Campus’s new graduation regalia comes with a price tag more than five times higher than last year’s.
The changes are part of a new partnership with graduation regalia provider Herff Jones and Cal Zero Waste, which aims to outfit graduates in rented, environmentally sustainable regalia, beginning with the spring 2026 commencement.
The new “custom EarthGrad” gowns are “the only regalia of their kind to be certified as manufactured from 100% recycled materials,” according to the Herff Jones website.
While previous regalia — plain black robes made from recycled yarn — was primarily made for purchase, the new gowns are navy blue and are intended to be rented, according to Herff Jones Bay Area Sales Partner Bill Higbee in an email.
The navy blue gown features a UC Berkeley school seal patch on the shoulder and is made from a sturdier fabric, according to Higbee. The custom regalia is intended to last at least 10 years, Higbee added.
“By transitioning from primarily single-use regalia to reusable gowns manufactured from recycled materials, the program reduces material waste associated with commencement ceremonies,” said campus spokesperson Lindsey Michels in an email.
According to Michels, the change comes as part of campus’s effort to support commitments to sustainability and to align commencement practices with the 2020 UC Office of the President single-use plastic elimination policy.
The purchase price of the new bachelor regalia starts at $260.45 for a gown and $49 for a cap. In comparison, previous graduating students could purchase their regalia, gown and cap included, for $47, according to a receipt from spring 2025.
“The change in regalia has definitely made me more stressed about preparing for commencement,” said campus senior Chloe Anderson in an email. “I had hoped to buy regalia second hand or borrow from a friend, but new colors mean that’s not really possible.”
Campus aims to address affordability issues through its Graduation Gown Lending Program, which provides a limited number of free rentals to Educational Opportunity Program-qualifying students, including first-generation and low-income students, according to Michels.
In addition, Michels noted that campus is looking to transition to a rental-based program with the new regalia. Rental costs start at $50.94 for bachelor regalia, which includes a cap and gown.
Michels clarified that graduates are not required to wear the EarthGrad regalia in order to participate in the campuswide commencement ceremony. Business casual, cocktail attire or other regalia are also acceptable.
Higbee said he believes this plan demonstrates how UC Berkeley is leading the shift toward rental-based, sustainable regalia.
“In the long term I see how it could be beneficial, but right now it means that the previous black regalia can’t be reused,” Anderson said. “I don’t mind using a rental because keeping a gown isn’t important to me, but I wish the cost were lower.”