5 Ways a Line Jacket Shows Your Greek Life Experience

1. Badge of Membership

The line jacket isn't just a piece of clothing; it's a badge of membership. It signifies that you've completed your new member process and are now a full-fledged member of your Greek organization. It's a symbol of your commitment to your fraternity or sorority.

2. Identity

What sets line jackets apart is their customization. Each one is unique, representing not just your organization but also your chapter, your line, and your individual personality. Most jackets will include your organization’s letters, your line number, chapter, class name, and nickname. If you’re lucky enough to have a big who spoils you, you might also end up with a full custom embroidered piece on the back!

3. Connection to a Lineage

A line jacket is usually gifted by a mentor in the organization like a big brother or sister or a new member educator (NME). The person gifting the jacket can spend weeks planning, designing, and ordering the jacket! It’s common for the jacket to have the big or NME’s nickname embroidered somewhere on the jacket to connect the jacket receiver to them.

4. Rite of Passage

Receiving your line jacket is a significant moment in your Greek life journey. Depending on your organization, it can mean you “earned” your jacket by contributing to your chapter in some meaningful way. The person gifting the jacket often plans to gift the jacket at an important life event or Greek event, making the moment even more meaningful.

5. Lifetime Keepsake

Your line jacket isn't something you outgrow or forget about. It's a cherished keepsake that holds memories of your Greek life journey. It reminds you of the friends you've made, the challenges you've conquered, and the personal growth you've experienced within your organization.