Dress code
Visuality plays a significant role in the Conferment Ceremony. In addition to being a celebration, the conferment may also be described as a form of theatre. It makes tangible the transition that takes place upon graduation: from undergraduate to Master, or from doctoral candidate to Doctor. In the conferment, the distinction between Masters and Doctors is expressed through colour. The colour of the Masters is white; that of the Doctors is black.
Like any theatrical performance, the conferment includes roles, lines, a stage – and costumes. Dress appropriate to one’s role makes visible the sense of belonging within one’s own group, while at the same time distinguishing the groups from one another. Attire and adherence to etiquette create a shared spirit and atmosphere. The conferment also includes many processional formations and movements, which the formal dress renders visually striking. Without a unified manner of dress, the visual interplay between black and white would not be possible. Through attire, the framework is created for a celebration in which each participant may shape their own experience.
For these reasons, we expect graduands, their accompanying guests, and invitees to adhere to the prescribed dress code. This applies in particular to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and to the exhibition dances at the Conferment Ball. At the more informal events – Florens Day and the conferment excursion – dress is more flexible.
The Conferment Committee (
The instructions have been prepared according to participant group and are listed by event.
The dress code offers two alternatives: in practice, either white tie (tailcoat) or a full-length evening gown. Each graduand participating in the Conferment Ceremony may freely choose between these options.
The accompanying guest of a doctoral graduand, serving as sword-bearer, dresses in the same manner as the doctoral graduand, but without a doctoral sword. If the sword-bearer holds a doctoral hat, it may only be worn after the graduand has received the hat in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. The sword-bearer never carries a sword at the Conferment Ceremony, even if they possess one.
Acquisition of the doctoral sword and hat
Each doctoral graduand must acquire the doctoral sword and doctoral hat independently. Information on manufacturers can be found in the section Offers for Graduands. You may also request to borrow a sword from the University when registering. The sword and/or hat may likewise be borrowed from a friend or colleague for the Conferment Ceremony.
Use of the doctoral sword
The doctoral sword is attached at the waist of the trousers or evening gown with a button, loop, or belt. For this purpose, a button or loop may be sewn onto the left side of the trousers or evening gown, or a belt may be used. The button or loop must be black; the material may be chosen freely. With an evening gown, a suitable option is a black silk ribbon worn over the shoulder or a belt concealed beneath the gown at the waist. If a belt is worn under the gown, an opening must be left in the left side seam for the belt. If fastening the sword proves difficult, it is possible, though heavy, to carry it by hand.
Swords are carried only by those conferred as Doctors at this Conferment Ceremony (doctoral graduands, Honorary Doctors, and Jubilee Doctors), as well as by the Conferrer, the Master of Ceremonies, and the Head Marshal. The sword is carried during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, in the academic procession, and in the Cathedral or at the City Hall, but it is not taken to the evening celebration (it may be left in the cloakroom). The sword is therefore also carried to the church service or the non-denominational Laurel Ceremony.
Use of the doctoral hat
All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and in the church service. At the Laurel Ceremony, the hat is worn throughout the occasion.
The hat may be worn at the Conferment Dinner on Friday.
The student cap and spring attire appropriate for the weather. For example, a dress, a skirt suit or trouser suit, or a coordinated outfit including a shirt and tie. Participants may freely choose the colours. The student cap is worn during the event also indoors.
Rehearsal for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and the Sword-Whetting Ceremony
Please note that there is no time for changing clothes between the rehearsal, the Sword-Whetting Ceremony and the dinner, so dress according to the evening’s dress code already for the rehearsal.
The doctoral hat and doctoral sword are to be left at the University Main Building after the rehearsal to await the following day. Please note that each participant must clearly label their own hat and sword (including borrowed swords).
Wreath-Weaving and Sword-Whetting Dinner
Option 1: A coloured full-length evening gown
The gown must be full-length and may not be black or white. Black or white may appear in the gown’s decorations or patterns. The degree of openness is at the discretion of the wearer. The formal character of the occasion and the springtime season should be taken into account when selecting the gown.
A Finnish or other national costume may replace a coloured evening gown.
A black or white evening gown may be made suitable by adding colourful accessories, such as a bolero or a shawl.
