How to Preserve Your Graduation Attire and Academic Accessories After Graduation

Published 7:16 pm Monday, December 2, 2024

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Graduation is a significant milestone in a student’s life. Receiving your hard-earned diploma while donning your graduation cap and gown makes the sleepless school nights worth it. For those who want to turn your graduation attire and academic accessories into treasured keepsakes, this article can give you valuable insights on how to keep them in pristine condition for years to come.

Cleaning and Maintenance

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Graduation clothing comes in various materials. Before you dry clean or wash your graduation gown, check the care label to ensure you handle it correctly. Most shiny gowns can be hand-washed, while matte gowns are best machine-washed using cold water.

Gowns with academic accessories should be tended to by professional dry cleaners. The care maintenance of your graduation outfit highly depends on the materials, so following the specific care instructions to the T is imperative.

Storage Solutions

Since you won’t use your graduation attire and academic accessories post-graduation, they will not be subjected to daily wear and tear. However, these precious mementos can easily be destroyed if not stored properly. It is vital you invest in storage solutions and follow effective preservation strategies to ensure your graduation ensemble is well-protected.

 

  1. Climate Control

Humidity and temperature are critical elements that can significantly influence the quality of long-term stored items. A climate-controlled environment can protect your academic accessories and graduation attire from intense moisture and temperature.

To ensure optimal preservation, store your graduation gown in a vacuum bag, garment bag, or wardrobe box. Keep them in a dry and cool place, and make sure the lid is closed tightly. Generally, the lower the environment’s temperature, the higher the chances of your cherished graduation pieces surviving.

  1. Long-Term Preservation Techniques

In addition to managing the climate, you must be mindful of where and how you store your academic accessories and attire. If using storage boxes or lidded bins, choose darker-colored or opaque ones, as they can safeguard your sentimental items from being damaged due to sunlight.

Remember to label your storage bins correctly to prevent you from opening and closing them unnecessarily. Avoid placing them in the basement or attic, as these areas are usually not climate-controlled.

If budget permits, consider seeking guidance from professional preservation services. This can be a great option if storing your graduation treasures at home is not ideal due to limited space or if you’re not confident with your preservation skills.

Memorializing Your Academic Journey

Another way to keep your graduation attire and accessories is to display them. Explore creative ways to commemorate and showcase your academic achievements. You can designate an area in your home as the academic memorabilia corner, where you can creatively and strategically organize them. You can hang them on the walls using durable frames.

Alternatively, you can donate your academic accessories and graduation attire if you decide not to preserve them. Donating them is one way of giving back to your educational institution and can also ensure they’re put to good use.

Endnote

Preserving your graduation ensemble is a great way to keep your college memories alive. Follow these pointers, and enjoy your journey to becoming a working professional.