How to Buy a Graduation Robe

Your graduation robe is a symbol of transition from one level of education to another. The robe is coupled with a mortar board to separate graduates from the crowd during commencement. You need to buy a graduation robe that fits and represents your specific level of academic achievement before you pick up your diploma.

Instructions

1. Try out the simple black robe used by bachelor's degree holders before you make a purchase. Graduates receiving their bachelor's degrees should expect single-colored robes with oversized sleeves going beyond the fingertips.

2. Navigate through the unique sleeves of a graduate student's graduation robe. The robe used for a Master's ceremony features long black sleeves extending beyond the hand with a slot for each hand to pull through.

3. Locate a doctorate robe to buy before you walk across the stage to get your diploma. The doctorate robe stands out from other graduation gowns due to velvet stripes down the center and along each sleeve.

4. Study the standard academic colors before you buy a robe's trim and hood. Universities and colleges assign a specific color for each program and area of study to help organize the commencement.

5. Purchase your graduation cap when you buy a robe to cut down on costs. The companies that provide caps and gowns to graduates couple all elements of graduation attire for students on a budget.

6. Research the tassel used by your university before you buy a graduation robe. Your tassel should match the color of your robe and feature a metal piece at the end with the graduation year.

7. Measure the space at the bottom of your graduation robe to find the proper fit. Your robe should rest just above your ankles to prevent tripping while you walk across the stage.

8. Consult with a sales representative at your school bookstore if you encounter problems in finding the right robe. The rush of upcoming graduates makes shopping for your robe early important to finding a good fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Inquire about honor cords and other accessories as you buy a graduation robe. Students who are part of an honors society in high school or participate in honors courses in college earn the right to wear honor cords. Some universities allow a student to wear cords representing a certain grade point average.

• Compare a used gown from one of your siblings to the gown used by your university. You don't need to buy a new robe if the color and design of the used robe blends with other graduates at commencement.