Option 2: Tailcoat
A tailcoat consists of a black tailcoat jacket, black trousers, a tailcoat shirt, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, white gloves, and a white pocket square.
The tailcoat shirt has a stiff stand-up collar and simple cuffs. Ruffled or pleated shirts are not worn with a tailcoat. The buttons on a tailcoat shirt are pearl or gold; black buttons are not considered proper etiquette. The pocket square is folded into a narrow rectangle.
A wristwatch is not worn with a tailcoat. When wearing a pocket watch, the watch chain should not be unnecessarily visible. Black patent leather shoes are worn with a tailcoat. Socks must also be black. The most suitable outer garment to wear with a tailcoat is a dark jacket or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it should be white.
Black patent leather shoes (dress shoes) or well-polished regular leather shoes are worn with a tailcoat. Leather-soled shoes are not required. Socks must also be black. The most suitable outer garment to wear with a tailcoat is a dark jacket or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it must be white.
From one conferment to another, the attire for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees raises the most questions among participants. The essential elements of the attire are colour, length, coverage, and formality. Figure-hugging, revealing, or heavily embellished outfits do not belong to the Conferment Ceremony; the intended style is restrained yet formal.
The attire of a doctoral graduand also includes the doctoral hat and doctoral sword, which will already be awaiting their wearers at the University Main Building following the rehearsal on the previous day. Instructions for fastening the doctoral sword to the attire can be found in the section on the use of the doctoral sword and hat during the Conferment Ceremony.
When proceeding in academic procession from the Solemn Conferment of Degrees to the non-denominational ceremony or to the church service, outerwear must be left in the cloakroom. Coats and umbrellas are not carried in the procession.
The use of strong perfumes is prohibited during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Graduands stand in close proximity for several hours, and consideration should be shown towards those with sensitivities or allergies to fragrances.
Option 1: Black Conferment Gown
The attire of a doctoral graduand for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees is entirely black, full-length, and covering. It is simple, elegant, and refined in line. Traditionally, the attire is a gown, but it may also take the form of a formal trouser suit. It is worn with black gloves and black shoes.
The material must be formal. Black embroidery is permitted, and the fabric may feature a woven pattern (for example, damask). The material may not include embroidery in coloured or metallic threads, nor may it contain sequins or coloured decorative stones.
Full-length means that only the tips of the shoes are visible. The gown must have full-length sleeves extending to the wrists, so that no skin is visible between the sleeve and the glove. It must be possible to ascend and descend stairs with dignity while walking in procession; for this reason, gowns with a train are not recommended.
To preserve a refined and simple silhouette, the attire should be narrow in cut. If the gown includes a slit, it should not be excessively long, and any tights worn underneath must be of the same colour as the gown.
Black gloves must be worn with the attire. The gloves must cover the wrist and all fingers so that no bare skin is visible. Suitable gloves are simple, unadorned, and cover the back of the hand. They must be the same colour as the attire.
Black shoes are worn with the attire. The shoes must be closed at the toe; sandals are not sufficiently formal for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. As the ceremony involves considerable walking and standing, comfortable shoes that do not pinch or chafe are recommended. When selecting shoes, it should be borne in mind that they will be visible when ascending the dais.
Discreet jewellery may be worn with the attire. No handbag is carried. Essential small items may be concealed, for example, in a discreet pocket sewn into the garment.
Option 2: Black tailcoat (frakki in Finnish)
Otherwise as on the Sword-Whetting Day, but with a black waistcoat instead of a white one. At the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, matte black shoes must be worn with the black waistcoat. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
The attire also includes the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. White gloves are worn. A pocket square is not used with a black waistcoat.
At the Conferment Dinner, the doctoral hat is worn. It may be kept on throughout the evening, including during the meal.
The doctoral sword is not taken to the evening celebration (it may, however, be left in the cloakroom).
Option 1: Black Conferment Gown
The attire worn by a doctoral graduand at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees is also suitable for the Conferment Dinner.
An evening bag may be used, provided that it complements the attire. It is not, however, used while dancing.
