Graduation
What Are the Key Differences Between Barrister and Judge Attire?
Court attire has long served as a visual symbol of authority and impartiality in the courtroom.
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Church Apparel: Combining Tradition and Modern Style
For centuries clerical clothing has been a symbol of religious authority as well as a commitment to a life dedicated to the Church.
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Why do barristers in England still wear wigs?
When we think of a barrister, we often think of black robes and white wigs, a uniform that is an iconic symbol of law in the United Kingdom.
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Graduation Gown Trends for 2025: What's In and What's Out
Graduation season is already in full swing! An exciting time to celebrate your achievements and to pick out a graduation outfit.
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What Are the Most Popular Graduation Gift Ideas for 2025?
Graduation season has been in full swing! If someone you know is graduating, you might want to get them a gift to celebrate their milestone.
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Graduation Gown Rental vs. Purchase: Which is Right for You?
Graduation gowns date back to the medieval period when students and teachers wore clerical clothing, as the church had great influence over academics. The academic robes were used to distinguish scholars from laypeople. Scholars used to wear their robes all the time, but Oxford and Cambridge Universities were the first to introduce robes specifically for graduation ceremonies. The mortar board (graduation cap) also has historical roots in clerical attire, and over time, gowns and caps’ colours were used to distinguish degree levels. Over time, the wearing of gowns daily became less common and over the years, the graduation cap and gown we see today became reserved for graduation ceremonies. Buy or rent a graduation gown? Traditionally, most people tend to rent their graduation gowns. So, is there ever a reason to buy one? Here are the pros and cons of cap and gown rental: Pros: Cost-effective. Hiring is generally cheaper than buying an item you potentially only wear once. No need to store. If you hire a gown, you don’t need to worry about storing it later. Guaranteed availability. Rental companies normally guarantee availability before you hire. Better for the environment. Renting is much better than only wearing an item once and disposing of it. Easy Process. Hiring a gown is usually a very easy, hassle-free process as the gowns are sent to the Ceremony. Guaranteed correct size. Rental companies will be able to advise on what size gown you need, whereas purchasing online leaves more chances of getting it wrong. Cons: Potential for additional costs. If you are late handing in your gown and cap, or if it comes back damaged, you could be charged. Limited availability. If you leave hiring to the last minute, then they may not have availability. One-time use. If you want a memento of your day, then if you hire a gown, you won’t get to keep it. Rental is generally considered the most cost-effective option and is a very easy process, as gowns are sent to the ceremony location before your graduation, meaning you don’t have to stress about bringing them with you. Rent Graduation Gown If you’re looking to buy a graduation cap and gown, then here are the pros and cons: Pros: Own it. You get to keep your gown and cap as a memento of your day. No deadlines. You don’t have to worry about standing in line to give your gown back or being charged for late fees; you can just focus on enjoying your day. Could reuse. If you buy a graduation cap and gown, you have the potential to reuse them for other academic events. Potential to resell. You could resell your cap and gown and make your money back. Guaranteed availability. If you are organised and buy your graduation attire in advance, you’ll have it way before your ceremony Cons: More expensive. It’s generally much more expensive to buy a gown than to hire one, particularly if you will only wear it once. Resale value is likely to decline. If you try to sell your gown after it’s been worn, it’s likely to decrease in value. Carry it with you all day. You’ll have to bring your gown with you on the day. Will need to store it. After your graduation day, you will have to find a place to store it. Buying a gown is usually more expensive in the long run, particularly if you only intend to wear it once, but it does mean you don’t have deadlines to worry about and have a memento of your big day. Buy Graduation Gown So there you have it, the pros and cons of buying or renting a gown. Ultimately, the decision on whether to buy or rent a graduation gown is up to you. At Evess, we are graduation attire specialists, hiring out and selling quality gowns and caps at reasonable prices. We are here to help you decide which option is best for you.
