Wearing your letters?

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Wearing your fraternity's letters after you graduate makes you look like a complete loser that hasn't let go of the fact that he isn't in college anymore

That stems from the thinking that your fraternity affiliation is just a "college" thing. That also means you may place way too emphasis on what other people (may) think.

For those of us whom consider our fraternal bond a lifetime committment, we don't judge people that way, and those of us who come from that type of "greek" (read, fraternity) culture recognize that. We reserve the right to wear letters when and wherever we want.

That being said, I don't go around sporting paraphernalia all the time like it's the only stuff I own, either. We look at Greeks who do that and immediately think, "neo" (neophyte). I don't wear letters often anymore (except when I'm working in an official capacity with my org or in a service-related event). But I do have the license place/keychain/etc, and I do have a couple of jackets/sweaters that I may wear to specific events when appropriate.

Bottom line: My fraternal bond is for life. Many of us look at it that way, while others may not. In any case, I don't let other people's opinions affect whether I "wear letters" or not. Some of those same people will tell you that you're a "loser" to have joined a fraternity/sorority in the first place.

[Texas Beta]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

That stems from the thinking that your fraternity affiliation is just a "college" thing. That also means you may place way too emphasis on what other people (may) think.

For those of us whom consider our fraternal bond a lifetime committment, we don't judge people that way, and those of us who come from that type of "greek" (read, fraternity) culture recognize that. We reserve the right to wear letters when and wherever we want.

That being said, I don't go around sporting paraphernalia all the time like it's the only stuff I own, either. We look at Greeks who do that and immediately think, "neo" (neophyte). I don't wear letters often anymore (except when I'm working in an official capacity with my org or in a service-related event). But I do have the license place/keychain/etc, and I do have a couple of jackets/sweaters that I may wear to specific events when appropriate.

Bottom line: My fraternal bond is for life. Many of us look at it that way, while others may not. In any case, I don't let other people's opinions affect whether I "wear letters" or not. Some of those same people will tell you that you're a "loser" to have joined a fraternity/sorority in the first place.

I think everybody joins a fraternity for life. I can't wait to be an alumnus and help my chapter. I think the basic point of this argument is that people dress the way the position in life dictates. If you're making plenty of money, or command a powerful position in your business, I don't think you're going to be wearing your "badge" or whatever sort of pin you have to a dinner party. I'd rather new guys have my old shirts then myself wearing them even to work out. Being a member of a fraternity for life, does not mean you have to wear your fraternity’s clothes to prove that. When you are alumni there are so many better ways you can prove this. I don't see myself in the future ever wearing t-shirts besides the odd day that I can relax; even then I hope to be wearing smarter casual apparel.

In my view, wearing fraternity shirts = college. College matures you. When you’re finished with college, hopefully you adopt a more mature style of dress.

[OhSoSmoothKalyn]

Originally Posted by Texas Beta

Being a member of a fraternity for life, does not mean you have to wear your fraternity’s clothes to prove that.

I agree... there are many of my sisters who give away their shirts to the newer girls during senior service... I think it's a good thing to do... I'm a sophomore and I can't wait to give away my stuff to a younger sister... When you join an organization, you join it for life, you will always be what you initiated into

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by Texas Beta

I think everybody joins a fraternity for life. I can't wait to be an alumnus and help my chapter. I think the basic point of this argument is that people dress the way the position in life dictates. If you're making plenty of money, or command a powerful position in your business, I don't think you're going to be wearing your "badge" or whatever sort of pin you have to a dinner party. I'd rather new guys have my old shirts then myself wearing them even to work out. Being a member of a fraternity for life, does not mean you have to wear your fraternity’s clothes to prove that. When you are alumni there are so many better ways you can prove this. I don't see myself in the future ever wearing t-shirts besides the odd day that I can relax; even then I hope to be wearing smarter casual apparel.

In my view, wearing fraternity shirts = college. College matures you. When you’re finished with college, hopefully you adopt a more mature style of dress.

I don't necessarily disagree. As I said, I myself don't wear letters frequently anymore (I've been out of school a while). My point is that I reserve the right to wear letters if I choose to do so. They aren't any less my letters just because I graduated from school. For me, it isn't a matter of trying to prove anything to anyone. I dress appropriately for my current age/status/whatever, whether on the job or off; I definitely dress much differently than I did as an undergrad in college.

If I choose to wear 'nalia, it's no different than anyone wearing stuff with college names and logos (whether as a graduate or as a fan, but I suppose some people may not consider that "mature dress").

