As individuals in Greek organizations, a big part of pride comes when you receive  your first set of letters. I vividly remember getting my first lettered sweatshirt from my big, and how excited I was. Likewise, I also remember giving my little his first letters. It’s a tradition that many chapters do.  When wearing letters, you make a statement to the entire campus that you are in a Greek organization. Other Greeks, non-Greeks, and even professors are made well aware that you are involved in Greek life. With this, comes a great set of responsibilities.  As much as you love your sorority or fraternity, there should be certain times you make a note to either wear letters proudly, or not wear them at all. No one wants to be the person that embarrasses themselves and their chapter by being a complete tool while wearing letters. Regardless of how nice of a person you are, if you screw up while wearing letters, everyone knows your affiliation. 

WEAR 
Wear letters during philanthropic events for your chapter. Everyone loves a good philanthropy, it’s fun, and it raises money for a charity or cause and makes Greeks look good in the eyes of those who hate us. Nothing looks better than 80 Fraternity men proudly wearing letters while raising money for a good cause. You should wear letters during philanthropic events for two reasons. One, it let’s people identify and recognize you. It attaches your brand to the cause you are supporting. Two, it makes people who dislike you and Greek life in general look bad. Nothing proves to people that Greek life isn’t just partying than presenting a 5-digit check to a good cause. People take note of that kind of stuff. 

DON’T WEAR 
In my opinion, you should never wear letters to the gym. It looks tacky, and the world doesn’t need to know your affiliation while pumping iron at the gym. This is directed more so towards guys, because I know whenever I go to the gym there is always that one meathead in the same rush t-shirt I want to smack. It probably doesn’t help though that he drops his weights, uses incorrect form, and is generally very disrespectful either, however. 

WEAR

Class. Believe it or not, college is actually the place you are supposed to be learning, and not just having the time of your life. Wearing your letters to class is probably something that has been going on for as long as your organization has been around. I’m sure there were people in pin attire attending lectures in the 20’s, because that was common practice back then. Being studious, asking questions, and maintaining great attendance while wearing letters not only makes yourself look good, but also your chapter as well. Wear letters when you can combat the stereotype, not enforce it. 

DON’T WEAR

Partying. Many chapters (like mine) have a national policy of not drinking in letters. However, if yours does not, I highly encourage you to not drink in them. Plenty of shenanigans happen while out drinking, and having people see you in a drunken stupor with your chapters letters emblazoned across your chest isn’t good. So the next time you go out, keep the letters in the closest, wear them the morning after on 
the way to class.