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What do You Need to Know About Graduation Ceremonies? 10 Key Points
Your graduation ceremony day marks the end of your academic journey. It’s a day to celebrate your hard work and the end of a chapter in your life. Here is everything you need to know about your graduation ceremony day: 1.You’ll need to book your tickets If you have family members or other guests who want to attend your graduation day, you’ll need to make sure that you book their tickets in advance. Your university will normally have a policy on how many guests can attend. If you’re unsure, check with your graduation organiser. 2. You must hire your cap and gown for your graduation ceremony in advance As part of your graduation preparation, you will need to hire or buy a graduation gown and cap. Your university will advise you on what sort of gown is needed and what colour stole or hood you should wear. Normally, caps are plain black with a black tassel, but sometimes you can personalise your cap with your university’s signature colours. Make sure you do this in advance to avoid stress running up to the graduation celebration. At Evess, we make hiring or purchasing your cap and gown for your graduation ceremony as hassle-free as possible. If you need help finding the correct gown, get in touch with our friendly team today. Get in Touch 3. There will be an academic procession and speeches As your graduation day begins, there will normally be a formal academic procession where key members of the faculty and university officials wearing traditional academic attire will enter the venue. Then, usually the university chancellor will give a brief speech, followed by one or more guest speakers. 4. You’ll walk across the stage to collect your award Normally, each graduate will walk across the stage one by one when their name and degree classification are called. You will usually shake the chancellor’s hand or doff your cap and be given your degree scroll. Your actual degree certificate will be given out after or before your graduation day. 5. Professional graduation photos are booked in advance Your graduation ceremony day is a big life milestone, one that you’ll likely look back on in years to come. What better way to treasure the memory than to have a graduation photoshoot? You’ll need to book your graduation photoshoot in advance, and after it, you’ll choose which photo package you would like. At Evess, we offer professional studio photography for your graduation day with a range of packages available from digital galleries to full print packages. Book Graduation Photoshoot 6. You’ll want to get the infamous cap throw shot Your graduation celebration wouldn’t be complete without grabbing your year group and getting a shot of you all throwing your caps in the air. It’s such a lovely way to signify the end of an era, and you’ll have a great photo to look back on! 7. You can benefit from Gradtag Gradtag technology not only speeds up the process of collecting and returning your gown, but it also means you can get photos sent of you collecting your award. When you collect your gown, register your details, and your Gradtag will be issued to you. You’ll be sent your onstage photos before you’ve even sat down! Read About GradTag 8. There may be live stream options available If some of your family members are unable to attend, some universities may offer a live stream of the graduation ceremony so they can watch as if they were there. 9. Pick an appropriate outfit As part of your graduation preparation, make sure you pick a suitable outfit to wear underneath your gown for your graduation ceremony. It’s advised to wear something smart and formal. You might also want to consider what shoes you’ll wear, as you will be walking across a stage to collect your award, so something comfortable that fits well is advised. 10. Continue your celebrations! Continue your graduation celebrations by booking a table at a nice restaurant or celebrating with your classmates at a local pub. Be mindful that local restaurants may get booked up, so make sure you make your reservation in advance. Your graduation is a special day worth celebrating, so be sure you write yourself a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. For gown and cap hire, along with graduation photography, Evess has you covered.
