When the time finally comes to plan and get ready for your convocation ceremony, many graduates realize that they aren’t quite sure what to expect or how to prepare. The tradition of convocation attire goes back hundreds of years, and while some elements have changed, convocation regalia is still rooted in tradition and ceremony. So, whether you are looking into gown rental in Toronto or other part of Canada, it might help to take some time to learn a bit more about convocation attire and how it will play a role on your big day.
The Convocation Attire You Will Wear And How To Wear It
If your academic institution does not provide gown rental, rest assured that there are other options for finding convocation regalia. If you are looking for gown rental in Toronto, Harcourts offers high quality options and can help you get everything you need for your convocation ceremony.
There are three main parts to convocation attire. You will wear a gown, a hood, and a mortarboard (graduation cap). The hood drapes around your shoulders and signifies the degree you earned. Hoods will look different for different levels of academic achievement such as PhD, Master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree.
Before the ceremony, take the time to ensure that your gown fits properly. You will also need to ensure that you have the right degree hood, that it is properly placed on your shoulders, and that your hat is also snuggly fitted on your head. If you are a Doctoral student, it is important to know that you will not wear your hood in the procession. You will carry it with you and are hooded on stage as part of the ceremony.
Now that you know about the pieces that will comprise your convocation regalia, here are some tips to help make it fit and function well:
- Your graduation cap (or mortarboard) needs to sit flat on your head and be snug, so it is recommended that you keep your hairstyle simple.
- Be sure you hang the tassel on your cap to the left side of your face, so when you walk across the stage the tassel doesn’t obscure your face from the audience.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable and that you can walk in. During the formal procession, you may walk over concrete paths and up and down concrete stairs. You want to feel comfortable and walk with ease as you cross the stage.
- Your gown will be zipped closed unless you are a PhD candidate, so consider the weather when deciding what to wear underneath. Convocation ceremonies can be lengthy, so dress accordingly so that you don’t get too hot or too cold. If your convocation is in the spring, the weather can vary quite a bit. It can be cold and rainy or very warm. Check the weather to help you plan your attire.
Find Convocation Attire In Toronto
Graduation is a time to celebrate, but can also feel a little overwhelming as you prepare to take a momentous step in your academic career. You want to feel confident and proud in your convocation regalia as you walk across the stage, so why not leave it to the professionals? Harcourts has been outfitting Toronto graduates for decades, and we know we can help you find exactly what you need. Contact us today to book your gown fitting.
