Graduation Stole Ideas: Wearing and Customizing Your Graduation Attire

The end of your college or high school career is a time to be celebrated. After all, you’ve worked hard to reach this point, and you deserve to enjoy every minute of your graduation day. Many students wear graduation stoles to help make the day even more special.

What is a stole for graduation?

A graduation stole is a long, decorative scarf worn over your gown. Your graduation stole is more than just a pretty accessory; it’s also a way to show your school spirit and to show pride in your accomplishments. It will also be a treasured keepsake long after the ceremony is over.

Your stole should reflect your unique personality and style. Here are a few graduation stole ideas and how to wear it with pride:

The History Behind the Graduation Stole

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of choosing your graduation stole, it’s important to understand the history behind this time-honored tradition.

Believe it or not, stoles have existed long before the caps and gowns – but not necessarily for academic reasons. In fact, stoles have been worn for centuries as a way to show status and wealth.

In the 12th century, priests and other religious figures would wear stoles to signify their position in the church. Later, stoles became more decorative, with wealthy individuals adorning them with gold and other precious metals.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the graduation stole became a more common sight at academic ceremonies. At first, they were worn only by professors, but eventually, students began donning stoles as well.

The tradition has continued to this day, with stoles becoming an essential part of the graduation experience across the globe. Many schools even allow students to use their own graduation stole ideas to reflect their achievements and interests.

The Meaning of Your Graduation Stole

Stoles can be worn for a variety of reasons, but they all share one common goal: to show pride in your accomplishments.

For many students, a custom graduation stole is a physical representation of all the hard work they’ve put into their education. It’s also a way to show gratitude for the friends, family, and mentors who have supported them along the way.

In some cases, stoles can also be used to show support for a particular cause or group. For instance, some students may choose to wear an ethnic graduation stole that represents their cultural heritage or that shows solidarity with an organization they’re passionate about such as a fraternity or sorority.

No matter what your graduation stole ideas may be, the important thing is that it means something to you. When you walk across that stage, you’ll want to be wearing a stole that makes you feel proud and confident.

4 Graduation Stole Ideas to Add a Special Twist

If you’re looking to create a personal touch to your graduation stole, there are plenty of ways to do so. Here are four popular graduation stole ideas to consider:

Add Embroidery, Sequins, or Other Graduation Stole Patterns

One of the easiest ways to add something special is to create an embroidered graduation stole or add other embellishments. This is a great way to add a pop of color or to incorporate a design that’s meaningful to you. For example, you could add your school’s mascot or some personal touches, like your name or initials.

If you’re not the DIY type, plenty of companies offer customization services with graduation stole designs. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to have your stole embroidered or embellished before the big day.

Commemorate Your Class

If you’re looking for a way to show your class pride, consider getting a class stole. These stoles are usually decorated with your school’s colors and feature the year of your graduation. They’re a great way to show unity with fellow graduates and commemorate your time at school.

This is one of the best graduation stole ideas if you want yours to double as a keepsake that you can treasure for years to come. After all, it’s always nice to have an item that will remind you of your graduation year and all the great memories you made.

Include a Quote or Motivating Message

If you’re looking for a way to add meaning to your graduation stole, consider including a quote or message. For instance, you could choose a quote that’s significant to you or that represents your future goals. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated as you walk across that stage and into the next phase of your life.

You could also include a quote from a favorite book, movie, or song. Explore some of our favorite graduation quotes on our Pinterest board. Just be sure to choose something that resonates with you and that you’ll be able to look back on fondly.

Get a Professionally Customized Graduation Stole

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your graduation stole, consider exploring some professional graduation stole designs. This is a great way to get a one-of-a-kind stole that’s specifically tailored to your taste.

This is a fantastic option if you want your stole to be truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you want an intricate design or something more simple, a professional graduation company can help you bring your vision to life.

Looking for Personalized Graduation Mementos?

In addition to customizing your graduation stole, there are plenty of other ways to make your big day special. At Herff Jones, we offer a wide range of personalized graduation products, from stoles and sashes to class rings and announcements. Whether you’re looking for ways to commemorate your achievement or show your school spirit, we have you covered.

To learn more about our products and services, please contact us online.