Graduation day is a monumental occasion, and your academic regalia is the uniform of this achievement. While the cap and gown are standard, the stole is where you can truly personalize and signify what makes your journey unique. So, what types of stoles are appropriate to wear over your graduation gown? The answer depends on whether you aim to display honors, represent affiliations, celebrate identity, or create a personal keepsake.
Suitable graduation stoles generally fall into four categories: Academic Honor Stoles, Organizational Membership Stoles, Cultural Identity Stoles, and Personalized Commemorative Stoles. The most appropriate choice for you is one that has been officially sanctioned by your institution or holds significant, respectful personal meaning. The key is to ensure your selection aligns with your school's specific regalia policies.
Choosing the right stole is about balancing celebration with protocol. Let's explore the common types, their meanings, and how to wear them appropriately.
Academic Honor & Organizational Stoles
These are the most traditional and widely recognized stoles at commencement. They serve as formal, institution-approved recognition of your specific achievements.
Academic Honor Stoles are awarded by your university to distinguish high academic achievement. The most common are those denoting Latin Honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude). Often, a specific color signifies the honor level—for example, a gold or white stole might represent the highest distinction. Some departments also award unique stoles to top graduates in their field.
Organizational Membership Stoles represent your active participation and leadership in recognized student groups. This includes:
- Honor Societies: (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Theta Kappa).
- Student Government: Leadership roles are often recognized with a stole.
- Academic Clubs/Programs: Groups like the Nursing Student Association or Engineering Club may have their own.
- Varsity Athletics: Team captains or senior athletes may receive a stole in school colors.
Cultural Identity & Personalized Stoles
These stoles focus on celebrating the individual behind the degree, representing personal heritage, experiences, and milestones.
Cultural Identity Stoles are a powerful way to honor your background. Many institutions actively support students in this expression. Common types include:
- Kente Cloth Stoles: Woven with traditional African patterns, often worn by Black graduates to celebrate African heritage.
- Lavender Stoles: Frequently worn by LGBTQ+ graduates as a symbol of pride and perseverance.
- Flag or Nationality Stoles: International students may wear a stole featuring their home country's flag or colors.
- First-Generation Stoles: Some schools provide stoles to students who are the first in their family to graduate from college.
Personalized & Commemorative Stoles are custom-made to mark your unique journey. If your school's policy allows, you can design a stole with elements like:
- Your major or a symbolic icon (e.g., a microscope for biology).
- Your graduation year (e.g., "Class of 2024").
- A meaningful quote, thank you message, or your name embroidered along the edge.
Key Guidelines for Choosing and Wearing Your Stole
Before you finalize your stole, keep these critical rules and tips in mind to ensure you are in full compliance and look your best.
Rule #1: Always Check Your University's Official Policy
This is the most important step. Policies vary drastically. Some schools:
- Provide all stoles centrally and prohibit outside ones.
- Have strict color codes (e.g., only gold for honors).
- Require pre-approval for any non-standard stole design.
- Specify authorized vendors where stoles must be purchased.
Where to Check: Look on your university's Commencement Website, Registrar's Office page, or contact the Office of Student Affairs. Don't rely on hearsay from other students.
Rule #2: Understand the Difference Between a Stole and a Cord
It's easy to confuse them, but they are distinct:
- A Stole: A long, flat sash worn over both shoulders, draping down the front of the gown. It is typically wider and displays broader designs or text.
- A Cord: A twisted rope worn around the neck, with tassels hanging down. Cords are often thinner and denote different achievements.
The Key Difference: You generally wear only one stole (though some schools allow one per shoulder for multiple major honors), but you can wear multiple cords simultaneously to represent various activities.
Rule #3: Plan Ahead for Approval and Ordering
If your stole requires approval (common for new organizational or cultural designs), submit it to the designated faculty committee well before the deadline. For custom personalized stoles, order early—production and shipping can take 4-8 weeks. A last-minute order might not arrive in time.
Conclusion
Your graduation stole is more than just fabric; it's a visual story of your hard work, community, and identity. Whether it's the official gold honor stole from the dean, a vibrant Kente cloth representing heritage, or a custom stole embroidered with your personal motto, the most suitable choice is one that is meaningful to you and respectful of your institution's traditions.
By understanding the different types—from academic and organizational to cultural and personalized—and rigorously following your university's guidelines, you can select a stole that perfectly complements this milestone moment.
If you are a university administrator, bookstore buyer, or organization leader looking to source well-made, policy-compliant graduation stoles in bulk, partnering with an experienced manufacturer is key. At AceAccessory, we specialize in producing custom accessories with precise embroidery, vibrant colors, and durable fabrics. Contact our Business Director, Elaine, at elaine@fumaoclothing.com to discuss your specific requirements and receive a quote for your next order.