Like I said (in a nutshell) in my earlier post, one's opinion on the "wearing letters" issue depends on your viewpoint in general about fraternity/sorority life and its relevance after college.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

I don't necessarily disagree. As I said, I myself don't wear letters frequently anymore (I've been out of school a while). My point is that I reserve the right to wear letters if I choose to do so. They aren't any less my letters just because I graduated from school. For me, it isn't a matter of trying to prove anything to anyone. I dress appropriately for my current age/status/whatever, whether on the job or off; I definitely dress much differently than I did as an undergrad in college.

If I choose to wear 'nalia, it's no different than anyone wearing stuff with college names and logos (whether as a graduate or as a fan, but I suppose some people may not consider that "mature dress").

Like I said (in a nutshell) in my earlier post, one's opinion on the "wearing letters" issue depends on your viewpoint in general about fraternity/sorority life and its relevance after college.

If you notice, there are very few non-NPC/NIC members speaking on this topic for a very good reason.....

[akdphi_cherry]

At my school, I see letters everywhere, usually block letters, but a lot of tote bags for the NPC sororities. As someone mentioned before, it may partly be because of the high ratio of cultural GLOs we have on campus. I would definitely say that the majority of letter wearers I see belong to cultural GLOs, but they're certainly not the only ones. I see a lot of proud ZTAs, for one.

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

That stems from the thinking that your fraternity affiliation is just a "college" thing. That also means you may place way too emphasis on what other people (may) think.

For those of us whom consider our fraternal bond a lifetime committment, we don't judge people that way, and those of us who come from that type of "greek" (read, fraternity) culture recognize that. We reserve the right to wear letters when and wherever we want.

That being said, I don't go around sporting paraphernalia all the time like it's the only stuff I own, either. We look at Greeks who do that and immediately think, "neo" (neophyte). I don't wear letters often anymore (except when I'm working in an official capacity with my org or in a service-related event). But I do have the license place/keychain/etc, and I do have a couple of jackets/sweaters that I may wear to specific events when appropriate.

Bottom line: My fraternal bond is for life. Many of us look at it that way, while others may not. In any case, I don't let other people's opinions affect whether I "wear letters" or not. Some of those same people will tell you that you're a "loser" to have joined a fraternity/sorority in the first place.

I do think that fraternity bonds last a lifetime. My close pledge brothers will be my friends for life..........I don't need to wear an SAE lettered article of clothing to show that. I will always donate money and be a contributor to my fraternity just as any normal alum would when they graduate. I just simply believe that when you are done with college and working....it is a little silly to wear greek letters......and I also think it makes you look less mature. You are an adult now, time to dress like one. Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc. Like I said before, the only think I will probobly have out that people can see would be my certificate of initiation in a nice frame.......hanging next to my undergrad and law school graduation certificates.

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by macallan25

I do think that fraternity bonds last a lifetime. My close pledge brothers will be my friends for life..........I don't need to wear an SAE lettered article of clothing to show that. I will always donate money and be a contributor to my fraternity just as any normal alum would when they graduate. I just simply believe that when you are done with college and working....it is a little silly to wear greek letters......and I also think it makes you look less mature. You are an adult now, time to dress like one. Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc. Like I said before, the only think I will probobly have out that people can see would be my certificate of initiation in a nice frame.......hanging next to my undergrad and law school graduation certificates.

Then you better throw out any sweatshirts/t-shirts/caps/etc. with college logos, or better yet, don't wear anything that could be remotely considered "immature". That probably goes for shorts/sandals/t-shirts,etc., even in a casual setting...

...Oh, and no cheering or waving flags for your alma maters at sports events. Wouldn't want anyone to think you were "less mature", since you're supposed to leave that all behind when you graduate...

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs. For a great number of us, it is OK (and customary) to wear letters (at appropriate times) after graduation. We don't NEED to wear letters (again, we don't wear them all the time), but we reserve the right to wear them IF and WHEN we choose. And we don't get perceived negatively for it...

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs.

Exactly. For some people, it would be weird and inappropriate to wear sorority/fraternity, or even college gear, after graduation. For others, it would be a foreign concept not to do so. This is based in the cultural issues. Live and let live ... this is a pointless argument; no one's going to change anyone else's mind, and it's not really very important to do so. Save it for the big stuff

[macallan25]

Originally Posted by blkwebman1919

Then you better throw out any sweatshirts/t-shirts/caps/etc. with college logos, or better yet, don't wear anything that could be remotely considered "immature". That probably goes for shorts/sandals/t-shirts,etc., even in a casual setting...

...Oh, and no cheering or waving flags for your alma maters at sports events. Wouldn't want anyone to think you were "less mature", since you're supposed to leave that all behind when you graduate...

