Where to Buy Graduation Hats – A Clear and Simple Guide

Wed, 14 May 2025

Graduation is not just another piece of the outfit, but rather the most recognisable symbol of graduation. Putting it on, one can say, "Finally, I did it!" Not just that, when one wears a graduation hat, they step into a tradition that has been around for generations. For centuries, graduation has represented academic achievement and the successful completion of one's studies. It is believed that the flat and square-shaped hat was designed inspired by the caps worn by scholars and religious figures in the past.

One of the fondest moments of any graduation is when the graduates move the tassel from the right to the left and toss the hat into the air to celebrate. This is when the reality hit the graduates: they're done, they did it, and they are ready to begin the next chapter.

So, whether you're a parent helping to dress your child look ceremony-ready, a student getting ready for your big day, a faculty organising hats for a class, or part of a school admin team handling a group order, having the right graduation hat is a must. And knowing where to buy the right graduation hats can save you time, money, and last-minute stress. In this guide, we will walk you through where to find the graduation hat before graduation season.

Where to buy graduation hats

You will usually have a few reliable options while purchasing a graduation hat. Depending on your budget, level of education, and the formality of your graduation ceremony, you can make the right choice. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common places where you can buy a graduation hat.

Particular academic regalia websites

Unlike any general retail stores, these sorts of websites are specialised in academic garments and accessories. These are considered a top choice for those looking for high-quality options. They offer everything from hats, gowns, and hoods to stoles for all education levels. Choosing the specialist regalia website can benefit one in many ways. High-quality fabrics and construction techniques are mostly used to provide a refined appearance. They also provide customisation services and let buyers personalise the hats with embroidered school logos, specific colours, and degree-specific styles. These websites carry multiple hat styles and cover different academic levels.

This option is best for:

Students who are going to attend formal graduations
Schools or institutions that have to order in bulk
Anyone looking for quality and official-looking attire

Graduation services and products providers

These sorts of companies specialise in providing complete solutions for graduation events. These work as a one-stop shop for every graduation need. They can arrange any graduation-related products or services, including graduation hats and gowns, digital graduation photography services, event registration and ticketing, and memorabilia like mugs, sashes or keyrings. As they deal especially with graduation event services, the providers usually provide high-quality products alongside great customer support. No matter if the hat needs to match the institution's official colours, logos, or dress code, the providers can guarantee that you will meet every single formal requirement.

This option works great for:

Institutions organising official ceremonies for the graduates
Students are required to wear institution-approved attire
Organisations that need help in managing the graduation event from start to finish

Amazon for affordable and custom design

You can consider it a budget-friendly option. Whether you are looking for very basic ones or a custom premium hat, there will be multiple options for you to explore. Not just the traditional black cap, you can get a variety of personalised graduation hats, including caps with patterns, glitter, or caps with pre-attached tassels, caps with DIY kits, and more. Another plus point is that you can receive your order within a few days. While buying from Amazon, one can easily check real customers' photos and know about sizing accuracy and material quality. This way, you can avoid poor-quality options and make informed decisions.

This option is particularly appealing for

Students who are celebrating graduation on a smaller scale
Families purchasing hats for their kids for a homely graduation celebration
Individuals who are looking for an extra cap only for a shoot or a celebration

University or school suppliers

There are many suppliers available who collaborate with universities or schools and provide official academic regalia. One great advantage of buying the graduation caps is that they will meet all official requirements, including tassel orientation, colour scheme, hat style, year charms and all. Also, in this case, you can get the hat in a larger package that covers the gown and other services. This process also may include bulk orders and options for in-person fittings or pickup on campus. It might not be the cheapest route, but it is often the safest way to get the right size graduation hat.

This option is great for:

Students who are attending official graduation ceremonies
Schools that want to maintain strict dress codes and colour standards
Anyone who wants a guaranteed match with group regalia

As graduation is the centrepiece of the celebration, take your time to buy the right one. Here are some things you must check before buying

What types of hats do you require? Is it a mortarboard, tam, velvet cap, or other style?
Be clear about the head size (in cm and inches).
Check what specific colour tassel or charm is needed?
Compare your budget as well, including shipping or delivery costs and taxes.
Check the requirements regarding the return or exchange policy.

And, one final tip- don't go for last-minute shopping.