Introduction
Graduation day is a major milestone worth celebrating, and the traditional cap and gown attire lets graduates really look the part as they commemorate all their hard work. While some graduates may opt to buy their cap and gown, renting graduation attire is often the more practical and affordable option. Renting allows you to wear the same traditional academic regalia as owning, but without the cost and hassle of storing a cap and gown you may never wear again.
Renting graduation attire is easy and convenient when you know where to look and what to get. With some advance planning, graduates can have their cap, gown, and accessories shipped right to their door
Why Rent Instead of Buying
Since graduation day attire is typically only worn once, renting is a smarter option. After commencement, most grads don’t have a need for their cap and gown again. Storing it takes up closet space and selling it second-hand recoups very little money. Renting prevents wasting money on a one-time use item.
Renting graduation regalia is also extremely convenient. The rental company handles all the logistics – you simply place an order and your items arrive a few days before the ceremony. There’s no need to travel to stores or remember to buy months in advance. Rentals also include pre-pressed gowns, so you don’t have to iron or steam them yourself beforehand. Everything is managed for you.
For most students and families, renting caps and gowns makes the most financial and practical sense for graduation day. The savings, simplicity, and convenience strongly outweigh the benefits of buying.
When to Rent
Renting graduation caps and gowns is ideal for those who want to save money and avoid keeping rarely-worn attire. Most experts recommend ordering your cap, gown, and accessories 6-8 weeks before your ceremony.
Here’s why you’ll want to order at least 1-2 months in advance:
- Inventory sells out quickly for popular sizes and colors. Ordering early ensures you get your top choices.
- Some colleges and high schools provide caps and gowns, but have early order deadlines. If you miss those dates, you’ll have to rent elsewhere.
- Rental companies can experience shipping delays near graduation season when volume is high. Allowing extra time prevents late arrivals.
- Any needed alterations, hemming, or customization takes extra time. Beginning the process early is wise.
- You’ll want to try on the full ensemble ahead of time to check fit and length. Renting early provides that opportunity.
- Photos, videos, and special events precede the ceremony. You’ll want your cap and gown for those.
As a rule of thumb, finalize your rental order at least 2 months before graduation day to avoid last-minute problems. Acting early ensures you’ll look your best in those iconic graduation photos that will forever commemorate your achievement.
Where to Rent
Renting graduation caps and gowns can be done through a few convenient options:
On Campus Bookstores
Most colleges and universities have an on-campus bookstore that provides graduating students with rental packages for commencement. This is often the most convenient option, as students can visit the store in person to get sized and pick up their regalia on campus ahead of graduation day. Many campus stores open rental orders months in advance of the ceremony date. Renting through your university’s bookstore also ensures you receive the correct colors and styles according to your degree and school’s traditions.
Online Rental Companies
For those who need more flexibility or attend an online university, renting graduation attire through online retailers is simple and affordable. Companies like Convowear allow you to order caps and gowns online and have them conveniently shipped to your home. Online rental shops often have a wider variety of styles and accessories to customize your look. Just be sure to order well in advance and follow sizing guides closely for the best fit.
What to Rent
Renting your cap, gown, and other graduation attire is the most convenient and cost-effective option for your commencement ceremony. Here are the key items you’ll need to rent for graduation day:
Caps
The graduation cap, known as a mortarboard, is the iconic headpiece worn during the ceremony. Most caps are black, but some schools use caps in school colors. The stiff square board sits flat on top of your head, with a tassel attached to the middle. Make sure to rent the appropriate cap designated by your school.
Gowns
The graduation gown is the long robe worn over your clothing. Gowns are usually black, but school colors are sometimes used. The style of the gown varies by degree earned:
- High school gowns are simple with no adornments.
- Bachelor’s gowns have long, pointed sleeves.
- Master’s gowns have oblong sleeves with the front part cut in an arc.
- Doctoral gowns are more elaborate, with velvet panels around the neck and three velvet bars on each sleeve.
Your school will specify which style of gown to rent based on your degree.
Tassels
The tassel is attached to the mortarboard cap and hangs on the right side until you move it to the left during the graduation ceremony. Tassels are made to match your school colors. Rent the correct tassel designated for your graduating class.
Honor Cords
If you are graduating with academic honors, you may need to rent the appropriate honor cords in your school’s colors. These cords are worn draped over the neck and hang down the front of the gown. Check with your school on the specific honor cord colors.
Renting the proper regalia for your degree ensures you meet your school’s standards for attire during the graduation ceremony. Coordinate with your classmates and get ready to march across that stage in cap and gown!
How to Take Measurements
Taking accurate measurements is crucial for getting the right fit when renting graduation caps and gowns. Here are some tips for measuring yourself or the graduate:
Measuring Height
- Stand against a wall without shoes. Place a book flat on top of the head and mark the wall at the bottom edge of the book. Measure from the floor to the mark.
- For accuracy, have someone else do the marking and measuring.
- Round up to the nearest inch.