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The Ultimate Checklist for Graduation Day: From Gown to Shoes
Your graduation day is an important achievement in your life, where you get to celebrate the years you’ve spent working hard studying. It can be a whirlwind of nerves and logistics! In order to focus on enjoying your big day, you want to make sure you’re prepared- that‘s why we’ve come up with the ultimate checklist for your graduation day. Graduation cap and gown Probably the most important thing on the checklist – your graduation cap and gown You will need to make sure that you order this ahead of time. Graduation gowns tend to be black, but it will depend on your university and the degree level. Most universities will have a hood in their signature colours, so it’s important you get this in advance. At Evess, we make hiring your graduation cap and gown easy and hassle-free. One of our team members will be more than happy to advise you on which gown and cap to go for. Review Graduation Collection Graduation cap tassel Normally, your graduation cap will come with a black tassel already, but you might want to add a coloured one to add some personality. You can also add a personalised Charm with your year of graduation. At Evess, our graduation cap tassels come in a range of vibrant colours, either as a single colour or a combination of two, and we will include a FREE year charm to mark the special occasion. Graduation photoshoot Your Graduation day can be a bit of a whirlwind, so what better way to remember this special day than a graduation photoshoot? Hiring a professional photographer will take the stress out of having to take pictures yourself and mean that you get photos that are worthy of being on the wall. At Evess, we have years of experience capturing graduation days, and provide several different options for students, starting from digital galleries of their photos to full print packages to share with all of the family. Hire Graduation Photographer Outfit for the graduation ceremony To avoid last-minute stress, sort out your outfit for your graduation ceremony early. We recommend something smart that your gown can easily be worn over. For men, a smart shirt and suit trousers and for women, a dress or trousers and top combination will suffice. You might want to add a bit of personality by wearing your favourite colour or perhaps finding something in your university colours. You’ll also want to consider your graduation shoes– your graduation day involves a lot of standing around, so be sure to pick something comfortable and practical. You will also walk across a stage to collect your degree, so make sure that your graduation shoes aren’t too high or that they slip off. Other graduation day essentials You’ve covered all the important stuff, but there are a few other things you might want to add to your checklist Graduation ticket Hair grips for your cap to stay in place Hairbrush/comb ID and student card Tissues Phone and charger Extra make-up to touch up A bottle of water Deodorant/body spray Dinner reservation to celebrate So there you have it, the ultimate graduation day checklist. Let Evess help you check some things off the list! We offer graduation attire hire, graduation accessories and Graduation photoshoots all in one place, making your graduation day hassle-free.
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Graduation Photoshoot Ideas: Making Your Gown Stand Out
You did it! Three years of hard work, and your graduation day is here. Your graduation is more than just a ceremony- it’s a celebration of achievement and a moment to look back on the incredible memories you’ve made at university. Capturing your graduation day doesn’t have to be predictable; take the opportunity for a creative graduation photoshoot and make your gown stand out! 1. Get outside! Make your gown stand out with an outdoor graduation photoshoot. Take yourself to the famous landmarks in your University town and grab some pictures. Perhaps there’s a favourite park of yours where you have many happy memories? Ask your photographer to grab some shots of you for a sense of nostalgia. The classic black graduation gown can look great against bright colours- think a bright graffiti wall, a garden with bright flowers or maybe even a beach to add a pop of colour to your photos and help your gown stand out. Another outdoor graduation photoshoot idea is to head out for golden hour. Shooting at golden hour is softer and more subtle, and adds a dreamy and reminiscent quality to images. 2. Grab your best friends At university, you will have made some lifelong friends, who you’re likely to mark many of life’s milestones with, so what better way to celebrate your friendship with a best friend graduation shoot. Grab your friends and create your own funny graduation photoshoot. You could grab some props and have some fun, getting your photographer to grab some candid shots. You’ll have a series of photos you and your friends can look at in years to come. Perhaps you’re graduating with your partner? A couple graduation photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate your achievements and relationship. Perhaps revisit the place you first met and take a couple of shots to mark this chapter in your journey together. 3. Toss your Cap in the air No Graduation photoshoot would be complete without the classic photo of you tossing your cap in the air. Grab your classmates and create a wonderful memory of celebrating your achievements and ending this chapter. 4. Have a family photoshoot It’s not very often you get the key members of your family together to celebrate a momentous occasion like your graduation. So why not have a graduation family photoshoot? A professional photographer has access to the best lighting and props so they can help capture a picture everyone is happy with. At Evess we offer a graduation family photoshoot so you can treasure your Graduation day with your family. 5. Add your own style Add your own unique style to your gown with your accessories. Your graduation outfit should be formal, but that doesn’t have to mean boring. You can add a bit of personality by opting for some bright shoes or some jewellery, or even a personalised tie. You get to choose the outfit you wear under your gown, so pick something that you feel suits you and that you know you’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Your graduation photoshoot can be creative and reflect your personality. It’s good to have a mixture of some more professional photos along with some fun candid ones. At Evess we have your professional photos covered. We have years of experience in capturing graduations. We make sure that your photo requests are heard, so you feel relaxed and comfortable in the studio. We provide a range of options from digital galleries to full print packages to share with all of the family. Book Graduation Photoshoot
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Studio vs Phone Photography: What’s Best for Graduation Memories?
