Elegant, commanding, and steeped in tradition, dark blue is the academic regalia color reserved for Philosophy degrees and is commonly worn by recipients of doctoral degrees across multiple disciplines in the arts and sciences.

Whether your degree is in pure philosophy, political theory, mathematics, or even biology at the Ph.D. level—if your discipline is rooted in scholarly research, critical reasoning, and the pursuit of truth—dark blue is your color.

Why Dark Blue? A Symbol of Truth, Depth, and Scholarly Discipline

In academic symbolism, dark blue represents the depth of learning and truth-seeking. It is not tied to a single profession or practice, but rather to the philosophical roots of all knowledge. It signifies deep thought, rational inquiry, and the patient pursuit of wisdom through rigorous research and writing.

As such, it is the most dignified color in academic regalia—used in doctoral hoods and, when applicable, stoles that mark a lifetime of study.

Who Wears the Dark Blue Stole?

Graduates wearing dark blue are often awarded doctoral or advanced degrees in:

• Philosophy (Ph.D. in Philosophy)

• Political Theory

• Theology (depending on institution)

• Mathematics

• Natural or Social Sciences (Ph.D. level)

• Psychology (Ph.D.)

• History, English, or Literature (Ph.D.)

Although the field of study may differ, the color signifies the shared tradition of scholarly contribution and original research.

🎓 Note: While specific fields may also have their own master's or bachelor’s colors, dark blue is used almost exclusively at the doctoral level for disciplines grounded in philosophy and research.

A Mark of the Highest Academic Honor

Wearing dark blue isn’t just about graduating—it’s about earning the right to be called “Doctor.” It marks the completion of years of original research, comprehensive exams, and often a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the academic world.

The dark blue stole is a visual representation of prestige, excellence, and dedication to a life of learning.

Honor Your Academic Legacy

At The Sash Company, we offer custom dark blue graduation stoles to celebrate the pinnacle of academic achievement. Whether you’ve earned a Ph.D. in philosophy or another scholarly discipline, your stole can be personalized with your name, institution, or graduation year.

Your work shaped knowledge—now let your stole reflect it.
Design your dark blue stole and wear the highest honor in academia with pride.