LET’S TALK PIN ATTIRE

“Remember that the pin you so proudly wear over your heart is not merely to show the world that you are a Frat man; but to remind you that you are one.”

- Brother Edwin J. Stringham (Iota - 1910), “Ten Commandments for a ‘Frat’ Man.”

Being a Sinfonian means more than proudly wearing a membership pin or the Greek letters on your chest. It means that you develop deep within yourself those qualities and characteristics we hold dear. A lifelong relationship with Brothers and Sinfonia can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it requires an honest commitment and continuous effort. That is why, when it is time to wear your pin, whether it be the Probationary Member Pin or your Official Membership Pin, that you dress in formal attire as a sign of respect for our Order. We ask that you consider these four points when getting ready for a Pin Attire event.

WHAT IS PIN ATTIRE?

On formal occasions and for particular ceremonies, you will be asked to wear “Pin Attire.” This is a vague descriptor used to mean that you need to dress up when wearing your membership pin. The type of apparel you will wear will greatly depend on the occasion or event you are attending. This could mean wearing a suit, a tuxedo, or a sports coat or blazer. Formal pullover vests/sweaters may also be acceptable with slacks, dress socks, and dress shoes. It is better to err on the conservative side when deciding what to wear.

THE DON’TS OF PIN ATTIRE

While what is considered appropriate for Pin Attire depends on the occasion, there are some general rules of thumb that you should follow. You should not wear sneakers, sandals, canvas shoes, casual boots, or other casual footwear. Jeans, leggings, sweatpants, shorts, or other casual pants are not acceptable for Pin Attire. Additionally, tank tops, t-shirts and polos are not suitable for your membership pin, and should not be worn.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP PIN

Each new Brother receives the official emblem of the Fraternity in the form of a membership pin. This pin serves him as a reminder of his initiation and membership in Phi Mu Alpha. The Official Membership Pin is not intended for overt display and is to be worn nearest the heart on dress shirts, vests, or pullover sweaters. The pin is not to be born on lapels, collars, ties, the watch pockets of vests, coats, t-shirts, or as an earring.

CONCERNING LAPEL PINS

There is only one golden rule for wearing lapel pins: To wear them approximately where the lapel buttonhole is or would be on the upper part of the left lapel of a suit jacket, blazer, or sports coat. A lapel pin should never be worn on your right lapel. It is traditionally recommended that you wear only one lapel pin at a time as there is only one buttonhole. A Probationary Member Pin or Official Membership Pin should never be worn on your lapel.