A History of Graduation Gowns

From Early Times to Now

If you have ever attended a graduation ceremony, either a high school, grammar school or even a Kindergarten graduation, you have noticed the gowns that the graduates wore. Graduation gowns, or academic attire, have a long history dating back to medieval times when the learned universities in Europe required their students to wear academic dress at all times.

In the United States, we see cap and gowns during a graduation ceremony. Children graduate from two tiers of school before going on to college: Grammar School and High School. Both graduations include cap, gown, and an official ceremony.

A grammar school graduation today signifies that the child is no longer a child but a teenager and going on to high school. Years ago, however, a grammar school graduation was equivalent to a high school graduation today. Many children did not attend school past the eight or ninth grade. Laws have changed and today most children must attend school until the age of 16 or 17, depending upon the state.

In medieval times, students wore academic attire all of the time. Under the attire, they wore suits of dark clothing. Students who attended universities and other learning institutions were all men. The academic attire, or cap and gown, would signify their level of learning at the institution.

A cap and gown became official graduating attire in the United States in the late 19th century. Throughout the years, the American Council on Education altered codes for academic dress during graduation ceremonies. Graduation robes, or gowns, used to always be black. At one time, hoods instead of caps were used.

Caps that are used for graduation in the United States have tassels attached to them. Both high school and grammar school graduates wear caps with tassels. At the time of graduation, the tassel is switched to a different side, signifying that the graduate has earned his or her diploma. In many high school graduation ceremonies, students will toss their caps in the air and the end of the ceremony.

In the 1950s, it became popular for high schools and grammar schools to color their gowns to the school colors. Most high schools and grammar schools in the United States have two school colors. It is not unusual for boys to wear one color and girls to wear another color when it comes to graduation caps and gowns. For example, if the colors are blue and gold, it is not usual for the girls to wear gold while the boys wear blue.

Students in the National Honor Society at both the grammar and high school level are permitted significance in their attire. This can range from wearing a different color cap and gown to wearing a special garment on the outside of the academic regalia to signify this honor.

In the 1960s, many students protested the wearing of academic regalia as a protest against ceremony and establishment norms. Many high schools voted against the students wearing caps and gowns during graduation ceremonies, as a result.

Kindergarten graduation ceremonies are relatively new. In the United States, Kindergarten attendance is optional. A child must begin school when they are six years old. The Kindergarten graduation signifies to the child and his or her parents that they are no longer a baby and are entitled to go to school full time. The Kindergarten graduation has been a popular and beloved ceremony since the 1980s in the United States.

Throughout the years, the graduation gowns worn by students have been different colors, lengths and style. However, the significance of the graduation gown has remained consistent throughout history in that it signifies the end of one part of life and the beginning of another.