Address & Phone
1 College Hall, Room 211
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7006
Academic Regalia
Cap and Gown Information
Academic regalia is required for degree candidates at Commencement. All candidates who do not possess regalia must obtain their regalia from the Penn Bookstore, located at 36th and Walnut Streets. Detailed information is available on Grad Express (PennKey Required).
Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degree Candidates
Graduates can purchase and receive their Commencement regalia at the Penn Bookstore during “Grad Fair” – March 18-20, 2026. The regalia is a commemorative keepsake. All regalia will be distributed on the second level of the Penn Bookstore near the textbook department. Degree candidates will have the opportunity to meet with staff members regarding any questions, such as ensuring the correct fit. Other graduation-related products and special promotions will also be available at the Grad Fair.
Doctoral candidates should consult with their respective Schools or Programs as there may be special requirements or recommendations regarding the preferred regalia.
Custom Doctoral Regalia
Custom regalia is typically chosen by doctoral candidates who plan to frequently participate in academic ceremonies requiring such attire. Please note that doctoral candidates are not required to purchase custom regalia and, with few exceptions, graduates most often choose traditional doctoral regalia. Custom doctoral regalia can only be obtained by ordering online no later than March 7, 2026 and having it shipped directly to you. Shipping fees apply. To order regalia, visit Grad Express (PennKey Required).
Those Unable to Pick up Regalia during Grad Fair
Caps and gowns will still be available at the Penn Bookstore after March 20, 2026, although the selection of sizes will become more limited. Graduates are strongly encouraged to obtain their regalia at the Bookstore during Grad Fair, when the store’s resources are dedicated to this process. If you are not currently on campus, you may choose to order your regalia online and have it shipped directly to you. You must place your order by March 20, 2026, to ensure delivery of the regalia before the commencement ceremonies. Shipping fees apply. To order regalia, visit Grad Express (PennKey Required).
Grad Fair/Regalia information flyer from the Penn Bookstore - 2026 Commencement - PDF copy.
If your regalia will include a stole or cord, you must contact your society or organization to obtain it. Also note that Penn regalia does not include cords to Latin honors (i.e. magna cum laude, etc.).
Articles of clothing that will be visible at the neck and below the gown should be in keeping with the conservative style of the academic attire. The hood should be secured so that it will not slip off the shoulders. The cap is worn parallel to the ground; the tassel is worn in front and on the right side until the degree has been conferred.
In case of inclement weather at the live ceremony, please be advised that the dye in the gown may stain clothing.
History of Academic Regalia
Like other American colonial colleges, Penn borrowed its 18th-century Commencement rituals directly from the English universities. In England the history of academic dress reaches back to the early days of the oldest schools.
Learn about academic dress from the past
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