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Thursday, July 4, 2013

Custom Stoles, Rings and Graduation


Upon fulfilling the different levels of education we go through in life, we mark that triumph by celebrating what we now call graduation. Graduation commemorates the continuing life of a student to a new chapter. Although, oftentimes we like looking back at the past to view our fond recollections and see how far we have gone. In the present, we try to achieve that by creating great memories from the things we do to the things we wear and the things we carry with us.

Gradshop - Graduation rings and custom stolesHigh school graduations are on top of the list of those things, a milestone in our school life and life in broad spectrum. On the day of or after the ceremony, trinkets are given, special emblems and customized garments such as custom stoles are worn and kept to remember this day. After having said that, graduation rings and custom stoles for high school graduation are often considered for the occasion. But did you ever stop and think about how that came to be a traditional graduation feat?

The practice of class rings started in 1835 at the United States Military Academy. The rings were to signify their unity as a class and serve as a tribute to the times they spent at the academy. The rings are also meant to symbolize the graduate himself / herself – the students’ motivation on elf-development while in the campus and learning to shape those skills for a wider use upon moving on the next level.

It is supposed to be worn with the insignia of the ring facing the bearer (while in school) to remind the students of their goal to graduate, and as soon as the bearer graduates the insignia should face outward to meet the viewer as it serves now as a “badge of honor.” Other than that, it was formerly worn on the left ring finger, which was adapted from the customs of the Anglo-American and the Jewish, to signify the cadet’s connection to his class and the academy.

As for the graduation stoles, it had surprisingly a slightly less critical implication in the olden times. It was originally just worn as a covering in the cold schools of the middle age. Throughout the duration of time, it has been used to identify the graduate’s scholastic degree, achievements, and affiliations in school. Like the rings, it is another reminder of your success.

Currently, academic stoles can become custom stoles as to add more value to it. Graduates try to incorporate more definition into it than just the symbolisms it serves. They become accessories and additional embellishments to graduation robes as well. 

Up until today, this tradition still flourishes mostly in high schools in the nation. However, as the world continues to evolve and the norms begin to change, people try to incorporate certain elements to fit the modern times. Custom stoles are preferred, rings are modified, and tradition becomes novel, nevertheless we do not forget what the significance of these things are. The personalized class rings and custom stoles become not just a memorabilia but a legacy filled with sentimental value.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Getting to know your Graduation Hoods


Gradshop - what is the graduation hood color for every discipline

Hoods are usually used as a means of protecting the head from unnecessary elements. As time passed by, they were not only used for practical reasons but also to distinguish one’s status. This became apparent in the 14th Century when druids and priests used this piece of clothing to indicate that they have higher form of knowledge. In the modern times, this tradition is still kept alive during graduation ceremonies.

Before, when I have been to graduation ceremonies, I have noticed that graduates have this colorful type of clothing attached to their gowns. I didn't know what it was until I myself graduated in college. As a bystander or audience, you could never appreciate the beauty and thought of the whole academic regalia; graduation hoods and all. But as I get to know the meaning of every piece that consists the academic regalia, I came to appreciate what they represent. After all, it is not every time that you are given the opportunity to wear such distinguished apparels.

There are plenty of patterns used today, however, there are only two patterns of graduations hoods that are used in a traditional sense, these are:
  • full shape
  • simple shape.
The more tradition full-shape pattern is usually used at Cambridge. You can differentiate because it usually consists of a cape.

Simple shape hoods are used by bachelors and master’s degree graduates. Simple capes do not have a cape, however, they do have the cowl and lairize. But as time goes by, some universities do not follow the two patterns given above.

As it was previously mentioned, graduation hoods are often seen in different colors. There are times when you wonder what the purpose and how relevant are the colors of the hoods. These colors are designated according to the rank and faculty of the wearer. Arts, letter & humanities have white colored hood lining, while Education have Blue. Law is assigned to Purple, Medicine with Green and Science with Golden Yellow.

The hood is always worn with a gown, although there are some universities that do not apply this tradition anymore. Often times you will just see graduates with the usual academic regalia which consist of graduation gown and cap.