Determining Cap Size
- Wrap a soft measuring tape around the head about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Make sure the tape is level from front to back.
- Where the tape overlaps at the beginning and end is the cap size in inches. Common sizes are 21 to 23 inches.
- If between sizes, order the next size up to ensure a comfortable fit. The caps have adjustable tabs in the back.
Measuring Arm Length
- Stand with arms slightly away from the sides. Place the tape measure at the center of the back of the neck.
- Run the tape straight down the arm to the wrist bone.
- For gowns with sleeves, add 1-2 inches to allow room for arm movement.
- The arm length and height determine the correct gown size.
Additional Accessories
While the cap, gown, and hood are the main components for graduation attire, there are additional accessories that can add a personal touch. Many graduates choose to wear honor cords, stoles, or custom tassels to represent academic achievements, organizations, or causes important to them.
Honor Cords
Honor cords are colored cords worn around the neck that signify academic honors and achievements. Common colors include:
- Gold – honors graduate, cum laude
- Silver – general honors
- Red – Phi Beta Kappa
- Green – Sigma Tau Delta
- Purple – Psi Chi
- Blue/white – Phi Kappa Phi
Check with your university on the specific colors used for various honors. Some schools have special cords for honors college graduates or other distinctions.
Stoles
Stoles are sashes that drape around the neck and down the front of the gown. They allow students to represent organizations, causes, cultural heritage, or other affiliations.
Tassels
Tassels hang from the mortarboard cap. While most tassels match the degree color, customized options allow students to show school spirit or achievements. Tassels come in school colors, with beading or embroidery, in sparkly metallics, or with charms like graduation year or initials. The sky’s the limit for unique and meaningful tassel designs!
Accessorizing the cap and gown is a great way for graduates to display their accomplishments, beliefs, and personality as they cross the commencement stage. With so many options, graduates can find the perfect accessories to complement their look and make their graduation outfit complete.
Customization Options
One of the best parts about renting graduation regalia is getting to customize it and make it your own. Here are some of the customization options to consider:
Monograms
Many rental companies allow you to add a monogram with your initials to the gown and cap. The monogram can be done in a contrasting color and placed on the back of the gown or on the front of the cap. Adding a monogram personalizes the outfit and makes it uniquely yours.
Embroidery
For a more elaborate custom touch, many rental places offer embroidery services. You can have a design, initials, name, or meaningful quote embroidered onto your gown or cap. It’s a great way to display a motto or represent an organization you’re part of.
School Colors
Show your school spirit by outfitting your graduation ensemble in your school colors. Most rental companies will allow you to choose the colors of the gown, hood, and cap. Select the dominant colors of your university or high school. This is an easy way to coordinate when taking photos with classmates.
Renting your cap and gown gives you the flexibility to customize it just the way you want. Add a monogram, embroidery, or school colors to make your graduation outfit unique and meaningful.
Care Tips
Taking care of your rented graduation cap and gown will ensure it looks its best for the big day. Here are some tips:
- Avoid getting the cap and gown dirty or stained. Keep away from food, drinks, makeup, etc. when trying it on at home.
- Steam or press the gown if wrinkled using a cool iron or steamer. Avoid hot temperatures which may damage the fabric.
- Use a lint roller on the gown before wearing to remove any dust or pet hair. Check seams and velvet areas carefully.
- Tighten any loose tassels or cords before putting on the cap and gown.
- Consider wearing a shirt and shorts under the gown to avoid sweat stains. Apply antiperspirant as well.
- If your gown gets dirty or stained, contact the rental company immediately for cleaning advice or a replacement. Don’t try to spot clean it yourself.
- Store the graduation attire properly between fittings and before the ceremony. Keep it on a hanger in a garment bag.
- On graduation day, put on the cap and gown carefully to avoid rips, tears, or damage. Do not alter the fit or length yourself.
- Return promptly after graduation to avoid late fees. Follow rental company instructions for cleaning, pressing, and packaging.
With some basic care and attention, a rented cap and gown can look pristine and elegant for commencement photos and ceremonies. Handle with care and follow rental guidelines for best results.
Returning Rentals
Returning your rented graduation cap and gown is an important final step after the ceremony. Be sure to pay close attention to the return deadline specified in your rental contract to avoid late fees.
The standard return window is 1-3 days after your ceremony. Some rental companies may offer extended return periods, but this usually comes with an additional fee. Check your rental contract for the specific return date.
Returns should be made back to the original rental shop location or drop-off site if one was provided. Most rental companies do not offer mail returns, so plan to visit the store again after graduation.
Late returns will incur additional charges, similar to a late fee for a rented textbook or movie. These fees are often on a per-day basis and can add up quickly. Some companies charge the full replacement cost of the cap and gown if extremely late.
To summarize the key returning tips:
- Check your rental contract for the return by date
- Return to the original rental shop location
- Avoid late fees by returning on time
- Don’t attempt to mail back rentals without pre-approval
Following these guidelines will make the returns process smooth and prevent you from incurring additional unnecessary charges on your graduation rental.