Your Graduation day is a significant milestone in your life, a culmination of three years of hard work and dedication. It’s a day you’ll want to look back on years to come, which is why capturing photos of the day is so important. With smartphones making capturing moments so easy, it’s tempting to catch your graduation day on your iPhone rather than opting for professional graduation photos in a studio setting. At Evess we understand the importance of Graduation photos. Our highly skilled professional photographers have years of experience and endeavour to make your days as easy as possible. Whilst we capture the memories, you can focus on enjoying your day. Hire Graduation Photographer Here are our top reasons for hiring a professional photographer for graduation: Better image quality Although smartphone cameras have advanced, they still can’t match the quality of DSLR cameras used by a graduation photographer. DSLR cameras have much larger sensors on them than phones meaning they can capture more detail and light. When used inside, the light quality of a phone drops dramatically, whereas a professional camera has more control over depth of field (focus area) with its large sensor. A professional camera can have interchangeable lenses which are equipped with functions to automatically control exposure. Unlike phone cameras, with a DSLR it’s also possible to control shutter speed, which is important for producing sharp, blur free images. Overall, DSLR cameras offer superior resolution, so when printing your photos, you can expect grain free photos. When enlarging photos taken on a phone, you can expect a lot of grain and much lower quality prints. Expert lighting and composition With a grad photoshoot, you have a studio set up allowing for precise control over light direction, intensity, and color temperature. Your professional photographer is able to adjust flash power, duration, and even use different flash modifiers (like softboxes or bounce cards) to shape the light and achieve the desired effect. Unlike a phone, their camera can be used to trigger studio lights which help to avoid shadow and result in a much more flattering photo. Years of experience When you hire a photographer for graduation, you can rely on their years of experience. Graduation photographers are trained to suggest poses, angles, and compositions and give you the creative direction needed to bring out your personality in the photos. Not only that, but they have an array of backgrounds and equipment to produce high-quality images quickly, meaning you don’t have to spend all day worrying about taking photos. Professional editing and retouching Professional graduation photos mean professional editing. Photographers use advanced editing software to enhance colors, correct blemishes, and adjust lighting for a flawless finish. iPhone filters and basic editing apps simply cannot achieve the same level of refinement and quality. A stress-free experience Your graduation day is an exciting and emotional day where you celebrate your hard work and the end of an era. Opting for professional graduation photos allows you to focus on celebrating rather than trying to get the perfect shot. The photographer handles all the technical aspects so you can enjoy the experience rather than worrying about the perfect lighting or angle, making your graduation day as stress-free as possible. Timeless high-resolution prints You want your graduation photos to last a lifetime, and let’s face it, they are bound to end up on your family’s wall, so you want to ensure the best quality prints. With professional photos, you get a range of graduation photography packages to choose from, including digital galleries where you can pick your favourite photos and choose to have them professionally printed. Studio photographers shoot in RAW format, which provides more flexibility during post-processing and allows them to make more adjustments to your image. The high resolution of the photos means they will look good in any format. iPhone images, although convenient, will lose their quality when enlarged and printed. Conclusion Although smartphones provide quick and convenient photos, they really can’t compare to the quality and expertise of a professional photographer for graduation. For such a big once in a lifetime event, it is worth investing in a grad photoshoot to ensure your memories are preserved for years to come. At Evess we offer professional studio photography for graduations with a range of graduation photography packages, as well as offering unique Gradtag technology. ‘Gradtag’ captures the moment you are officially awarded your certification onstage and can be delivered to you before you even sit back down! Book Professional Photographer
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Styling Tips for Graduation Day: How to Wear Your Graduation Cap and Gown with Confidence
