To wear a master's hood, such as those provided by Herff Jones, you will drape it over your head and shoulders, ensuring the velvet trim is visible in the front and the school's colors are prominently displayed in the back.
Herff Jones academic regalia, including master's hoods, follows standard academic conventions for wear. The key is to correctly position the hood to showcase its design elements, including the faculty color (velvet trim) and the institution's colors (lining).
Preparing Your Master's Hood
Before wearing your hood, it's essential to ensure it looks its best for your graduation ceremony.
- Remove Wrinkles: To ensure a polished appearance, simply use a cool iron or steamer to remove any wrinkles. Alternatively, hanging the hood in a steamy bathroom can help loosen creases. This step makes a significant difference in how the hood drapes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wearing Your Master's Hood
The master's hood is the final piece of academic regalia you put on, after your gown and cap.
- Don Your Gown: First, put on your academic gown. Ensure it is zipped or fastened correctly and fits comfortably over your clothing.
- Wear Your Cap: Next, place your mortarboard cap on your head. The front of the cap (often indicated by a small elastic or a label) should be positioned towards your forehead. The tassel typically hangs on the right side before graduation and is moved to the left after the degree is conferred.
- Position the Hood (Last Piece):
- Hold the hood with the velvet side facing up and the V-shaped opening towards you.
- Place the hood over your head, allowing it to drape over your shoulders and down your back.
- The narrow V-shaped front of the hood should rest over your chest, with the velvet trim prominently displayed around your neck and down the front of your gown.
- Adjust the Velvet Trim: Carefully adjust the hood so that the velvet trim lies flat and even across your shoulders and chest. This colored velvet signifies your specific academic discipline (e.g., dark blue for Philosophy, light blue for Education, gold for Science).
- Display School Colors:
- Reach behind you and locate the colored lining of the hood. This lining represents your university's official colors.
- Turn the lining inside out over the shoulders so that the school's colors are clearly visible and fanned out on your back, rather than tucked under. Many hoods have a small cord or elastic loop to help secure this flap to a gown button or zipper, ensuring the colors remain visible.
- Secure the Hood (Optional): Many master's hoods have a small cord or loop at the front of the V-neck. This can be attached to a shirt button or a small pin to prevent the hood from shifting throughout the ceremony and keep the velvet trim neatly in place.
Key Elements of a Master's Hood
Understanding the different parts of your hood can help you wear it correctly and appreciate its symbolism.
| Feature | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Shell/Fabric | The main body of the hood, typically black or dark fabric. | Standard academic regalia component. |
| Velvet Trim | The colored velvet band on the outer edge, around the front of the V. | Indicates the academic discipline of your degree. |
| Lining | The silk-like fabric on the inside of the hood. | Displays your institution's official colors. |
| Field | The longer, pointed portion that drapes down the back. | Part of the traditional design. |
Tips for a Perfect Look
- Practice: Try on your full regalia, including the hood, before graduation day to ensure everything fits and looks correct.
- Mirror Check: Use a full-length mirror to check the front and back of your hood. Ensure the velvet is straight and the lining is fanned out properly.
- Assistance: Don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help in adjusting the hood, especially the lining at the back, to ensure it looks neat.
- Comfort: While styling is important, ensure the hood is comfortable and doesn't restrict movement or breathing.
By following these steps, your Herff Jones master's hood will be worn correctly, showcasing your academic achievement and institutional pride during your graduation ceremony.
