Square Academic Cap

graduation · traditions · academic dress

What it looks like. A square academic cap has a flat square board on top of a rounded skull-cap underneath, with a tassel hanging from the center. It's usually black and sits perfectly horizontal on your head.

Part of graduation. When you graduate from school or college, you wear this cap along with a flowing robe called a gown. Together they're called 'cap and gown' and make graduation ceremonies feel official and special.

Used worldwide. Square academic caps are worn at universities and schools in the UK, the US, and many other countries around the world. Different schools sometimes add their own colors or decorations to make theirs unique.

Ancient tradition. This style of cap has been used for hundreds of years in academic ceremonies, making it one of the oldest traditions in education. When you wear one, you're part of a long history of scholars and students.

Other names. People call it by different names: a mortarboard, a trencher, or an Oxford cap. No matter what you call it, it's instantly recognizable as a symbol of education and achievement.