News

After Court Restores Research Funding, Trump Still Has Paths to Target Harvard

News

‘Honestly, I’m Fine with It’: Eliot Residents Settle In to the Inn as Renovations Begin

News

He Represented Paul Toner. Now, He’s the Fundraising Frontrunner in Cambridge’s Municipal Elections.

News

Harvard College Laundry Prices Increase by 25 Cents

News

DOJ Sues Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 Over Sanctuary City Policy

BACHELOR GOWNS WILL BE CHANGED FOR 1938

Old Style Open-Front Commencement Gowns Revived Next Year Because of Greater Comfort

NO WRITER ATTRIBUTED

Samuel Eliot Morison, professor of History, announced last night as chairman of the Committee on Arms, Seals, Diplomas, etc. that beginning with the Commencement Exercises of 1938 the official bachelor's gown would be of the short, low-necked type rather than the longer, high-necked style characteristic of recent years.

This change, Morison stated, is motivated by the facts that the new style, as worn in most universities, is more becoming, cooler, and no longer draws the objection once raised to it. Not only is the neck cut lower, in the newly revived type, but the gown itself is nearly a foot shorter.

When bachelors' gowns were revived here, around 1890, the open-front type was used exclusively. A few years later, seniors began wearing their gowns all through May and June. At that time the style was altered to high-necked, in order to obviate wearing a cost under the gown.

As the practice of wearing a gown about the Yard in the spring months has ceased, and gowns are worn only on Class Day and Commencement, and as everyone wears a coat under his gown on these days, the Committee decided that the old more becoming style should be revived.

In regard to the costume to be worn under the gown, the Committees stated that a dark suit, black low shoes, a soft white shirt, and a not too flamboyant necktie are proper attire.

Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Tags