Order Cap and Gown
Congratulations on your nearing graduation and commencement celebration with family and friends. For centuries, caps, gowns, hoods, stoles, chords, and tassels have been traditionally worn by graduates to mark this significant achievement. Together, this clothing is known as academic regalia.
A cap and gown are required for all graduates participating in the commencement ceremony. You may purchase a new cap, gown, and tassel or take part in the lending program at our colleges. Details about both are provided below.
How to Order Your Cap, Gown, and Tassel for 2025
Caps, gowns, and tassels can be ordered online through Jostens, a highly regarded name in academic regalia. IMPORTANT: Order from Jostens no later than Wednesday, May 28, to guarantee delivery before the June 20 ceremony.
Please note:
- Gowns are sized by height and weight. You will be asked to specify your height and weight to ensure a proper fit.
- Order your cap, gown, and tassel in royal blue if you are graduating with an associate degree, certificate, high school diploma, or GED.
- Bachelor's degree (BAS and BS) grads should order their cap, gown, and tassel in black.
The color of an optional bachelor's grad stole is determined by which BAS degree program or other group you are a member of. Refer to the About Academic Regalia webpage for more information.
After May 28
After May 28, you will need to explore other options.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure to check with the vendor about shipping/delivery dates to ensure your order arrives by June 20. Remember that Juneteenth (June 19) is a holiday and the US Postal Service is closed that day.
- Some vendor options after May 28 include:
(this is not a comprehensive or sponsored list; links open in new tab)
Cap and Gown Loan Program
A limited number of caps and gowns will be available through the Cap and Gown Loan Program. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Deadlines, distribution, and pick-up times for your requested regalia are different for each college. Refer to the accordion below for your college.
Details about each college's cap and gown loan program are provided in the accordion boxes below.
North Student Life Gown Loan Program
A limited number of caps and gowns will be available through the Student Life Gown Loan Program. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with requests beginning Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Visit the webpage at North and use the request form on that page to reserve a loaner cap, gown, and tassel.
The cap and gown loaner program at North has officially closed. A new order for cap and gown loaners has been placed, but sizes are extremely limited. Here are your options:
- Borrow on graduation day: The new order will not arrive until the day of graduation. You may try to borrow a cap and gown on that day, but please note that only limited sizes will be available.
- Purchase your own: If you would like to purchase your own cap and gown, please do so by May 28th to ensure it is delivered to your desired address in time. Order here from Jostens.
Keep in mind bachelor's degree recipients wear black caps and gowns; all others wear royal blue caps and gowns. A cap and gown is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Seattle Central College offers a Free Cap-and-Gown Lending Program to reduce any barriers to access. Supplies are limited and based on availability. Students facing financial hardship or barriers are encouraged to take part; however, all graduating students are eligible.
Instructions:
Students can visit the Student Leadership Building to pick up loaner regalia on the following dates. Please bring your student ID with you for pick up.
- Monday, May 19 from noon to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 20 from noon to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 27 from noon to 4 p.m.
For additional information or questions, please email studentleadership.central@seattlecolleges.edu. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with you!
Keep in mind bachelor's degree recipients wear black caps and gowns; all others wear royal blue caps and gowns. A cap and gown is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
The Cap and Gown Lending Program is hosted by Student Life at South Seattle College. This program helps reduce the financial barriers our students face by providing FREE access to commencement attire and ensuring they can participate in the commencement ceremony. Supplies are limited.
General Program Details for 2025:
- The Cap and Gown Request Form opens Monday, May 12, 2025, at 10 a.m.
- Priority Deadline: Tuesday, May 27, at 8 a.m.
- Our Student Life team will review each request and contact requestors with next steps.
- Gown pick-up - details will be disclosed in confirmation emails.
For questions about this program, contact us at SouthStudentLife@seattlecolleges.edu.
Keep in mind bachelor's degree recipients wear black caps and gowns; all others wear royal blue caps and gowns. A cap and gown is required to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Cap and Gown Donations
Please consider donating your cap and gown to future graduates through our Gown Loan Program. Donation bins will be available at the commencement venue near exits and elevators.
Grad Fairs / Spring Fest 2025
Watch for information at your college about Grad Fair or Spring Fest. These events have information tables about getting ready for commencement and other details for graduates.
North Seattle College Student Celebration
Spring Fest was held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Courtyard of North Seattle College & College Center Building CC1446.
A year-end Student Celebration is set for Monday, June 2, 2025 in the Courtyard from 3 to 5 p.m. The event celebrates all students, but there will be some tables specifically for graduating students. The celebration includes refreshments, activities, photo opportunities and more.
Seattle Central College Grad Fair
Grad Fair is set for Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at the Mitchell Activity Center (the MAC) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Free grad cap (while supplies last)
- Cap decorating station
- Grad resources and support
- Program booths - pick up your stoles, cords, info, and more
- Music, free food, good vibes
South Seattle College Grad Fair
Caps & Cupcakes: A Grad Fair is set for Monday, June 2, 2025 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in JMB A/B
- Decorate your graduation cap
- Write thank-you notes to those who helped you get here
- Enjoy some well-earned cupcakes
- Recharge and celebrate with your fellow grads before finals kick in