Bachelor’s Hood
Bachelor’s hood is a black decorative drape with a 3-inch length at the back, featuring a 2-inch colored velveteen band around the neck in front and a pendant tail in the back. The tail is turned over to display the colors of the degree-granting institution. It is worn with a bachelor’s gown and mortarboard during graduation by degree candidates or past recipients.
The bachelor’s hood, part of academic regalia since the medieval period, traces its origins to the clerical habits of scholars in European universities during the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally practical garments for warmth, hoods later became symbols of academic distinction. Over time, they evolved to signify specific degrees, with distinct colors and linings representing institutional affiliations.
By the 19th century, American colleges formalized the design and use of academic hoods through the Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume. This standardization introduced the current practice of using velveteen bands to denote fields of study and interior linings to display institutional colors.
The bachelor’s hood represents achievement and institutional pride, encapsulating the identity of the awarding university. In many cultures, it is a prized memento, often preserved as a symbol of scholarly accomplishment. During commencement ceremonies, the hood is often draped over graduates by faculty members in a symbolic act of conferring the degree.
This accessory has also found its way into films and television, where it is used to signify characters’ academic achievements or intellectual backgrounds. Moreover, its colors often prompt discussion about the graduate’s field of study and alma mater.
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The length and shape of the hood vary by degree; bachelor’s hoods are the shortest.
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The tradition of turning over the tail to reveal the lining dates back to medieval heraldry.
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Some institutions, like Oxford, have entirely unique hood designs that break from common standards.
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“The bachelor’s hood is a decorative accessory worn with academic robes during graduation. It features a band and tail that display colors symbolizing the graduate’s degree and institution.”
In recent decades, the bachelor’s hood has become more customizable. Graduates increasingly add personal touches such as embroidered initials or messages to their hoods. Sustainability is also influencing hood design, with institutions adopting eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. These innovations reflect broader societal trends toward personalization and environmental responsibility.
Institutions are moving toward sustainable bachelor’s hoods made from recycled or ethically sourced materials. Companies like Oak Hall Cap & Gown offer eco-friendly optionse crafted from recycled polyester. Universities like Harvard and Yale have adopted such practices, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability. Practical steps include encouraging graduates to donate or repurpose their hoods and using biodegradable packaging.
Academical Dress of British and Irish Universities” by George W. Shaw
“History of Academical Dress” by Nicholas Groves
The Development of the Academic Dress of the University of Oxford 1920–2012
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