Academic regalia of Harvard University

As the oldest college in the United States, Harvard University has a long tradition of academic dress.

And every Candidate for a first degree shall be clothed in a black gown, or in a coat of blue grey, a dark blue, or a black color; and no one shall wear any silk nightgown, on said day, nor any gold or silver lace, cord, or edging upon his hat, waistcoat, or any other part of his clothing, in the College, or town of Cambridge.

The sleeves are trimmed with three black velvet bars with pointed ends, and crow's feet befitting the subject.

[4] This is derived from the use of similar emblems to denote class standing on undergraduate gowns in the early nineteenth century.

The gown of the President of Harvard University is a form of Puritan clerical dress rather than an academic robe.

Tradition holds that full dress with white tie be worn under the gown, although in recent years this is rarely observed among students.

[6] An acceptable variant was full formal dress, white tie, but without the coat, the gown being worn in its place.

Today, formal morning dress including top hats, and often gloves and canes, is worn by officials at Commencement who are not wearing gowns.

In 1906, however, College Seniors, and graduate students of "other Cambridge departments of the University [were] especially urged to wear caps and gowns, as it is only in this way that many of these men will become known to other members of the class whose daily work has heretofore prevented acquaintanceship" as had been the custom for many years.

Today, the Sheriff of Middlesex County, Former Class Marshals, and other officials present at Commencement wear formal morning dress, including top hats, canes, and gloves.

James Michael Curley appeared in silk stockings, knee britches, a powdered wig, and a three-cornered hat with flowing plume.