system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How did wearing caps and gowns at graduations become a thing?
gpt
Originally, the cap and gown was a practical uniform for medieval university students, much like monk's robes and nun's habits.  The design was meant to be practical and warm while distinguishing scholars and teachers.  There are many traditions of rank and specialty which are actually remeniscent of military uniforms.

Of course people don't wear the cap and gown every day anymore, but it has retained a tradition on formal educational occasions.