Understanding U.S. Doctoral Regalia: A Complete Guide to the PhD Gown, Hood, and Tam

Understanding U.S. Doctoral Regalia: A Complete Guide to the PhD Gown, Hood, and Tam

Doctoral regalia in the United States is more than formal graduation attire — it is a visual language rooted in centuries of academic tradition. Every element of a doctoral regalia set (gown, hood, and tam) carries specific meaning, especially in terms of velvet placement, lining colors, and institutional requirements. This guide explains each part in detail to help PhD, EdD, DMin, and other doctoral graduates understand what they are wearing — and why it matters.

1. The Doctoral Gown: Authority and Academic Achievement

a. Fabric and Color

Most U.S. doctoral gowns are traditionally black, symbolizing academic authority and formality. However, many universities — especially private or religious institutions — allow or require custom school colors, such as navy, royal blue, crimson, or purple.

Common materials include:

* High-quality matte polyester (most common)
* Worsted fabric or rayon blends (for premium regalia)

The gown is typically floor-length with a full, flowing cut, setting it apart from bachelor’s and master’s gowns.

b. Velvet Panels (Front Facings)

One of the most distinctive features of a doctoral gown is the velvet panels running down the front.

These velvet facings usually:

* Match the academic discipline color (e.g., royal blue for Philosophy/PhD)
* Or match the university’s official colors

Some schools require:

* Embroidered university seal or logo on one or both velvet panels
* Additional piping or contrasting trim along the velvet edges

c. Velvet Sleeve Bars

Doctoral gowns feature three horizontal velvet bars on each sleeve, which represent:

* The highest level of academic achievement
* Completion of doctoral-level scholarship

The sleeve bars usually match the color of the front velvet panels and follow the same color rules.

2. The Doctoral Hood: The Most Symbolic Piece

The doctoral hood is often considered the most meaningful part of U.S. academic regalia.

a. Hood Shape and Length

* Doctoral hoods are the longest hoods used in academic ceremonies
* Typically 48–52 inches in length
* Designed to drape elegantly down the back

b. Velvet Border: Degree Discipline

The outer velvet border of the hood indicates the field of study, following the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume.

Common examples:

* Royal Blue — Philosophy (PhD)
* Dark Green — Medicine
* Purple — Law
* Scarlet — Theology (often used for DMin)
* Light Blue — Education (EdD)

Some universities strictly follow these standards, while others adapt them to school traditions.

c. Hood Lining: School Identity

The inside lining of the hood represents the university, not the degree.

Lining designs typically include:

* One solid school color
* Two or three colors arranged in chevrons or panels
* Custom patterns officially registered by the institution

This lining is often made of satin or silk-like fabric for a glossy finish.

> It is common for schools to publish official hood lining specifications for doctoral candidates.

3. The Doctoral Tam: Tradition and Status

Instead of a mortarboard, doctoral graduates wear a doctoral tam.

a. Size and Shape

* Usually 6-, 8-, or 12-sided
* Soft velvet construction
* Larger and more formal than standard graduation caps

b. Tassel Color

* Most commonly gold bullion tassels, reserved exclusively for doctoral degrees
* Some institutions allow black or school-color tassels for specific programs

The tam symbolizes scholarly maturity and senior academic standing.

4. How Universities Set Doctoral Regalia Requirements

Universities generally specify doctoral regalia in one of three ways:

Option 1: Strict Institutional Specification

* Exact gown color
* Exact velvet color and trim
* Official hood lining pattern
* Required logo embroidery

Option 2: Intercollegiate Code + School Colors

* Degree color follows academic discipline
* Hood lining follows school colors
* Gown may be black or a custom institutional color

Option 3: Flexible Guidelines

* Common among seminaries and professional doctorates
* Allows customization while maintaining academic tradition

Graduates are encouraged to:

* Consult their university commencement office
* Review official commencement guides
* Confirm requirements before ordering custom regalia

5. Custom Doctoral Regalia: What Can Be Personalized

Many doctoral regalia sets can be customized, including:

* Gown fabric and color
* Velvet color and piping
* Embroidered logos or dates
* Hood lining colors and patterns
* Tam size and tassel style

Custom regalia is especially popular for:

* Faculty members
* Clergy doctorates
* Graduates attending multiple ceremonies

Final Thoughts

U.S. doctoral regalia reflects both academic discipline and institutional identity. From the velvet panels on the gown to the satin lining inside the hood, each element tells a story of scholarly achievement and university tradition.

Understanding these details ensures that your doctoral regalia is not only visually correct, but also academically meaningful — honoring both your degree and the institution that awarded it.

If you are unsure about sizing, colors, or customization options, professional regalia specialists can help guide you through the process.