How To Wear Your Graduation Cap: Looking Your Best For The Big Day

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Hermès Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue

How To Wear Your Graduation Cap: Looking Your Best For The Big Day

Hermès Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue

Graduation day is a truly special moment, a real milestone that marks the end of one chapter and the start of another. It's a day filled with pride, joy, and, you know, a lot of pictures! You've worked so hard for this, and naturally, you want to look absolutely perfect for every photo and every memory you make.

Getting your cap just right can feel like a bit of a puzzle, can't it? It's that finishing touch to your gown, and you want it to sit perfectly, not wobble around or fall off when you walk across the stage. This guide is here to help you get that iconic look down pat, so you can focus on celebrating your amazing achievement.

We're going to cover everything, so you'll feel completely ready and confident. Just like Wear, abc 3 brings you the latest local news, weather forecasts, and notices of events in the community, we're bringing you all the important details for this big event in your life. We want to help you make sure your graduation pictures, much like those Wear News topics photos by Brent Kearney, turn out beautifully!

Table of Contents

Getting Started with Your Cap

Before you even think about putting it on, it's good to know a little bit about what you're working with, so. A graduation cap, or mortarboard as it's often called, is a pretty straightforward piece of academic regalia, but getting it to sit just right can be a little trickier than you might think.

Understanding Your Mortarboard

Most graduation caps are square, with a flat top and a fitted band that goes around your head. The square top is usually made of a stiff material, and the band is often elasticized or has a bit of give. Knowing this helps you understand how it's supposed to fit.

You'll also notice a small button or loop right in the middle of the top. This is where your tassel attaches, and it's pretty important for keeping it in place throughout the ceremony, you know, as you move around.

Sizing It Up

Caps usually come in a few standard sizes, or sometimes they're one-size-fits-most with some stretch. It's a good idea to try yours on before the big day, just to make sure it's not too tight or too loose. A cap that's too tight can give you a headache, and one that's too loose will just keep sliding off, which is, you know, not ideal for photos.

If it feels a little big, you can sometimes add a bit of tissue paper or a thin foam strip inside the band to help it fit more snugly. If it's too small, well, you might need to see if your school has a different size available. It's really worth getting the fit right.

The Right Way to Put It On

This is where the magic happens, so to speak. There's a simple method that helps ensure your cap looks balanced and stays put. It's all about finding the right spot on your head and making sure it feels secure.

Finding the Front

This might seem obvious, but caps do have a front and a back. The peak, or the point where the square top meets the band, typically goes in the middle of your forehead. You want the flat part of the cap to sit parallel to the floor, not tilted back or forward.

Sometimes, there's a small seam or a label inside the band that indicates the back. If you're not sure, just try it on and see what feels most comfortable and looks most balanced in a mirror. It's usually pretty clear once you get it on.

Positioning for Perfection

The band of the cap should sit comfortably on your head, usually about an inch above your eyebrows. You don't want it pulled down too far onto your forehead, as that can obscure your face and just feel a bit awkward. Conversely, if it's too far back, it might look like it's about to fall off, and that's not the look you're going for.

The goal is to have the flat top of the mortarboard level, so it's a nice, even surface. This is important for pictures and for the tassel to hang correctly. You might need to adjust it a little bit to find that sweet spot.

Securing Your Cap

Once you've found the ideal position, you'll want to make sure it's secure. This is where hair products and pins come into play, especially if you have very smooth or fine hair. We'll get into more detail on those tools in a bit, but for now, just know that a good fit is the first step to security.

Give your head a gentle shake once the cap is on. If it feels stable and doesn't shift much, you're on the right track. If it wobbles, you'll definitely want to use some extra reinforcements, which we'll talk about next.

The Tassel Tradition

The tassel is a key part of the graduation cap, and there's a specific tradition about which side it starts on and when it moves. It's a symbolic gesture that everyone looks forward to during the ceremony, so it's good to be prepared.

Before the Ceremony

Generally, before you receive your diploma, your tassel should hang on the right side of your cap. This is pretty standard for most ceremonies. Make sure it's hanging freely and not caught on anything, like your hair or the cap itself.

It's a small detail, but it's one of those things that really marks the transition. You'll see everyone else with their tassels on the right, so it's easy to follow along, you know.

The Big Flip

During the ceremony, usually after all the degrees have been conferred or just before you walk across the stage, there will be a moment when all graduates are instructed to move their tassels from the right side to the left. This is a really exciting part, symbolizing your transition from candidate to graduate. It's a collective moment of triumph.

Just be ready to do it when instructed. It's a simple movement, just a quick flip over the top of your cap. Practice it once or twice at home if you're feeling a bit nervous about it. It's, you know, part of the fun.

