Frat is short for fraternity, a word meaning brotherhood. For those in a fraternity, this can mean a group of friends for life, incredible experiences and opportunities post-graduation. For those outside, it can mean loud obnoxious drunks, inappropriate behavior and worse. Whether you love them or hate them, they have become a subculture with their own character, reputation and even dress sense.
Maybe you want to fit in at a fraternity and need to know how to dress. Maybe you are going to a party and want to dress in costume as a frat boy. Whatever the reason, oneHOWTO is here to help you know how to dress like a typical frat boy.
Shirts, T-shirts and Polo shirts for frat boys
The three essential clothing items in every frat boy’s wardrobe are: button up shirts, T-shirts and Polo shirts. A well fitting collared shirt is one of the most common. It can be for almost any occasion. If it's clean, smart and semi-casual, you can wear it on a date, to an interview or just chillin' with the bros. A button-up Oxford is one of the most classic, with pastels an option if it's sunny.
The next best items are t-shirts and polo shirts, which can be worn on a daily basis. Make sure that both are simple, plain or striped. Don’t go for one with lots of designs or monograms. A basic t-shirt look will be the best for frat boy look. Also, you can opt for fraternity jerseys. These are jerseys of your alma mater and can be bought in any good campus gift shop.
If you do go for branded, you want something preppy like Yeti, Southern Tide or even the old classic Abercrombie and Fitch. Plain tank tops are also a common frat boy look, especially if you have the guns for them.
Shorts and pants for frat boys
The next essential item is shorts and/or pants. Both shorts and pants play an integral part in frat boy dressing. Opt for plain solid colorssuch as simple khakis or Nantucket red for the preppy frat boy look. Also, you can indulge occasionally on solid green or blue colored pants / shorts in a darker shade. Fraternity style does not include large imprints or plaid designs on shorts or pants.
You may also want to wear more formal looking pants in a casual way.
A classic chino is also a good option. You don't want something too baggy, but you don't want skinny jeans either. Something to work and play is ideal. Also, make sure that your pants or shorts do not have cargo pockets. Always opt for one that has minimal pockets. Branded shorts or pants can create a suave look. But any non-branded preppy chino is going to do the job.
Shorts are great for spring break, but the same rules apply. You want something which will look good on your step-dad's sailboat, not your crazy uncle's swamp boat.
Formal frat boy look
College is a time to have fun, but it doesn't always have to involve beer pong and keg-stands. If you are to attend an event with a formal dress code, you might be well-suited to a tuxedo if it is black tie. Don't go for anything zany. You don't need a ruffled shirt and pastel blue.
If you are going to attend a formal frat party, you might want to invest in your own tux. You will never go wrong with black, but a white jacket can work if you have the confidence. Bear in mind most college students are still growing. Renting a tux might be the better option if you don't think you will get your money's worth. For the typical frat-boy, a good-will tuxedo is not usually going to be an option.
Frat boy shoes
For typical frat boy style, we have two words: boat shoes. They are versatile and can be worn anywhere in any situation. Whether you are at a pool party or in a basketball game, you can always rely on a pair of boat shoes. So, stock up as many boat shoes as you can. The most popular brand for boat shoes are Sebago, Sperries and Polo.
In case you want to introduce a little change in your shoe wardrobe then you can go for boots. One of the best boots is LL Bean Boot. It is sturdy, stylish and can even last a lifetime.
Otherwise, nice sneakers or tennis shoes will work. Don't go for skate shoes or something which looks like streetwear.
Frat boy accessories
A nice brown, black or dark tan belt is the safest option. You can opt for a belt with your state flag or university logo or any other typical design on it. However, if you are wearing a college jersey, you don't want to end up looking like a walking billboard for the dean's office.
Simple, solid color plain tie or bow tie can be added for a formal look. Make sure that your tie is color coordinated with the rest of your outfit. Frat boys can typically wear a tie half untied with a shirt and shorts as a more informal look too.
Some frat boys might be inclined to wear a puka shell necklace or even something with beads. These can be worn, but they're a little old hat. Some may also wear wristbands from various festivals or exclusive parties you have been to. This is impractical, but might get you some cred if you flash them to the right people.
More important for the frat boy look is a nice watch. An Omega, Tag Heuer or even a Rolex (if you can afford it) would work, but anything which looks that kind of style will do. An Apple Watch will probably work as staying up on tech doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a wedgie for being a nerd.
Hats and sunglasses for frat boys
Other accessories typical of every frat boy are hats and sunglasses. Brand new hats are a strict no. You may buy a new hat but make sure it has the right look which balances between brand new and dirty. An extremely dirty hat is also not acceptable. So, the best hat should be the one which looks the one worn everyday, but cleaner.
Sunglasses are essential. You may give all other accessories a miss, but never the sunglasses. Ray-ban Wayfarer gives a classic frat boy look. It is the safest option to choose from when you are in doubt. Stock on a number of high quality sunglasses and you are good to go. Oakleys or some shiny wraparound can also work.
Frat boy costume
If you are wanting to go to a fancy dress party and dress as a typical frat boy for your costume, all you need to do is choose the options above. Better yet, make them more extreme. Instead of wearing a tank top, just go shirtless and hope people get the joke. Accessorize with a red solo cup, some Mardi Gras beads and some drawn on bad tattoos.
In truth, fraternities are filled with men from all walks of life, but they do have a reputation as heavy-partiers and being obnoxious. Whether you want to reflect these traits in your frat boy fancy dress costume is up to you. If you want to go for something similar, you can check out our Hawaiian fancy dress costume ideas.
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