I say again, it's a matter of opinion, and of differences in the "Greek" culture of various campuses/orgs. For a great number of us, it is OK (and customary) to wear letters (at appropriate times) after graduation. We don't NEED to wear letters (again, we don't wear them all the time), but we reserve the right to wear them IF and WHEN we choose. And we don't get perceived negatively for it...

Well, you should learn to dress appropriately long before you leave college, so the t-shirt thing and sweartshirts are taken care of. I'll wear a sorority function or SAE party t-shirt every once in a while......very rarely though, maybe to class or if . Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid. Sweartshirts are about as cool as fanny packs.

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

[AGDLynn]

Originally Posted by macallan25

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

I wear my Alpha Gamma Delta letters, in various ways, almost every day. I have 1 small alma mater sticker on my car. They just changed mascots so I haven't gotten a new shirt to wear to the new games; they are talking about building a stadium. Maybe I'll wear an UWG hat and AGD letters.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

i will wear letters until the day i die because:

A) I'm an initiated member of my fraternity and want to represent "the meaning, spirit, and reality of Phi Mu"

and

B) DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THIS STUFF COSTS! I have $80 jerseys and $50 shirts!

C) My big sister made me most of my shirts and i love her to death...DUH!

D) There is no feeling in the (greek) world like slipping on/wearing a representation of your chapter and/or org for me.

[blkwebman1919]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Well, you should learn to dress appropriately long before you leave college, so the t-shirt thing and sweartshirts are taken care of. I'll wear a sorority function or SAE party t-shirt every once in a while......very rarely though, maybe to class or if . Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid. Sweartshirts are about as cool as fanny packs.

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

Humor me --- explain this "huge" difference.

There may be a huge difference to you (e.g., your motivation for doing so), but we're talking about the perception of other people (since the issue seems to concern whether or not one looks "less mature" and what someone "sees on your wall").

I don't see any difference between the two (but then, I don't have a problem with either in any case). If you're dressed like a college student might dress (which would be the case with either situation), then who's to say that someone might not perceive you as being "less mature"? In the old days, the "stereotype" of a college student was of a person wearing "college logo" gear (the university sweater, the logo flag, etc.).

You maintain that there's a big difference between the two, and I see no problem with wearing letters after graduation.

It's a matter of opinion --- no more, no less.

Reading your post, I am hearing that you deem wearing college sweatshirts as inappropriate after college as well (since that issue should be taken care of "long before leaving college"). If so, then it is pointless for me to further argue the point, although many people (including successful working attorneys) would likely disagree with you. If I am interpreting your post incorrectly, then you have my apology in advance.

Originally Posted by macallan25

Shorts aren't immature........thats stupid.

Oh really? Consider this: There used to be a time when shorts were considered appropriate only for children. You got your "long pants" when you became an adult.

Again, it's about perception, and differences in perception.

But --- DSTRen13 is right, the argument (in general) is pointless, and one should "pick their battles", so I will let it go --- I've said my piece.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by macallan25

Same goes for license plates, stickers, key chains, etc.

Originally Posted by macallan25

There is a huge difference between supporting your alma mater and flashing around your fraternity's letters. I really shouldn't have to explain that one.

Actually, I'm not sure why there's a "huge" difference. I see and pretty much agree with your take on clothes (although I also agree with those who have said that it's a matter of opinion and of differences in the cultures of various campuses and orgs). You and I have similar opinions here, although I think the "huge" difference is nothing more than what is common/traditional in our cultures.

I don't, however, see a "huge" difference at all with some other things -- decals, plates or plate frames on cars, for example. Why is a having an SAE alum decal or license plate frame on your car hugely different from having a Texas-Exes decal on your car?

I know an SAE alum in his early 40s who has a small (2x4 or so) decal of the SAE flag on the window of his SUV. I know a Sigma Chi alum (late 40s) who has a small decal of the Sigma Chi coat-of-arms on the window of his SUV, opposite the decal of the Clemson Tiger paw print. I know a KKG alumna who has a license plate frame that says "ALUMNA -- KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA." A decal for her undergrad school is nearby.

I'll readily admit that decals or plates of alma maters are much more common -- around here they're almost a requirement. But it's not so unusual to see something Greek on an alum's car that I would see any huge difference.

[Tom Earp]

Hm, I only have a license plate on my car.

LXA 1.

When I find the proper letters, I will add those in the window.

While I do not wear t-shirts, I wear polo or sweat shirts or a cap on the weekend.

Amazing how many nice fellow Greeks I have found and had a few froths with! Isn't that the point?

Finding fellow LXA Brothers is always even better!!!!!