If you do not know how to properly wear your graduation attire hood, here are some tips you can follow:

  • You can hook the hood by the loop in the neckband.
  • The hood is usually hooked onto the button of a cassock. However, if you are not planning on wearing a cassock, you can just hook the loop onto your shirt button.
  • Make sure that the neckband of the hood is clearly hooked onto the collar under the tie. This secures the hood in place and avoids having the hood pull your shirt upward. However, you should also make sure that the hood is hooked properly into your shirt. Adjust the length of the hook since you do not want to pull the neckband too close to the front of shirt making the hood's placement awkward.
Just look in the internet for more information about Graduation hoods. It is better if you research on the qualities of a good graduation hoods so that you can avoid any dress mishaps during your most special day.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Best Time To Buy Graduation Hoods


When the graduation time is fast approaching, students become busy in preparing for the commencement exercises. They have so many things to keep in mind like the party to celebrate after the ceremony, more than ever, to their academic regalia. Among the accessories needed for the set of graduation clothing, graduation hoods are one of the primary pieces that can't be missing.

The graduation hoods bear the insignia of the school and your degree. Subsequently, you should make your graduation hoods perfect on your graduation day. To do this, set a sufficient time to prepare for your graduation clothing. Plan it out a month or two before the exact date of the event. A range of graduation hoods is accessible in the markets, both local and online that suit the needs of different people. It has been an extremely ordinary, traditional, and well-liked phenomenon that candidates have to be dressed in graduation clothing. 


Picking out the most appropriate graduation hoods is fairly easy task when you have time as much as necessary to search. Planning is important if you desire to buy significant graduation attire. Making your purchasing even more convenient, thanks to the Internet revolution. Online shops are thriving where you can get the item you want from hundreds of sites and compare their quality and prices. One good example is the GradShop.  GradShop Graduation Hoods for Sale comes to offer reasonable rates. 

They trade in clothing intended for graduation dress, ranging from kindergarten to college as well as diploma frame. To buy graduation outfit online is kind of special than buying them from a shop in the neighborhood. The security from buying in a local shop and buying in an online shop may greatly diverge; however, there are safety measures when you buy the best quality academic regalia and hoods from an internet shop. When you buy a graduation dress, you should take note the following:

When will be the best time to buy your academic regalia?

Start searching for this item early in "spring". Within February and March clearance sales are often had of older stocks, while in and within March and April, the newer stocks will be put on display. In May,loads of competition from the delay products in shopping. Shopping may vary from one shop to another based on schedule and may slightly differ in various areas of the country. This schedule also applies to many online shops. 

Are the requirements of your academic regalia and hoods already prepared?

There are more than a few things to determine when you buy regalia for commencement.When you visit GradShop in specific, you will discover a great set of academic dresses. They offer eco-friendly made items that are in high quality. If you want to save more, try to buy in bulk with your classmates.

How about your graduation accessories?

You can look for accessories at online stores that carry your needs. Learn the etiquette of the dress code in your graduation, do not wear bungles if it's not allowed; also, if you are going to stand for a long time during the graduation ceremony, do not ever buy the super pointed heel, or you'll suffer instead of enjoying the day!

Academic Regalia and Enjoyment



When it comes to Academic Regalia: They come in Different Designs and Color, the dress code is vital to heed on this day. The academic regalia must be worn in the best way, that is, you have to wear your gown properly, the cap must fit well on your head, the hood must be worn accurately at the back of the gown, as well as the other accessories required. From all of these, the color is important to match to your completed degree.

Bearing in mind that for the most part of graduation gowns are black, there are other colors representing special academic discipline. There are dark blue and red, signifying the value of their degree. Universities implicate their own custom when it comes to graduation attire such as Harvard, candidates of doctoral degree are entitled to wear the crimson gowns and the undergraduates have to match up their black gowns with crimson hoods. Therefore, they have to go after the color code provided by inter-collegiate code specified in 1893 that was changed over the years to be a sign of the added current majors.