Option 2: White tie (frakki)
The same attire as on the Sword-Whetting Day (but with a white waistcoat), complemented by the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. White gloves are worn. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
Relaxed attire appropriate to the weather. Suitable options include corduroy or cotton trousers with a knit sweater and a collared shirt or a dress paired with a jacket. A lounge suit is also acceptable. Similar outfits as on Flora's day are suitable.
The student cap is worn both outdoors and indoors during the excursion, so the outfit should complement the cap. The attire must not be overly sporty; jeans and clothing with advertising logos are not appropriate.
Option 1: Evening gown
At the Conferment Ball, the same attire as for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and the Conferment Dinner may be worn, or it may be replaced with a more open and fuller-skirted ball gown. The gown must nevertheless remain black for both doctoral graduands and their accompanying guests. Gloves are worn with the ball attire; their length depends on the length of the sleeves.
Option 2: White tie
The same attire as on the Sword-Whetting Day (with a white waistcoat), complemented by the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. White gloves are worn. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
The companion of a Master’s graduand, serving as wreath-weaver, follows the same dress code as the graduand, but without the laurel wreath or the ring. The student cap may, however, be worn on Flora Day and on the excursion, if available.
The insignia of a Master’s graduand are the Master’s ring and the laurel wreath. For Master’s graduands, the laurel wreath is included in the participation fee and is prepared either at the pre-wreath-weaving event or by the wreath-weaver on Thursday before the Wreath-Weaving Dinner.
The Master’s ring does not need to be made of gold or to be a specifically acquired Master’s ring; any gold-coloured ring is acceptable for use in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. It is worn on the index finger of the left hand over the glove during the ceremony. The graduand is responsible for acquiring the ring.
The student cap and spring attire appropriate for the weather. For example, a dress, a skirt suit or trouser suit, or a coordinated outfit including a shirt and tie. Participants may freely choose the colours. The student cap is worn during the event also indoors.
There is no formal dress code for the Pre-Wreath-Weaving; neat attire is sufficient. In accordance with tradition, the student cap may be worn if desired.
Please note that there is no time for changing clothes between the rehearsal and the dinner, so dress according to the evening’s dress code already for the rehearsal.
If you have chosen to participate only in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, you may attend the rehearsal in comfortable everyday attire.
At the Wreath-Weaving, the student cap may be worn in accordance with tradition, if desired.
Option 1: Coloured full-length evening gown
The gown must be full-length and may not be black or white. Black or white may appear in the decorations or patterns of the gown. The degree of openness is at the discretion of the wearer. The formal character of the occasion and the springtime season should be taken into account when selecting the gown.
A Finnish or other national costume may replace a coloured evening gown.
A black or white evening gown may be made suitable by adding colourful accessories, such as a bolero or a shawl.
Option 2: White tie (frakki)
White tie consists of a black tailcoat, black trousers, a white tie shirt, a white waistcoat, a white bow tie, white gloves, and a white pocket square.
The white tie shirt has a stiff upright collar and simple cuffs. Shirts with ruffles or pleats are not worn with white tie. The shirt studs are made of mother-of-pearl or gold; black studs are not in accordance with formal etiquette. The pocket square is folded into a narrow rectangle.
A wristwatch is not worn with white tie. If a pocket watch is used, the watch chain should not be unnecessarily visible.
White tie is worn with black patent leather shoes or well-polished black leather shoes. Leather soles are not required. The socks must also be black. The most suitable outer garment with white tie is a dark coat or cloak. If a scarf is worn, it must be white.
The use of strong perfumes is prohibited during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Graduands stand in close proximity for several hours, and consideration should be shown towards those who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
Option 1: Master’s gown
The attire of a Master’s graduand is entirely white, full-length, and covering. It is simple, elegant, and refined in line. Traditionally, the attire is a gown, but it may also be a formal trouser suit. It is worn with white gloves and white closed-toe shoes.
The attire must be clearly white, not, for example, cream-coloured. In the context of the Conferment Ceremony, white refers to a shade that appears white next to ordinary copy paper, not off-white or cream. Uniformity of white is important, as those wearing white proceed in the ceremony as a unified row in which any deviation is clearly visible. Please pay attention to the shade as much as is reasonable.