Tips for Different Hair Styles

Your hair can definitely impact how your cap sits, so a little planning can go a long way. Whether you have long flowing locks or a short, chic cut, there are ways to make your cap work with your style.

Long Hair and Updos

If you have long hair, you might be wondering whether to wear it up or down. An updo, like a low bun or a chignon, can actually provide a nice anchor for your cap. You can place the cap just above the bun, and then use bobby pins to secure the cap to the hair around the bun.

If you prefer to wear your hair down, that's totally fine too. Just make sure the cap isn't sitting on a mountain of hair that makes it wobble. You might want to smooth down the top layers of your hair where the cap rests to give it a more stable surface. A little hairspray can help with this, you know, just to keep things neat.

Short Hair and Bangs

For those with shorter hair, the cap might feel like it has less to grip onto. This is where bobby pins become even more essential. You can crisscross them inside the cap's band and push them into your hair for extra hold. This is a really effective trick.

If you have bangs, you'll want to make sure the cap doesn't push them down awkwardly. Position the cap slightly behind your bangs, allowing them to frame your face naturally. You want your face to be clearly visible for all those pictures, so.

Curly or Voluminous Hair

Curly or very voluminous hair can sometimes make the cap sit a bit high or unevenly. The trick here is to create a flatter surface where the cap rests. You can gently flatten the hair on the crown of your head with a little gel or hairspray, or even by using a few flat pins to hold it down.

Don't worry about completely squashing your curls; just aim for a stable base. The rest of your beautiful volume can still shine through. It's about finding a balance, really.

Keeping Your Cap Secure and Comfortable

Nobody wants their cap flying off during the ceremony, or feeling like it's digging into their head. These tips will help you keep it in place and feel good throughout the entire event. It's a long day, so comfort is key.

Bobby Pins Are Your Friends

Seriously, bobby pins are a lifesaver for securing your graduation cap. They're pretty much indispensable. Here's how to use them effectively:

  • **Inside the Band:** Take bobby pins and push them through the elastic band of the cap, then into your hair. You can use several, placed at the front, back, and sides, to create a strong anchor.
  • **Crisscross Method:** For extra hold, insert one bobby pin, then cross another one over it, forming an 'X' shape. This makes it much harder for the pins to slip out.
  • **Match Your Hair Color:** If possible, use bobby pins that match your hair color so they're less noticeable.

This simple trick can make a huge difference, so. It really helps to keep things stable.

Hair Spray or Gel

A little hair product can help give your hair some grip, making it easier for the cap to stay put and for bobby pins to hold. Before putting on your cap, you can lightly spray the area where the cap will sit with hairspray, or apply a small amount of gel.

This is especially helpful if you have very fine or silky hair that tends to let things slide. Just don't overdo it, or your hair might feel stiff and uncomfortable under the cap. A light mist is usually enough, you know.

Adjusting for Comfort

Once your cap is on and secured, take a moment to adjust it for comfort. It shouldn't feel like it's squeezing your head too tightly. If it does, you might need to loosen it slightly or reposition it. You'll be wearing this for a while, so comfort is really important.

You can also try placing a thin, soft cloth or a bit of cotton padding inside the band if you find it's rubbing or causing pressure points. It's all about making sure you're comfortable enough to enjoy your special day without distractions, so.

Common Questions About Graduation Caps

People often have a few specific questions about wearing their graduation cap. Here are some of the most common ones, with some helpful answers:

How do you keep your graduation cap from falling off?
The best way to keep your graduation cap from falling off is to ensure it's the right size and then use bobby pins. Push the pins through the cap's inner band and into your hair at several points around your head. For extra hold, you can crisscross the bobby pins. A light application of hairspray or gel on your hair where the cap sits can also provide more grip, you know, helping it stay put.

What side does the tassel go on for graduation?
Typically, your tassel starts on the right side of your graduation cap before the ceremony begins. During the graduation ceremony, usually after all degrees have been conferred or at a specific point instructed by the officiant, you will move your tassel from the right side to the left side. This movement symbolizes your official transition from a candidate to a graduate, so it's a very symbolic moment.

Can you wear your hair up with a graduation cap?
Yes, you absolutely can wear your hair up with a graduation cap! In fact, an updo like a low bun or a ponytail can actually provide a great anchor for your cap. You can position the cap just above or around your updo, and then use bobby pins to secure the cap directly to your hair. This often helps the cap feel more stable and less likely to shift or fall off during the event, which is pretty handy.

As you prepare for your big day, remember that this is a celebration of all your hard work and dedication. We hope these tips help you feel confident and ready to shine. Just like Wear, abc 3 covers important community events and wants to see your pictures from special occasions, we want you to look amazing for your graduation photos. Learn more about graduation traditions on our site, and check out this page for more tips on celebrating your achievements.

Hermès Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue
Hermès Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue

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