Your graduation ceremony is an important day commemorating your academic achievements. Look your best when accepting your certificate with these styling tips for your graduation outfit. Buy Graduation Attire Medieval Roots of Graduation Attire vs. Modern Fashion Graduation gowns and caps were originally worn in the medieval era, with the gowns and the hoods designed to keep students warm. A cappa clausa also used to be worn, a large sleeveless cloak, though this was abandoned by universities like Cambridge and Oxford in the sixteenth century. The use of gowns was also closely related to the clergy back in medieval times and students were likely to have assumed a position there after their training. While in the modern era, wearing graduation caps and gowns is no longer a necessity, they are still used for ceremonial events such as graduation and worn as a symbol of heritage and pride in academia. Modern Graduation Attire Modern graduation attire is often unique to each university, with each one using their own designs and colour schemes for each degree the graduates are receiving. Anglia Ruskin for example has navy gowns and hoods. In recent years, a lot of universities and graduation gown companies have begun adopting sustainable practices for making gowns out of recycled plastics, helping to protect the environment and cut down on the use of resources while manufacturing new gowns. Wearing Your Graduation Gown The key to wearing your graduation gown with confidence is to make sure you get a gown that fits you perfectly so that you can stay comfortable during your graduation ceremony. Whether you’re renting a gown or buying one to keep, the first thing you’ll have to do is take your height measurement and compare it to the graduation gown chart provided by the store you’re getting your outfit from. This will ensure it hangs properly when you wear it and won’t be too long or too short. Securing Your Graduation Gown Hood For maximum comfort during your graduation ceremony, it’s important to make sure your graduation gown hood is secure, so it doesn’t slip backwards around your neck. This will also help to improve your appearance and make sure the colours on your hood are on full display. The velvet of the hood should be facing upwards while the small tapered end rests on the chest. There will be a loop of cord on the front of the hood which can be used to secure your hood to a button on your shirt (it’s always a good idea to wear an outfit ensemble with buttons for this very reason). For maximum styling at your graduation, you can hide the cord with a button. If you don’t want to wear a buttoned shirt to graduation, you can opt to thread a cord through the hood which can then be fastened either around the waist if you’re wearing a dress or through a belt buckle if you’re wearing trousers. Personalising Your Graduation Gown There are a number of ways to personalise your graduation gown to add a bit of extra flair and school pride to your graduation proceedings. While graduation gowns are typically not allowed to be decorated in any way to maintain the formality of the proceedings, you can order custom graduation gowns that can help you to express yourself. This includes picking the material for your graduation gown, such as eco-friendly recycled plastics, as well as the design of your gown. You can also customise the colours of your graduation gown picking colours that match the colour scheme and branding of your university to properly celebrate your time at the school and have a special memory to look back on. Wearing Your Graduation Cap Having a graduation cap positioned correctly for your graduation ceremony will help you to look stylish and formal when receiving your degree, and keeps you looking sharp and professional for your photographs as well. To fit your graduation cap, measure the circumference of your head from one inch above your ears and keep the fit of the measuring tape snug but not too tight. When fitting your mortarboard hat, you will need to be sure it fits just right with enough room to accommodate hair thickness. Buy Graduation Cap Positioning Your Graduation Cap Place the cap on your head so that the pointy end is at the front and rests one inch above the eyebrows. The mortarboard cap must be level on your head, not at an angle, as this will make it more secure and less likely to fall off during the ceremony. You can also secure the graduation cap with pins to keep it in place. Try to select pins that are neutral or match your hair colour. That way they won’t mar the overall formal look of your graduation outfit and will help to maintain a natural look. The graduation tassel should dangle from the right side of the mortarboard. After the ceremony, the tassel is often moved to the left side to symbolise your new status as a graduate. Personalising Your Graduation Cap Decorative personalisation options for graduation mortarboards will vary from university to university so make sure to check with your school and your faculty that you are allowed to decorate and customise your graduation cap. In the UK, it isn’t common for students to decorate their graduation caps. Universities prefer to follow the formal regulations of the ceremony and create an atmosphere of honour and respect for the graduation tradition. If you are allowed to personalise your cap though, there are a