What Is a Tam Graduation?
When attending university commencement exercises, you will observe a distinct visual hierarchy in the ceremonial headwear worn by graduating students and faculty. While high school and undergraduate bachelor degree recipients wear standard flat, square mortarboards made of stiff cloth, doctoral graduates and distinguished faculty wear soft, circular velvet hats adorned with metallic tassels. A graduation tam (often called an academic tam or doctoral tam) is a traditional, premium velvet ceremonial headpiece worn primarily by recipients of master and doctoral degrees (such as Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., and J.D.). Rooted in medieval European university traditions, the graduation tam signifies the attainment of the highest levels of scholarly scholarship and academic achievement.
Anatomy and Variations: 4-, 6-, and 8-Sided Velvet Tams
Unlike the rigid square mortarboard, a graduation tam is crafted from soft, luxurious black velvet with a puffed fabric crown that drapes gently to the side. The tam is constructed with a circular interior sweatband and categorized by the number of tailored geometric corners or sides along its outer edge: four-sided, six-sided, or eight-sided designs. In academic heraldry, four-sided and six-sided tams are traditionally worn by Master degree recipients, while the eight-sided velvet tam is reserved exclusively for doctoral graduates.
Tassels on academic tams also adhere to strict institutional protocols. While bachelor mortarboards feature simple rayon or silk tassels in discipline colors (such as white for arts or yellow for science), doctoral graduation tams feature heavy metallic gold bullion tassels or stranded gold wire cords permanently affixed to the center button. The metallic gold tassel remains permanently on the left side of the wearer head throughout the commencement ceremony.
Compare traditional undergraduate mortarboards with advanced graduate velvet tams in the table below:
| Regalia Headwear | Primary Degree Level | Material Construction | Tassel Style | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Mortarboard | High School & Bachelor Degrees | Stiffened cloth/polyester over cardboard | Single-color rayon or silk tassel | Completion of foundational collegiate education |
| 4-Sided Velvet Tam | Master Degrees (Select universities) | Black cotton or silk velvet puff crown | Silky black or discipline ribbon tassel | Attainment of advanced postgraduate master study |
| 6-Sided Velvet Tam | Master & Educational Specialist | Velvet crown with 6 tailored soft points | Silky ribbon or twisted gold cord | Specialized graduate clinical or master mastery |
| 8-Sided Velvet Tam | Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) | Black velvet with 8 tailored soft points | Metallic gold bullion strand tassel | Highest terminal academic doctorate distinction |
Most American universities follow the Academic Costume Code established by the American Council on Education, reserving eight-sided tams for doctoral graduates.
Etiquette, Positioning, and Medieval University History
The academic tam traces its historical lineage back to the sixteenth century at the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Renaissance universities across northern Italy. Originating from the Tudor bonnet and Italian Renaissance caps, soft velvet headwear was worn by senior guild masters, legal scholars, and university chancellors as an outward badge of intellectual independence and legal immunity from local civil magistrates.
Wearing a graduation tam requires proper ceremonial etiquette. The tam should be placed squarely on the head, approximately one inch above the eyebrows, with the interior headband sitting parallel to the ground rather than tilted back like a beret. The soft top crown should be gently puffed and draped slightly over the right ear. Unlike undergraduates who shift their tassel from right to left during the conferral of degrees, doctoral candidates wear their gold bullion tassel permanently on the left, as terminal degree holders do not perform the traditional tassel flip.
Review graduation tam sizing standards, velvet material options, and university specifications below:
| Tam Specification | Measurement / Detail | Fabric Quality | Institutional Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / Medium Size | Hat size 6-7/8 to 7-1/8 (21.5 - 22.5 in) | Deep plush black cotton velvet | Standard faculty & student commencement rental |
| Large / XL Size | Hat size 7-1/4 to 7-5/8 (23 - 24 in) | Deep plush black cotton velvet | Adjustable internal Velcro or elastic headband |
| Custom Sized Fitted Tam | Exact individual millimeter measurement | Imported silk velvet with satin lining | Purchased custom faculty regalia for lifetime use |
| Velvet Discipline Color | Rare (e.g. blue for Harvard, red for Oxford) | Matches institution school heraldry | Worn by graduates of specific historic institutions |
Purchasing a custom fitted velvet tam with an internal leather sweatband provides lasting comfort for university professors who attend annual commencement ceremonies.
How to Wear and Adjust an Academic Graduation Tam in 4 Steps
Follow this commencement etiquette guide to position and wear an academic velvet tam correctly.
Determine the Front of the Tam
Locate the interior size tag or seam label, which marks the back of the tam; for an 8-sided tam, orient one soft point directly centered over your nose.
Position Squarely on Your Forehead
Place the tam on your head so the lower headband rests level, approximately one inch above your eyebrows, without slanting backwards.
Drape the Velvet Crown to the Right
Gently fluff the velvet top and drape the soft velvet puff slightly over toward your right ear for a classic academic profile.
Verify Gold Tassel Placement on the Left
Ensure your metallic gold bullion tassel hangs freely over your left temple; doctoral candidates do not move the tassel during commencement.
Frequently Asked Questions (9 Questions Answered)
Q1: Who is allowed to wear a graduation tam?
Graduation tams are worn by master and doctoral degree graduates, university professors, board of trustees members, and academic chancellors.
Q2: Can bachelor degree graduates wear a tam?
No, standard academic dress code requires undergraduate bachelor graduates to wear traditional square mortarboards, reserving tams for graduate degrees.
Q3: What is the difference between a 6-sided and 8-sided tam?
A 6-sided tam is typically worn by Master degree recipients, while an 8-sided tam is reserved for terminal doctoral degrees like Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.
Q4: Do doctoral candidates move their tassel from right to left?
No, doctoral candidates wear their metallic gold tassel on the left side throughout the entire ceremony, as the traditional tassel flip is for undergraduates only.
Q5: What color velvet is a graduation tam?
Black velvet is the universal standard for academic tams, though a few historic institutions (like Harvard or Oxford) use school-colored velvet.
Q6: Can you rent a graduation tam for commencement?
Yes, university bookstores provide rental regalia packages that include velvet tams, doctoral gowns, and degree hoods for commencement.
Q7: How do you store a velvet graduation tam?
Store your tam flat in an acid-free box or zippered regalia bag with cedar blocks to protect the delicate velvet and gold tassel from dust and moths.
Q8: Are graduation tams adjustable?
Many commercial rental tams feature an internal elastic or Velcro band fitting hat sizes 6-7/8 to 7-1/2, while custom tams are individually sized.
Q9: Why do doctoral hats have velvet?
Velvet was a luxury fabric in medieval Europe reserved for master craftsmen, guild leaders, and scholars who had achieved the pinnacle of their discipline.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding what is a tam graduation? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.