This one is for you Class of 2026! As you prepare to walk across the stage, you should know that graduation regalia is so much more than just a cap and gown. Every layer is part of a story, a visual representation of who you are, your background, your family, and everything you’ve achieved on your journey. That includes your graduation stole, or graduation sash. One of the most common questions we get is: “Am I limited to just my official school stole at my ceremony?” Answer? No – and here’s the ultimate guide to layering your graduation look to not only rep your school, but also honor what makes your graduation experience uniquely yours.

The Foundation: Official University Regalia

Most graduates’ journey starts at your campus bookstore. Campus stores are more than your stop for cap and gown rental, tassels, cords and other regalia pieces. Your campus store reps can help you decide where to start and even clue you in on promotions that will help you save money when shopping for graduation. CollegeWear, Inc. works with campus stores across the nation to bring students quality custom graduation stoles, a unique offering beyond the standard campus stole.

Note: Search our website for your campus for current promotions and official campus-approved stole designs.

Pro Tip: Always check with your campus store for information about your cap, gown, and institution-specific regalia to ensure you meet your school’s specific commencement dress code.

Tell Your Story: The Art of Layering

While the official stole represents your institution, many graduates choose to add a second layer to represent their identity and unique background. Choose from our variety of cultural graduation stoles and flag graduation stoles to customize or select a classic satin graduation stole. Create a design that’s a loving tribute to your family or highlight reel of your most important accomplishments.

The best way to layer your graduation regalia: Most graduates layer their custom graduation stole over their official regalia for photos. During the ceremony, you can stack them neatly – the official university stole usually sits closest to the neck, with tribute pieces layered on top/outside and adjusted so both designs are visible. You can layer as many regalia pieces as you’d like but here are some of our most popular options that you can create to make a look that’s your own:

Cultural & Identity Stoles:

Honor your background, heritage, or specific community with a full or hybrid cultural stole. Choose from our Kente, Serape, Native American Southwest, AAPI, flag stoles and more.

Club and Organization Stoles:

Represent your role in Greek life, professional organizations, or campus clubs.

First-Generation Graduation Stoles:

Acknowledge being the first in your family to graduate. Our First-Gen stoles are designed to complement official university regalia.

Quality Matters: Stock vs. Premium Options

When adding to your graduation day look, consider the quality of you stole and other regalia pieces because they’re keepsakes as valuable as your diploma. That’s where we can help! You can design a custom graduation stole for as low $54. We offer free shipping and rush production options. If you’re on a really tight timeline we offer quick ship pre-made grad stoles that ship in just a week. Perfect to grab pre-ceremony or once you book your graduation photography appointment.

Graduation Etiquette FAQ

Q: Can I wear more than one graduation stole?

A: Yes. It is very common to wear multiple stoles. Many students wear an official university stole along with cords, tassels, leis and other stoles highlighting clubs/orgs, greek life, or other achievements such as Honors and First-Gen stoles. Just make sure they are draped evenly.

Q: In what order should I layer my stoles and cords?

A: Generally, stoles are placed on the shoulders first, and honor cords/leis are placed over the stoles. This ensures your cords (which are thinner) don’t get lost underneath the wider satin fabric.

Q: What is the difference between a bookstore stole and a custom stole?

A: A bookstore stole is official university regalia. A custom or specialty stole is a personal addition used to celebrate your unique experience, identity or special milestones, like being a first-generation student or representing a specific major.

Final Thoughts for the Class of 2026

Your graduation day is a reflection of everywhere you’ve been and everywhere you’re going. By starting with your official bookstore look and layering in the pieces that mean the most to you, you create a graduation aesthetic that is as unique as your transcript.

It’s your journey and your graduation, ready to make it special? Browse our stole selections and secure your stole before your graduation photo session or design your custom stole now!