Most academic regalia are classified from simpler to strict common gowns. This type of clothing and some other graduation accessories ranging from black to orange, blue, bright yellow, with gold trims are the modern colors. Though there are selections of colors that go with the universities' theme. When you want to find a graduation gown according to your degree color code, you find easily at online shops. The GradShop Academic Regalia Colors can help you have not only the accurate gown with your desired color, but as well as the best quality and fabric. There are several colors and methods to decide in terms to graduation gowns. You can refer online for your graduation requirements; these sites that can proffer you big discounts that will go well with your limited financial arrangement.

 The graduation rites for many students are a moment filled with expectations, excitements, and festivity. This period is the beginning of enormous change from being young students to mature professionals. Knowing it, graduation day should be a memorable day in each possible way. Your academic regalia must be the first ingredient to fulfill a brilliant commencement experience. After the ceremony, there is circumstance that confirmed graduates will throw their caps to the air that symbolize their new victory in life.

Afterwards, get ready for the party. Have you distributed your embellished invitation cards for your graduation party? This is the time to let loose and say farewell to all of your academic hard work. Make the best of the night happy, while you enjoy partying with your friends. Your graduation day and your graduation party is a celebration that will surely last for life!

Subsequently, with all the enjoyment of that day, you can then choose to relax and unwind for weeks or a month. But make sure that you find a job soon without wasting your time. Don't just squander your days with nothing. Start your professional life as soon as possible, for certain; you will love your new life living in lucrative way.

Friday, June 28, 2013

FAQs About Graduation Hoods and Robes


There a number of reasons why graduating students are made to wear special attire and they are normally not allowed to be worn on just any ordinary day. One reason is to preserve the formality of graduation days. These days don’t come every year, and each one is a hallmark to mark the passage between different educational levels. A person’s last graduation day, whether it be for a bachelor’s degree, medical, or juris doctor, is one of the most special days in a lifetime. It commemorates the passing from student to professional. This is why it’s important to know even a little bit about those special garments that you wear on graduation days, and here we will discuss some interesting FAQs about graduation hoods and robes.

What are graduation hoods?

Also known as academic hoods, these are garments similar to regular hoods except that they are not normally worn on the head anymore but hang low over the back. The ends of the hoods also drape over the shoulders and down the sides of the chest. Graduation hoods are also made from materials that are fancier than the more ordinary hoods. Silk, satin, and even fur is used to make these special ornaments.





Although the robe and the cap are the two primary elements of academic regalia, the hood is the finishing touch that will make the graduating student both look and feel confident and special. Graduation hoods symbolize the field you graduated from, for schools and universities around the world pay particular attention to the right colors that the hoods will show. Hoods also show how diverse cultures are. In UK, for example, hoods made of fur are quite common due to the chilly weather, while tropical countries like Sri Lanka prefer to make their hoods of cooler fabrics like silk.

What are graduation robes?

Also known as togas and gowns, these are the special clothing we don over a dress or suit during graduation days. Like hoods, graduation robes come in a variety of colors and finishes. This depends on the fabrics the schools decide are the best ones as well as other features like the weather and the preferences of the staff and student body. To see how diverse the styles and designs of academic regalia can get, you can check out GradShop graduation robes and hoods. The pictures will also give you an idea of how truly important these two elements of graduate attire really are.

Why are graduation robes important?

No respectable school or university will let a graduating student walk down the stage and receive a diploma without a graduation robe on. In fact, you can say without exaggerating that the graduation robe is the most important part of the academic regalia. Graduation hoods and even the mortarboard or graduation cap are easy to acquire, but a good robe may take some time to find and perfect.


It is also important for a student to get the best-fitting robe he or she can find. This will make the graduation day extra special, for he or she will naturally feel more comfortable and confident in a robe that is the perfect size and length.

The Different Designs and Details of Academic Hoods

Academic regalia, worn by candidates and faculties during graduation day, are the common clothing that we see. They step with this attire in different colored academic hoods, head pieces, and tassels as they march towards the stage. Wearing of regalia has been a long-established tradition for centuries. Though it has been affected by several new styles, but the meaning remains.

To avoid uncertainty, it is important for all graduates to know the sequence of academic hoods. All at once, this piece of clothing is used by the candidates in the academic occasion, in spite of the reality that academic hoods are worn both by the students and professors in similar way. However, these may differ in shapes to classify the standing of the wearer as either a student or a member of the faculty.

