What Side Does The Tassel Go On Before You Graduate

Graduation day is full of traditions—caps, gowns, speeches, and of course, the tassel. As small as it seems, that little string on your cap actually holds a lot of meaning. One of the most common questions students ask before the big moment is what side does the tassel go on before you graduate. It’s a detail that might feel minor, but getting it right shows respect for the ceremony and its symbolism.

Whether you’re preparing for high school, college, or beyond, knowing the proper tassel placement helps you step into graduation with confidence—and maybe a few less nerves.

Tassel Placement Before Graduation

Before the ceremony begins, there’s a clear and time-honored tradition when it comes to tassel placement. In most schools and institutions across the United States, the tassel is worn on the right side of the cap before you officially graduate. This placement symbolizes that you’re a candidate for graduation, not yet a full-fledged graduate.

The tradition is especially prominent at high school and undergraduate ceremonies. You’ll often see a sea of caps with tassels swaying on the right side as students file into their seats. The idea is simple: once you’ve earned the degree—usually after your name is called or once everyone receives their diplomas—the tassel is moved to the left to symbolize your new status.

While it might seem like a small detail, getting the side right is important. Not only is it symbolic, but it’s also part of looking uniform with your classmates. Graduation ceremonies tend to emphasize unity, and matching tassel placement helps everyone feel part of a shared moment.

This tradition is also supported by most official academic dress codes and is rarely up for debate—unless your school follows a slightly different tradition, which leads us to the next point.

The Tassel Turn: What It Means

The moment you move your tassel is more than just a cute photo op—it’s a powerful and emotional symbol. It represents the transition from student to graduate, a rite of passage that has been passed down for generations. At most ceremonies, this moment is guided by an official announcement, often by the principal, dean, or another key speaker.

Typically, once all the degrees are awarded or the keynote speech wraps up, the speaker will say something along the lines of, “Graduates, please move your tassels from the right side to the left.” At that point, the entire graduating class performs the movement together—a simple gesture that carries a lot of weight.

The movement of the tassel is often the final act of the ceremony before students throw their caps in the air or celebrate with family. It marks not just the completion of a program, but the beginning of a new chapter. Whether you’re heading to college, entering the workforce, or taking time to figure things out, moving your tassel is a way of saying, “I did it.”

Some schools add their own flair to this moment. In smaller ceremonies, students may move the tassel individually right after receiving their diploma. Others may wait until the entire class has crossed the stage. Either way, it’s a unifying gesture with deep personal meaning.

Exceptions and Special Cases

While most schools follow the right-before, left-after rule, there are exceptions—and they’re worth knowing about so you’re not caught off guard on the big day.

One of the most common variations occurs at college graduation ceremonies, especially for students receiving advanced degrees like master’s or doctorates. In some of these ceremonies, graduates may begin with the tassel on the left side and leave it there throughout. This is because they’ve technically already earned their undergraduate degrees, so they’re recognized immediately as degree holders.

Another exception applies to honors students or members of academic societies. Some institutions give these students tassels in different colors, or allow them to wear them on a different side entirely as a mark of distinction. For example, a student graduating summa cum laude may be instructed to wear the tassel on the left from the beginning to signify their high academic standing.

Double majors and dual-degree candidates may also encounter different protocols, especially if their degrees are being awarded from different colleges within a university. If you’re unsure, your school will usually provide very specific guidance to avoid confusion.

International customs can vary widely, too. In some countries, the tassel movement isn’t part of the graduation ceremony at all, while in others, the entire regalia looks quite different. If you’re attending a graduation abroad or at an international school, it’s a good idea to check the local customs ahead of time.

Finally, a few nontraditional schools or progressive programs may do away with the tassel tradition altogether. These ceremonies might focus more on student expression, with no official rules about what side to wear it on. In these cases, the emphasis is placed more on personal celebration than symbolic formality.

Graduation Cap and Tassel Tips

Now that you know what the tassel represents and where it should go, let’s talk about how to wear it well. Graduation day involves hours of photos, walking, hugging, and possibly a gust of wind or two—so make sure your cap and tassel are ready to stay put and look great.

Start with a secure fit. Graduation caps (a.k.a. mortarboards) aren’t always one-size-fits-all, even though they often claim to be. Make sure it sits flat on your head, not tilted too far back. Use bobby pins or hair clips to keep it snug—especially if you have thick or curly hair. Some people also sew elastic inside the band for a custom grip.

Position the tassel correctly. The button at the top center of your cap is where the tassel attaches. Let it hang naturally from the right side before the ceremony begins. If you’re taking early photos, resist the urge to pre-flip it to the left. That moment is best saved for the official cue.

Match the tassel to your achievement. Tassel colors aren’t random—they often reflect your school’s colors, your major or field of study, or your level of achievement. For example, gold tassels might be used for honor students, while specific colors like royal blue or forest green can indicate academic disciplines like education or health sciences. Your school will usually assign these colors, but if you’re purchasing your own cap and gown, double-check their requirements.

Avoid over-decorating the tassel. While decorating the top of your cap is widely accepted (and even encouraged at many schools), adding extra items to the tassel itself can make it hang unevenly or fall off. If you want to personalize your tassel, keep it subtle—maybe a charm with your graduation year or a small school logo.

Practice the flip. It may sound silly, but practicing the tassel movement ahead of time can help. During the ceremony, nerves and excitement can make even simple motions feel tricky. Knowing how to smoothly flip it from right to left can make the moment feel polished and confident.

Have a backup plan. Sometimes tassels fall off or caps shift during the ceremony. Bringing an extra tassel or a few extra bobby pins can save the day. Trust us—no one wants to fumble during the big moment just because of a stubborn accessory.