Opinions on Academic headwear - custom?

[mikeh]

I wonder if any of you who have to wear Academic regalia on any kind of regular basis have particular opinions on the headgear? I'm going to be purchasing some in the (near?) future, and am interested in figuring out what I should take into account. I'm personally inclined towards a tam rather than a motar-board style, but might be persuaded. Might. If I have one made for me, what should I do for a sweatband? I have no idea what is typical, good, or ideal. I suspect, since they aren't daily wear, it would take me quite a few years to come to any conclusions on my own, so I'd love to benefit from the experience of others.

Details, since there are different rules for different contexts. The regalia would be for an American Ph.D. For the benefit of all, comments can pertain to any combination of nation and degree as far as I'm concerned.

 

[job]

How about these. http://capandgownprices.com/academic_caps.html

 

[mikeh]

John,
Thanks. I'd seen that site (and a couple other similar), but was looking for more about qualities or characteristics that people like or dislike about the caps, tams, and whatnot that they've experienced.

Mike

 

[Atticus Finch]

In the nineteen eighties, I taught several years at a junior college and one year at East Carolina University. In both places, the faculty was strongly encouraged to attend graduation ceremonies each May. But other than that one time per year, I never needed academic regalia...so I just rented mine from (I think) the same company as did the graduates. I'm sure many other faculty members did the same.

AF

 

[mikeh]

That's likely what I'll do for the forseeable future - for the gown at least. I'd rather own the cap.

 

[Brad Bowers]

We have to attend graduation each May, so I always just wear the same cap and gown from graduate school. For only four hours a year, it works for me.

Brad

 

[Edward]

Your choice of headgear will be dictated by what is correct for the institution from which you graduated. Usually a Tam for PhDs in the UK; to the best of my knowledge that is the same in the US also. If a mortarboard is correct, a rigid crown option in the correct size is best.

In the nineteen eighties, I taught several years at a junior college and one year at East Carolina University. In both places, the faculty was strongly encouraged to attend graduation ceremonies each May. But other than that one time per year, I never needed academic regalia...so I just rented mine from (I think) the same company as did the graduates. I'm sure many other faculty members did the same.

AF

I used to have the School hire for me, but as I now do three ceremonies a year I had them buy it for me. Into year three, it has almost paid for itself.