In particular to the academic hoods, these pieces are one of the imperative components to wear in graduation. It varies when it comes to selection of fabrics in producing them. The role that these type of hoods play for the graduation can be very crucial as they show definite functions and meaning. By and large, there are 3 main points that compose a conventional academic hood, and these are:

1.       The primary fabric
2.       Velvet color -  represents the degree
3.       The lining section - where the designated color of the university is shown

The styles of the academic hoods are recognized into 3 groups as a rule.


1.       Hoods used by the professors
2.       Hoods used by the students
3.       Hoods used by associate degrees graduates

Gradshop Academic HoodsEvery hood is designed with a dissimilarity that is unique in every hood especially in their shapes, though it can be determined right away.

The size of the academic hoods corresponds to the hood's degree whether it is for bachelor's hood, master's hood, and doctoral hood. Whatever the respective degree you hold, besides the difference of the velvet color, the hoods also diverge in terms to sizes and shapes at the same time. Take a look at GradShop academic hood designs for your appropriate design and color as well as the size and the shape. The main fabric use for the hood is typically available in black color. Black is major color in the preponderance of academic hoods, on the other hand, there are a number of universities that entail special colors for the hood to connect it with the color of their robes.

Specifically for the doctor's academic hood, the right velvet color for the PhD is commonly dark blue. Those who have finished a degree of Doctor of Education will use light blue color for their velvet, while those who hold PhD in English will receive dark blue velvet. Candidates for PhD Doctor in Engineering will also receive dark blue velvet, but for the non-PhD in Engineering will get gold color velvet.

Most students who anticipate for their graduation event usually find it hard to locate the right hood for them. The GradShop can support your concern if you underwent the same situation. You can make sure that they provide the best and the precise design, style, color, and length for your hood.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The Proper Academic Hoods Dress Guide


Graduation day is symbol of the concluding period of academic. Since college is the highest level of schooling, you might have the option to continue or not your academic level if perchance there is.  This is the day of recognition of your effort and hard work that have gone into certification while showing that you made it through the most anticipated stage that anyone would wanted. The academic hoods are one of the pieces that complete the academic regalia.

The hood was the first functional article of clothing worn out to purposely protect the head from any rudiments. It is built-up frequently with bright and beautiful material worn merely on specific occasion. Since the churches of the past centuries highly influenced the academic regalia, there are crucial to must follow.

The Academic Dress Guide is very important to present properly during the ceremony. All potential graduates must have known the proper way to wear it especially the hoods, since this has the most intricate dress guide to wear.

The dress guide of the academic hood

The academic hoods need to be positioned above your head in order for it to fall down accordingly on your shoulders at the back part of your gown. It is important that the velvet border needs to be placed on the exterior. And ensure that the hood's lining is ejected for its color(s) that illustrates your institution which presents your degree are highly shown. To do this, you have to turn the velvet trim towards its exterior through the back part ideally below the shoulders. To put your hood in place, that is the cord's purpose. The cord placed at the front part is important to maintain the hood space away from the neck by fastening it to a button of your gown zipper.

Academic hoods etiquette is a custom recognized during 14th century. By wearing it, graduates' of the current time use it as a demonstration of their academic achievement. The hoods display their success n the commencement ceremony. That is why all the higher education institutions around the world are strictly fulfilling with the rules proposed originally by the Committee on Academic Customs in the U.S. American Council on Education in 1959.

When it comes to hoods, these include 2 main patterns which are:

1. The simple shape - The bachelor's and the master's at Oxford use this shape without cape but only the lairize and the cowl.

2. The full shape – this shape compose of a cape, the one worn at Cambridge.

Therefore, the selection of hoods will rely on the universities personal choice. Most of the schools today have their own selection of hoods will rely on the universities personal choice. In most of the times, related to present pattern still hold the styles from the ancient universities. The hood is worn along with the graduation gown all the time although there are a number of exceptions. And be aware that it is not only the students who wear it but as well as the faculty.

For more tips, advises, and guidance, check out this website, GradShop.com.