail" of the hood should hang down your back. A common mistake is putting it on upside down so the velvet is hidden against your chest. Don’t do that. The velvet color is your badge of honor. For example, if you see someone with light blue, they’re in Education. Drab (which is basically a fancy word for tan) is Business. Copper is Economics. If you’re wearing white, you’re likely a regular Arts and Letters grad.
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The Trick to the "Turning" of the Fabric
This is where most people mess up. If you just let the hood hang flat, it looks like a limp cape. To make it look right—the way you see it in official faculty portraits—you have to do the "flip."
Once the hood is around your neck, reach behind your back. Use your thumbs to catch the inside edge of the silk lining and turn it outward. You want to expose a bit of that school color. This creates a chevron effect. It adds volume. Without this small adjustment, the hood stays closed, and nobody can see the beautiful scarlet, gold, or royal blue that represents your alma mater.
It’s easier if you have a friend do this for you. Graduation ceremonies are basically just three hours of strangers helping each other fix their regalia. Reach out. Ask the person behind you in line if your "colors are showing." They’ll probably ask you to fix their mortarboard in return. It’s a fair trade.
Securing the Hood So It Doesn't Choke You
Academic hoods are heavy. Gravity is not your friend here. As you walk, the weight of the hood will naturally want to pull the neckband upward, right against your throat. It’s uncomfortable. It looks weird in photos.
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How do you fix it? Look for the small cord or loop on the front of the neckband. This isn't just a decorative string. You are supposed to hook this loop onto a button on your shirt or even tuck it under your tie. If you’re wearing a dress or a top without buttons, a safety pin is your best friend. Pin that loop to your clothing or the inside of your gown. This anchors the hood and keeps it from sliding backward.
Different Strokes for Different Degrees
- Bachelors: Your hood is usually shorter and has a pointed back. It’s the "entry-level" hood, but the rules for wearing it are the same.
- Masters: These hoods have a "long sleeve" or an oblong shape at the bottom. They’re a bit more cumbersome.
- Doctoral: These are the big ones. They are longer, wider, and have five-inch velvet trim. Because they are so heavy, the anchoring trick mentioned above is mandatory, not optional.
What the Colors Actually Mean (E-E-A-T Insights)
The Intercollegiate Code, established way back in 1895, governs these colors. It’s a remarkably consistent system. If you see someone in a sea of black gowns, you can pinpoint their expertise just by the velvet. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), which maintains these standards, the system was designed so scholars could recognize each other’s rank and discipline at a glance.
- Dark Blue: Philosophy (PhD) - This is why most Doctors of Philosophy wear dark blue regardless of whether their actual research was in Physics or History.
- Scarlet: Theology or Divinity.
- Purple: Law (think JD).
- Green: Medicine.
- Orange: Engineering.
The lining colors are a different story. Those are specific to your school. If you graduated from the University of Texas, you’ll see burnt orange. NYU? Violet. This part of the hood is the "branding" section.
Common Blunders to Avoid
Don't wear your hood to the ceremony if you are being "hooded" on stage. This is common for Master's and PhD candidates. If your program includes a formal hooding, you carry the hood over your left arm as you walk across the stage. You hand it to the Dean or your advisor, you turn around, and they drape it over you. It’s a symbolic gesture. Wearing it beforehand spoils the moment.
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Also, check your velvet. If it's twisted or folded inward near your shoulders, it looks messy. Smooth it out. Make sure the neckband is sitting evenly. If one side is lower than the other, you’ll look lopsided in every single photo.
Actionable Steps for Graduation Morning
Before you head out the door, do a quick gear check.
- Safety Pins: Bring at least three. One for the hood loop, two for the gown if it’s sitting weirdly on your shoulders.
- The Mirror Test: Put the hood on. Flip the colors out at the back. Ensure the velvet is lying flat against your chest and shoulders.
- The "Tug" Test: Walk around your room for a minute. If the neckband starts hitting your Adam's apple or your collarbone, you need to anchor it lower.
- Hair Prep: If you have long hair, keep it down or in a low ponytail. High buns or elaborate updos will interfere with how the neckband sits and might make the hood look like it’s floating.
The academic hood is a heavy, awkward piece of history. It’s meant to look a little bit archaic. But by securing the front loop, flipping the rear silk to show your school colors, and ensuring the velvet matches your specific degree, you’ll look like the expert you’ve spent the last few years becoming. Don't stress the small stuff—once you're in the processional, the energy of the crowd usually makes those wardrobe malfunctions feel pretty insignificant anyway.