The material must be formal. White embroidery is permitted, and the fabric may feature a woven pattern (for example, damask). The material may not include embroidery in coloured or metallic threads, nor may it contain sequins or coloured decorative stones.
Full-length means that only the tips of the shoes are visible.
The gown must have full-length sleeves extending to the wrists, so that no skin is visible between the sleeve and the glove. It must be possible to ascend and descend stairs with dignity while walking in procession; for this reason, gowns with a train are not recommended.
To preserve a refined and simple silhouette, the attire should be narrow in cut. If the gown includes a slit, it should not be excessively long, and any tights worn underneath must be of the same colour as the gown.
White gloves must be worn with the attire. The gloves must cover the wrist and all fingers so that no bare skin is visible. Suitable gloves are simple, unadorned, and cover the back of the hand. They must be the same colour as the attire.
White shoes are worn with the attire. The shoes must be closed at the toe; sandals are not sufficiently formal for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. As the ceremony involves considerable walking and standing, comfortable shoes that do not pinch or chafe are recommended. When selecting shoes, it should be borne in mind that they will be visible when ascending the dais.
Discreet jewellery may be worn with the attire. To allow the new Master’s ring to receive the attention it deserves, other rings—apart from a possible wedding ring—should be left at home for the ceremony. No handbag is carried. Essential small items may be concealed, for example, in a discreet pocket sewn into the garment.
Option 2: White tie
Otherwise as on the Wreath-Weaving Day, but with a black waistcoat instead of a white one.
At the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, matte black shoes must be worn with the black waistcoat. When the white waistcoat is worn in the evening, patent leather shoes are recommended. In this case, either patent leather shoes or well-polished leather shoes are acceptable. Leather soles are not required.
The attire also includes the laurel wreath and the Master’s ring. White gloves are worn. A pocket square is not used with a black waistcoat.
Remember also the laurel wreath and the Master’s ring.
Option 1: ceremonial dress
The Master’s ceremonial dress is also suitable for the Conferment Banquet.
Option 2: white tie
As on the Wreath-Weaving Day (white waistcoat), but including the laurel wreath and the Master’s ring. Remember also white gloves and patent leather shoes.
Relaxed attire appropriate to the weather. Suitable options include corduroy or cotton trousers with a knit sweater and a collared shirt or a dress paired with a jacket. A lounge suit is also acceptable. Similar outfits as on Flora's day are suitable.
The student cap is worn both outdoors and indoors during the excursion, so the outfit should complement the cap. The attire must not be overly sporty; jeans and clothing with advertising logos are not appropriate.
The laurel wreath and the Master’s ring are also worn.
Option 1: Master's white gown
The attire worn by a Master’s graduand at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees is also suitable for the Conferment Dinner and the Conferment Ball; however, the dress etiquette is more flexible at the ball than at the ceremony itself.
At the Conferment Ball, one may appear in the same attire as for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and the Conferment Dinner, or change into a more open and fuller-skirted ball gown. The gown must nevertheless remain white for both the Master’s graduand and the accompanying guest. Gloves are worn with the ball attire; their length depends on the length of the sleeves. An evening bag may be used, provided that it complements the attire. It is not, however, used while dancing.
Option 2: White tie (frakki)
The same attire as on the Wreath-Weaving Day (with a white waistcoat), complemented by the laurel wreath and the Master’s ring. White gloves are worn.
The attire of Jubilee Masters, Jubilee Doctors, Honorary Doctors and their accompanying guests follows the guidelines given for doctoral graduands and their sword-bearers, i.e. black attire.
For Jubilee Masters, the laurel wreath and the Master’s ring replace the doctoral hat and doctoral sword. If a Jubilee Master wishes to wear their own Master’s ring elsewhere than on the finger, it may, for example, be worn on a necklace instead.
Like the graduands, guests may wear white tie (frakki in Finnish) with a black waistcoat or a full-length black evening gown. This is particularly recommended for guests who wear a doctoral hat. A dark suit is also appropriate; when replacing white tie, it must be black. Alternatively, a shorter black evening dress (ankle- or knee-length, depending on the attire of one’s companion) is acceptable. Official dress uniforms may also be worn, but national costumes are not appropriate for the Solemn Conferment of Degrees.
