Finnish graduate chooses plain white cap without glitter: “I was surprised how expensive they are”

A simple white graduation cap can cost over €100 in Finland, with prices varying widely depending on customisation, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle. Many students opt for traditional designs to keep costs down amid rising expenses for graduation traditions.

Jenna Heikkilä, a graduating student from Lappeenranta Lyceum, paid €130 for her cap after ordering it in a group purchase with classmates before final exams began. “The prices were a big topic of conversation—it was surprising how expensive the caps are,” she told Yle.

Heikkilä chose a minimalist design, avoiding glitter or personalised embroidery. Her only modification was changing the ribbon’s finish from glossy to matte black. “Most of my friends also went for quite traditional caps,” she said.

Basic graduation caps start at around €50–70, but prices can exceed €200 for premium models. Manufacturer E. R. Wahlman lists caps between €86–258, while C. L. Seifert—owner of the Fredrikson brand—reports most orders fall in the €70–150 range. “The final price depends entirely on the customer’s choices,” said Olivia Wuorimaa, C. L. Seifert’s country manager.

Heikkilä noted that students also discuss ways to reduce costs for other graduation traditions, such as buying second-hand attire for the penkkarit (pre-graduation celebrations) or skipping optional events like the graduate cruise, which can cost around €200.

In 2015, Yle found graduation caps starting under €30, though the price range has since shifted upward.