What to Wear Under a Graduation Gown for Men: The Ultimate Style Guide

Over-the-shoulder view of a man looking at a checklist on his smartphone. Laid out neatly on the bed in front of him are a white dress shirt, a necktie, and a pair of black dress shoes, with a graduation gown visible nearby.

Graduation day is a major milestone, but it presents a unique wardrobe puzzle. You want to look sharp for photos with family and friends, and academic gowns are worn open at the front. With a V-neck opening and a hem that falls around mid-calf, your collar, tie, trousers and shoes will all be on full display.

Here is exactly how to put together a polished, professional and comfortable look for your big day.

1. Check Your University's Dress Code First

Most universities expect formal clothing under academic dress, and some spell it out:

  • The University of South Australia recommends neat business attire, with a shirt and tie for male graduates, and asks graduates to avoid jeans, shorts and sneakers.
  • The National University of Singapore suggests a long-sleeved white or light-colored shirt with a tie, dress pants and dress shoes, and does not allow T-shirts, shorts, slippers or sandals.

Rules vary between universities and change from year to year, so read your graduation office's instructions before you plan your outfit.

2. The Foundation: Dress Shirts

The top of your shirt shows above the gown's V-neck, so your shirt sets the tone for the whole outfit.

The Cut and Collar Style Choose a classic button-up dress shirt with a structured collar. A spread or semi-spread collar works best because it frames a tie neatly and stays flat under your hood.

Flat lay view on a plain gray background presenting six neatly folded white dress shirts arranged in two rows of three. Each shirt features a distinct collar style, labeled with a card to its bottom right.

Color and Pattern Selection You cannot go wrong with crisp white or light blue. These light, neutral shades let your tie and hood colors stand out without clashing. Avoid dark shirts or loud, busy patterns that compete with your academic regalia.

Fabric and Breathability Graduation ceremonies often run for hours in warm halls, especially in summer. Choose a breathable 100% cotton or lightweight linen-blend shirt to stay comfortable. Our gowns are made from breathable premium fabric designed for long ceremonies, so the right shirt underneath keeps you cool from start to finish.

A young man seen from the waist up, standing indoors next to a window overlooking a garden. He is wearing a long-sleeved light blue button-up dress shirt and buttoning his left cuff. A potted plant sits on the windowsill beside him.

3. The Details: Ties and Accessories

A tie adds a layer of formality and draws the eye upward in close-up photos.

Color Coordination Find out the color of your hood or stole ahead of time, then choose a tie that complements it. If your hood is a bright color like yellow or red, a classic navy, burgundy or dark gray tie balances it nicely. Need a stole or tassel to complete the look? Browse our Graduation Sashes and Stoles and Graduation Tassels.

The Knot and Tie Bars Opt for a neat Four-in-Hand or Half-Windsor knot. A full Windsor can look bulky once your hood sits around your neck. A subtle tie bar keeps your tie flat against your shirt so it stays centered in the gown's opening.

Reflection of a young man wearing a white dress shirt as he adjusts a blue patterned necktie in front of a framed mirror. In the background reflection, a black graduation gown and cap are visible on a coat stand.

4. The Silhouette: Tailored Trousers

The lower part of your trousers shows below the hem of the gown, so your choice of pants matters as much as your shirt.

Style and Formality Wear tailored trousers or dress slacks. Leave the jeans, cargo pants and shorts at home, even if it is hot outside. Graduation is a formal event.

Colors and Fit Dark, neutral tones create a clean, grounded look under a black or navy gown. Stick to black, charcoal gray or navy. Choose a slim or straight-cut fit, because baggy trousers bunch up and look sloppy in photos. Have them hemmed to sit at the top of your shoes with a slight break.

Flat lay overhead shot showing three pairs of tailored men's dress pants neatly folded and arranged vertically on a textured white fabric surface, colored black at the top, dark gray in the middle, and navy blue at the bottom.

5. The Finish: Formal Footwear

Your shoes are one of the most visible parts of your outfit as you walk across the stage to receive your degree.

Best Shoe Options Classic leather dress shoes are the gold standard. Oxfords, Derbies or sleek leather loafers all work. Choose a pair you have already broken in, because you will be standing, walking and climbing stage steps.

Color Matching and Maintenance Match your shoes to your trousers and belt. Black shoes pair best with black or charcoal trousers, while dark brown leather pairs well with navy and gray. Polish your shoes a day or two before the ceremony, as scuffs stand out against a dark gown.

Overhead view of formal footwear and accessories laid out horizontally across light wooden floorboards. From left to right: black oxford shoes with black socks and a black belt, dark brown derby shoes with dark brown socks and a matching brown belt, and medium brown loafers with brown socks and a woven brown leather belt.

Quick Checklist for Graduation Morning

  • Dress shirt: ironed or steamed, especially the collar and cuffs
  • Tie: centered and coordinated with your hood
  • Pockets: empty (leave your phone, wallet and keys with family to avoid bulges under the gown)
  • Socks: matched to your trousers (no white athletic socks)
  • Shoes: cleaned and polished
  • Gown, hood and cap: checked the night before

Still choosing your gown? Browse Bachelor Graduation Gowns, Masters Graduation Gowns and Doctoral Regalia, and use our Sizing Guide to pick your size by height. Not sure how to put it all on? See How to Wear Your Graduation Gown and Cap.

Dressing for the occasion together? Read our companion guide, What to Wear Under a Graduation Gown for Women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wear a tie under my graduation gown?
Many universities recommend one. If your dress code says business attire, a tie is the safe choice.

Can I wear a suit jacket under my gown?
Yes, if it fits comfortably under the gown sleeves. In hot weather, a shirt and tie without a jacket is common and looks just as formal.

Can I wear sneakers to my graduation?
Most universities ask graduates to avoid sneakers. Polished leather dress shoes are the safest choice.

What color shirt looks best under a black gown?
White or light blue. Light shirts contrast with the gown and hood and photograph well.

Should my belt match my shoes?
Yes. Your gown is open at the front, so your belt can show. Choose one in the same color as your shoes.

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