The academic dress has a few essential components without which it cannot be considered complete. Indeed, some of the components are required to complete the process of graduation and the convocation ceremony. Most of us can recognize the graduation gown at a glance and without much outside help. Even if some of us have never graced our persons with the fine fabrics, we have seen them being worn all around. And of course, some of us already have the experience of feeling the touch of the academicals on our bodies. However, too few among us can actually cite the exact number of components and items that go on to complete the academic dress. Sure, most of us can remember that a hat goes in place, but not much beyond that. However, if you are concerned with purchasing of graduation dresses, then you need to have a thorough understanding of what is required.

Chances are you are already familiar with the nuances of the academic dress. I beg you to allow me to indulge myself in dishing out a bit of instruction anyway. Like I mentioned previously, most of us can recognize the hat. However, the hat is not complete without the tassel. In fact, it is utterly useless without it. One of the reasons the hat was invented was to give the qualifying tassels a convenient place to sit and slide across at the crucial moment. If you are tasked with the purchasing of graduation dresses, you will find tassels available separately at places that have graduation caps and gowns for sale. They come with their own price tags, but you can bargain with the retailers if you are ordering in bulk (which you hopefully are). The tassels usually come in separate colors to identify the different levels of qualifications (main diploma, NHS, etc.). Then next most important item, other than the collars and the hoods, are the graduation diplomas. Strictly speaking, they are not really a part of the official academic dress, but the convocation ceremony cannot be complete without them. You can buy graduation diplomas (with the diploma covers) at the same places that have graduation caps and gowns for sale. Again, they come with their own price tag, but you may be able to bargain with the sellers. You, or your governing body may choose to have letters, alphabets or logos printed on the diploma covers. This can also be performed by the same merchants in some cases. If not, you may have to go to a separate agency.

Of course, you have to also remember to abide by the color schemes set forth by your ministry of education for the sashes and the collars, if you are involved with university or college students. High school graduation gowns have the liberty to experiment, so long as the fun doesn't turn into something ridiculous. Remember, you still have to honor the code of academia, not ridicule it. If you do, you run the chance of being in serious trouble.