. The European practice of wearing academic regalia was introduced to the United States during our nation's Colonial period.  Students of most of the nine Colonial Colleges chartered before the American Revolution were required to wear the college garment during most times. The nine Colonial Colleges included New College (Harvard University), The College of William & Mary, Collegiate School (Yale University), Academy of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania), College of New Jersey (Princeton University), King's College (Columbia University), College of Rhode Island (Brown University), Queen's College (Rutgers University) and Dartmouth College.  The practice lasted at many institutions of higher education until the beginning of the American Civil War. Standards for academic apparel worn at institutions in the United States were set in 1893.  These standards defined the cut, style and fabrics to be used for academic gowns as well as the colors used to represent the different fields of learning. The tradition of wearing academic apparel at formal ceremonies expanded to the high school level in the early 20th century.  At first, graduates wore dark caps and gowns such as maroon, dark blue and dark green made of heavy poplin.  High school graduations today present the graduates in caps and gowns of the school's colors.  The styles of academic apparel continues to reflect the standards set for American institutions over a century ago.  The introduction of new fabrics and slight design modifications to provide comfort have contributed to the continued popularity of this time-honored tradition. University Cap & Gown was one of numerous companies of its type established in the early 1900s as the popularity of wearing the cap and gown at graduation ceremonies increased.  Only a handful of those original companies continue in existence today.  We are proud to be one of them.