Doctoral guests and accompanying guests may bring their doctoral hat to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Those who are not being conferred at this ceremony—including Jubilee Doctors, accompanying guests, and other guests—wear their own doctoral hat during the ceremony, regardless of its colour or emblem. Foreign doctoral hats are also permitted. The hat is carried into the Great Hall on the left forearm and placed on the head when the Conferrer puts on their own hat. All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the festive church service.
Doctors previously conferred do not carry a sword. Swords are carried only by those being conferred as Doctors at this ceremony (doctoral graduands, Honorary Doctors, and Jubilee Doctors), as well as by the Conferrer, the Master of Ceremonies, and the Head Marshal.
All participants, including accompanying guests and other guests, are advised to leave their handbags in the cloakroom, which is supervised during the Conferment Ceremony. The use of strong perfumes is prohibited during the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Seating in the Great Hall is close and the ceremony lasts several hours; consideration should therefore be shown towards those who are sensitive or allergic to fragrances.
The same dress code applies as for doctoral graduands and their sword-bearers (without a sword), that is, white tie with a black waistcoat or a covering full-length black evening gown.
Doctoral guests and accompanying guests may bring their doctoral hat to the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. Those who are not being conferred at this ceremony—including Jubilee Doctors, accompanying guests, and other guests—wear their own doctoral hat during the ceremony, regardless of its colour or emblem. Foreign doctoral hats are also permitted. The hat is carried into the Great Hall on the left forearm and placed on the head when the Conferrer puts on their own hat. All Doctors, regardless of gender, remove their doctoral hat during the National Anthem at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the festive church service.
Handbags must be left in the cloakroom, which is supervised during the Conferment Ceremony.
At the Conferment Dinner and the Conferment Ball, invited guests who follow dress option 1 are, by exception, requested to wear a coloured full-length evening gown in accordance with the instructions for the Wreath-Weaving and Sword-Whetting Dinner, rather than a black gown. Dress option 2 is the same as for the graduands (white tie, or frakki in Finnish).
At the Conferment Dinner, those who have completed their doctorate at an international university may participate wearing the gown, hood, and doctoral hat of their alma mater.
At the Solemn Conferment of Degrees and at the Conferment Dinner, state orders and decorations are worn in accordance with the instructions issued for them. Recipients of Finnish state decorations are obliged to wear their insignia, and they are worn in full size (not as miniatures). Instructions on the correct wearing of insignia and ribbons are issued by the awarding body. State decorations and academic decorations are never worn at the same time.
At the Conferment Ball, state decorations may be worn; both full-size and miniature decorations are acceptable.
Academic honorary and merit badges, as well as ribbons of student nations, faculty organisations, or other similar bodies, may be worn at the wearer’s discretion at the Thursday dinner (the Wreath-Weaving Dinner and/or the Sword-Whetting Dinner).
Inspectors and curators of student nations do not wear their chains of office at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees, but at the Conferment Ball the chains of office may be worn in their capacity as invited guests.
Persons entitled to use a (dress) uniform may use it in all events at the Conferment Ceremony. The persons in question must of course obey the usual instructions and rules regarding the use of such uniforms.
However, the general colour worn by one’s own group should be taken into account: for example, the graduands and the wreath-weavers, who otherwise dress in white, cannot wear a black priestly uniform, especially in the Solemn Conferment of Degrees. The colour of the attire may, in certain situations, affect grouping and/or seating arrangements.
The companion of a graduand may wear an official dress uniform at the Solemn Conferment of Degrees.
This instruction applies to both Finnish and international national costumes customarily worn at formal occasions. The national costume must, in its character and style, be appropriate for the Conferment Ceremony.
At the Conferment Ceremony, national costumes are permitted only at specific events and when the dress code allows:
- Graduands may wear a national costume at the Thursday dinner, replacing the coloured full-length evening gown.
- Anyone may choose to wear a national costume on Flora’s Day or at the Excursion. The student cap is not worn together with a national costume.
- At the Ball, a national costume may be worn only by those whose dress code is a coloured full-length evening gown, i.e. invited guests. Graduands and their companions may not wear a national costume at the Ball.
