A latino graduate stole or a sarape sash is a type of graduation stole that features beautiful Mexican-inspired colorful patterns. 

The origins of the Kente cloth go back past 400 years to West Africa, to what is now modern day Ghana. Formerly the garb of royalty, Kente cloth can be worn today by many people who regard it as a symbol of African pride and dignity.

Pride Stoles celebrate inclusion with the rainbow pride flag as a symbol representing community and allyship.

Most people already know the significance of the cap and gown and where it comes from, but what about the graduation stole? 

Custom graduation stoles are filled with meaning. Wearing custom stoles at your graduation represents so much more than your academic achievements. There’s a long history surrounding the graduation stole, and it’s representative of ancient tradition. The name comes from “Stola,” a Latin-Greek word meaning garment. 

Both Anglican and Catholic priests originally wore them in the 12th century to indicate their positions in their respective churches. Grad stoles were initially worn by the English clergy but would come to be worn by scholars during medieval times. The regalia would be combined with the caps and gowns found in high schools and colleges to mean high academic achievement. 

Over time, the college graduation stole has changed to incorporate new colors and symbols. Examples include the degree you majored in or if you hold a certain academic honors, such as being class valedictorian.  

Technically, a contemporary graduation stole can include whatever you want. The concept of the personalized graduation stole allows you to tell your story and express your uniqueness. 

Many people assume that a graduation sash is nothing more than a fancy part of the uniform worn during graduation. Despite their eye-catching styles, these are much more than accessories and they do have an important purpose. Graduation stoles are a symbol of the academic achievements you’ve made and a demonstration of how far you’ve come since the beginning of freshman year.  

Modern stoles harken back to how traditional stoles signified rank. Someone with a special stole would be given an immense amount of respect and power within their community. 

Your stole is there to commemorate the story of your academic life. You’ll find academic majors, sports teams, music clubs, and artistic pursuits symbols. Schools may also have unique sashes for those who maintained high GPAs or were involved in volunteer work. 

If you only take one lesson away, your graduation stole design is about freedom of expression and telling others what makes you one-of-a-kind. 

Not every institution is going to have the same type of graduation stole. You might find that your school doesn’t specify which kind of stole you have to wear. If so, you’ve got a lot of choices at your disposal.

Stock Imprinted Stoles 
Embroidered graduation stoles are for those exceptional students who want to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for honors graduation stoles to show that you finished top of your class, or you want to show your status as the class president, stock imprinted stoles are for you. 

Remember, it’s vital to seek out a graduation sash that accurately shows off who you are. 

Custom Stoles 
The traditional stole was not customized but issued by whatever school you attended. You usually didn’t have much of a choice over the sash you wore for your graduation. 

Educational institutions across the country are increasingly allowing students to customize their stoles with few rules and restrictions. Why not design your own tailored sash for your upcoming graduation if this sounds like you? 

Create something memorable for your graduation by taking your stole to the next level. You’ve got so many options at your disposal to maximize the space you have while crafting a clean, tasteful design. 

Represent Your Cultural Heritage 

Celebrate your cultural heritage and honor your experiences with a flag from the country that feels like home. Custom flags can be the size of a badge and be placed at the bottom of either side of the sash. Some students even show off the flags of the places they’ve traveled to during their education or locations that they’ve studied abroad.

Graduation stoles, also commonly referred to as a graduation sash, are sashes worn draped over the shoulders at a commencement ceremony to denote achievement or involvement in academics, sports, student clubs, professional organizations, extracurriculars, their major, as a member of Greek Society in a fraternity or sorority or membership to specific organizations during their time in school.

The Stole of Gratitude is worn during the commencement ceremony. After the ceremony, the new graduate presents the stole to someone who provided extraordinary help or support, like parents, relatives, or mentors who have helped with wisdom, words of support, or with financial assistance. Stoles of Gratitude may be decorated. Presenters can write words of love and appreciation on the back of the stole. Recipients will never forget the kindness in the recognition and emotional and sentimental feelings connected with being presented the Stole of Gratitude.

A First Generation Stole celebrates those who are the first in their family to graduate.

International Stoles can represent the country of origin for a student or the academic accomplishments of a student that has studied abroad.  International stoles featuring the countries of Canada, China, Guam, India, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States of America are available.

Military Stoles can be worn to show and recognize participation or appreciation for the military branches; Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marines Corps, Air Force.  They can be worn for active service men and women. Veteran stoles highlight those who have honored and served our country.