number of options you can apply that can you help to confidently express your personality while also still honouring the university: University insignia University colours Themes related to your degree Well-wishes from friends and family What to Wear With Your Graduation Gown Boost your confidence with a formal or casual formal outfit that will bring your graduation outfit together and match the sincerity and professionalism of your gown and cap. Suits or smart trousers and shirts are the go-to choice for male graduates while female graduates can opt for pantsuits, dresses or a skirt and blouse combo. For added graduation pride, find outfits that match the colour scheme of your university. You should also opt for comfortable footwear where possible as you will spending a long day in your shoes and you’ll want a confident stride as you collect your certificate. Things to avoid when styling your graduation outfit are: Casual clothes like jeans, shorts and t-shirts Overly high heels Revealing clothing Bold and flashy jewellery Items of clothing with bold patterns Accessories for Graduation Outfits Nothing exhibits confidence like the right accessory and graduation outfits are no different. Graduation outfit accessories complete the look and help you to feel positive on your special day. Graduates can choose simple items of jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, or bracelets in understated colours that match the university colours. If you’re wearing a suit or shirt, a pair of classy cufflinks can tie the outfit together. Simple design cufflinks or ones that symbolise your degree are best. Hairstyles for Graduation Female graduates should aim to style their hair with their graduation cap in mind. High ponytails and buns for example will make it difficult for the graduation cap to sit evenly on your head. Low ponytails and loose hairstyles will help you to look confident and fashionable without sacrificing the formality of the graduation ceremony. With these tips, you can feel more confident going into your graduation and put in a positive frame of mind for the future beyond your degree. You can shop graduation gowns and caps in our Graduation Attire store and start preparing for your big day.
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The Evolution of Academic Gowns: Innovations and Trends in Graduation Attire
Academic gowns and graduation attire for ceremonies has been around since the middle ages. Over the centuries, the gowns have evolved and developed to remain relevant and modern for today’s ceremonies and educational communities. Below, we’ve outlined some of the innovations and trends that graduation attire has gone through over the year that have helped to revitalise academia and graduation ceremonies. Check them out below! Buy Graduation Gowns The Origin of Academic Gowns Academic dress originated in the medieval ages, rising to prominence in top English universities, Oxford and Cambridge. The gowns had close ties to the typical dress of the clergy. Due to the prominence of Christianity and the teaching of Latin and the bible in schools, clergy attire was the obvious choice for academic connections. The attire worn by Oxford and Cambridge academics was known as the cappa clausa. This was comprised of a large, sleeveless cloak with a single opening in the front for hands. The cloak was eventually retired in universities in the 16th century, in favour of wearing only the gown, which had an open front and long sleeves, allowing for greater movement. Gowns were mostly black in colour as a standard while higher officials in the university and those with doctor degrees were permitted to wear scarlet, historically known as a royal and authoritative colour also worn by judges and bishops. Innovations in Graduation Gown Design As gowns have been modernised from their religious roots in history, there have been a wider variety of creative designs as universities create their own individual communities for their graduates and academics, fostering a stronger sense of pride. The transition of gowns from a traditional standard to universities branding their gowns with their own insignia and colours helps to create a more vibrant ceremony that leaves the plain black and impersonal symbolism behind. In recent years, the students of universities have played a significant part in designing new gowns for their ceremonies. These collaborations help to foster more personal design choices by the students for the students. NTU Graduation Gown Design One recent highlight in academic gown innovation came out of NTU (Nottingham Trent University). There, fashion student Georgia Stevenson created a brand new look inspired by the university itself. She focused on pink colours to reflect the university’s brand while cutting the hood in the distinctive shape of NTU’s Arkwright building and including the university’s coat of arms. Stevenson also focused on finding eco-friendly solutions for the design of the gown, folding and cutting the fabric to reduce waste and creating the gown from recyclable plastics. Vivienne Westwood Graduation Gown Design Vivienne Westwood