What to wear to graduation
Under the gown and at the party after: a suit that fits now, and works for years after.
Graduation is often the first time a young man needs a real suit. Get one that fits, in a colour he'll wear again, and it will see him through interviews, weddings and his first job.
The suit
- Navy or mid grey works for the ceremony and everything after.
- Light grey or tan for a hot outdoor ceremony.
- The fit: shoulders that end at his shoulders, sleeves that show a little shirt cuff, trousers that just touch the shoe.
Under the gown
Gowns are warm, and many ceremonies are outside in late spring. A lighter suit or a lighter cloth keeps him comfortable. The shirt collar and tie show at the top of the gown, so make them crisp.
Shirt and tie
- White or light blue.
- A tie in the school colour is a nice touch. Otherwise navy, burgundy or a small pattern.
The party after
Take the tie off, keep the jacket on, or swap the suit jacket for a blue sport coat. That's smart casual: see our guide.
Buying a first suit? Come in at least 2 weeks before. Alterations take about 2 weeks, and any last touch-up after that is done in a day or two.
Outfit ideas.
Navy suit for graduation
Modern grey
Classic navy
Blue jacket for the party
Light blue jacket for summer
Style tips.
- Buy it to fit now: sleeves and trousers altered.
- Pick a suit you'll wear again: navy or grey.
- The school colour fits well on the tie.
- Come in at least 2 weeks before: alterations take about 2 weeks.
Colours.
White
For many young men, graduation is the first real suit. Make it one that fits.
Questions.
- What should a man wear to graduation?
- A suit in navy, grey or a light colour, a white or light blue shirt and a tie. It goes under the gown and to the dinner after.
- What do you wear under a graduation gown?
- A light suit or a shirt and trousers in a light cloth. Gowns are warm, and ceremonies are often outdoors in late spring.
- What colour suit for a graduation?
- Navy or mid grey goes everywhere after. For a summer ceremony, light grey or tan.
- Should I buy or rent a suit for graduation?
- Buy it. A good navy or grey suit works for interviews, weddings and work for years.
- How long do alterations take?
- About 2 weeks on a suit you buy. Any last touch-up after that is done in a day or two.
Advice from the San Marko fitting room, 718 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY. Family-run since the early 1970s.
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