Do You Need to Buy a Graduation Gown, or Can You Just Rent One?

Are you graduating soon or planning to participate in a convocation ceremony? If so, you must have to keep your graduation gown ready. Apart from everything, the graduation gown is the most important academic regalia, and you need to celebrate your academic achievement with pride and confidence.

The gown with a long, flowing robe and wide sleeves that students wear over formal attire is considered to distinguish students’ scholarly status. Over time, it has become an essential, time-honoured part of academic ceremonies and traditions.

However, as you prepare for this special occasion, one question will pop into your mind. Should you rent or buy your graduation gown? Here, in this guide we will break down everything you need to know to help you make the right choice.

5 Factors you can consider

When it's about choosing between whether to buy or rent graduation gown, factors such as cost, sentimental value and convenience will come into play.

1. Cost

Cost is one of the primary factors that influence the decision of whether to rent or buy a graduation gown. Generally say, renting a graduation gown is more affordable than purchasing a new one since it includes custom features like embroidery of higher-quality materials.

Renting is a cost-effective solution as it eliminate the need for long-term storage and maintenance. Renting services also cover cleaning which end up saving you the extra effort.

However, even if the upfront cost is higher in buying a gown, you can easily avoid future rental fees if you own the gown, especially if you need it again for any other ceremony or professional event. Also, if you want, you can always resell if on secondary market or donate it to others.

2. Sentimental value

The sentimental value goes beyond the practical purpose of the graduation gown. For many, it is a keepsake worth treasuring as it turns into a piece of clothing that reminds them of their journey, their perseverance and their achievement. It is something that they can look back with pride.

Also, they can share it with family, friends and future generations. The sentimental significance of this gown is mostly raised if it comes with customised embroidery that holds its name, school, and degree.

So, if you want to keep your gown as a memento of this major accomplishment, buying makes sense. But if you prefer a minimalist approach or don't want to deal with storage or maintenance of the gown, renting will be a practical option.

3. Frequency of use

You can also consider your future plans and potential need for the gown to choose between whether to rent or buy a graduation gown. For many, graduation gown is a one-time-use item that will be worn solely for the ceremony and photographs.

But, if you have plan to pursue further education you might need regalia for subsequent graduations, conferences or ceremonies. Even some professional fields like academia or law also require ceremonial attire for official events. When you have your own gown, you can avoid the inconvenience of repeated rentals.

4. Convenience

Convenience also plays a significant role in deciding between renting and buying a graduation gown. Renting a gown can be hassle-free in terms of fittings, cleaning and ease of access.

As rental services provide standardised sizing guides or in-person fittings, it gets easier to find the right size without much effort. Even rental services make the pick-up and return services quick and convenient as they are associated with universities and have representatives on campus.

On the other way, buying a gown comes with unparalleled flexibility as there is no pressure to meet return deadlines and you get full control over maintenance. Also, having your own gown make sure you can clean, store and care for it at your convenience.

5. Environmental impact

Renting is widely regarded as a more eco-friendly option as it can be reused by multiple graduates over several years. And this will decrease the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new garments.

On the other hand, buying also makes sense as you can reuse it at multiple events. Considering long-term value if you use the gown frequently, owning the gown is more sustainable than repeatedly renting.

Why rent your graduation gown?

• It is a budget-friendly option for students.
• Ideal for a one-time event, renting eliminates the need to store or maintain the gown after graduation.
• Rental services often provide tailored packages, including easy pick-up and drop-off options.
• Renting reduces waste and supports sustainability by reusing gowns for multiple graduates. 
• No need to worry about finding storage space for the gown after the ceremony.

Why purchase your graduation gown?

• You can use it for future events, such as alumni gatherings, academic roles, or additional ceremonies.
• It serves as a tangible keepsake of your significant achievement, allowing you to relive the moment for years to come.
• You can select a gown style, size, or material that fits your personal preferences.
• After graduation, you can sell your gown to recoup part of the cost or donate it to someone who needs it.
• Your gown can be preserved and used in photoshoots, framed, or displayed.

Conclusion

Eventually, both have their pros, depending on how they are managed. So, choosing whether to rent or buy your graduation gown is completely your personal decision. Renting is often more affordable and hassle-free, ideal for those looking for a one-time solution.

On the other hand, buying allows you to own a keepsake of your special graduation day, which may hold emotional significance for years to come. So, take the time to come up with a decision that aligns with your priorities, budget and future needs.