has also provided her fashion expertise to design a fashionable new graduation gown for King’s College London, based around original and vibrant colours that help to differentiate the gown from other colleges under the University of London banner. Westwood’s design is most notable for its exclusion of a hood and a mortarboard cap, typically traditional elements of graduation attire. This was a decision opposed by some students but it does indicate a growing trend of individual and creative designs. Modern Graduation Gown Materials In the past, graduation gowns would have been made out of cotton materials while modern graduation gowns are more typically made out of synthetic fibres such as polyester and acetate. Polyester and acetate are probably the most popular and common graduation attire materials, especially for single use gowns. These lightweight fibres are good for keeping cool, which is advantageous for summer ceremonies in the sun. These synthetics are also shrink resistant, mildew resistant and dry quickly. This makes them easy and convenient to dry clean and will ensure that the gown does not get damaged during transport or storage. Graphene Graduation Gowns Back in 2019, Manchester University introduced the revolutionary graphene gown, refreshing the traditional gown with a lighter weight that helps graduates to be more comfortable than ever. Graphene is a flexible option for graduation gowns. In colder weather during winter ceremonies, graphene will help to preserve heat while in hotter weather in summer ceremonies, the graphene will expel heat and keep the graduate cool. Rubber inseams helped to give Manchester’s gowns more durability while their mortarboards were engineered to convert heat energy. This was used to charge mobile phones during the ceremony, allowing guests to film and photograph their loved ones with greater ease and creating lasting memories. Eco-Friendly Graduation Gowns Perhaps one of the most important developments in graduation attire in the modern age is the focus on sustainability, creating more environmentally friendly gowns that benefit the wider society that your university is a part of. As we mentioned earlier in regards to NTU gowns, there is a higher focus on using recyclable materials to make the gowns out of, reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Sustainable Gown Materials One of the most popular gown materials for eco-friendly practices is plastic. Repurposing plastic bottles into fabric helps to massively reduce the amount of plastic waste as very few bottles actually end up getting recycled properly. Using plastic materials can lead to a reduction in the manufacture of synthetic fibres. Synthetics rely on fossil fuel extraction and upon disposal take a long time to decompose, creating an extensive pollution problem over a long period of time. Eco-friendly gowns also focus on cutting and folding the fabric used precisely to avoid wasting the material, leading to greater reduction in pollution. Dry Cleaning Sustainability Creating a sustainable graduation environment isn’t just about ensuring the manufacturing of the gown is eco-friendly. Dry cleaning sustainability ensures that your gowns receive a complete eco-friendly treatment before and after the ceremony, reducing the cost of pollution. Sustainable dry cleaning uses liquid carbon dioxide which is recycled and mixed with cleaning solutions, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals that can cause health risks and result in higher levels of pollutants. These harmful chemicals include perchloroethylene (PERC) which can cause dizziness, headaches and confusion if you are exposed. Graduation Cap Innovations Aside from the academic gown, the graduation cap is just as important to ceremonies, with a number of different styles being used in ceremonies throughout history, including: The mortarboard – the classic graduation cap with the square top The tam – made of black velvet with a soft top The biretta – a tall, four-peaked cap One of the biggest pushes for innovations in graduation caps is to create a graduation cap for curly hair and afros that doesn’t rely on modifications and hacks on current caps, creating a more inclusive and diverse fashion for graduation ceremonies. This innovative project is being headed by Oliver Adkins of Churchill Gowns who is partnering with Jennifer Agwunobi, a student at Loughborough and founder of a business called Hair Goals who will provide a deeper understanding of the target market and the needs of a diverse range of hair types. Academic gowns and graduation attire are always being updated for modern communities to keep the university experience fresh and rewarding without sacrificing tradition altogether. New innovations in graduation gown design help to foster a stronger sense of identity in each individual, creating a more positive experience as they close one chapter of their lives. To find out more, you can read our guide on the brand new NTU gowns and hire a gown for your ceremony from our graduation attire store. Buy Graduation Gowns
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