A potential new member’s guide to primary sorority recruitment outfits

By Ashley Matustik, Staff Writer

Published Apr 30, 2025

Rho Gamma Lia Perez smiling with her group of potential new members in the Schollmaier Arena during the formal recruitment period in August of 2022. Perez individually oversees this group throughout the process, as each Rho Gamma has their own group. (Ryan Thorpe/TCU360)

Primary sorority recruitment includes multiple “rounds” that each potential new member will participate in. Each round is vastly different and has different objectives and material that are included within the rounds, and because of this, the dress code also differs from round to round.

The first round of sorority recruitment, also called the “open house round,” is completed completely online and at home, so there is no dress code applied.

The second round of formal recruitment and the first in-person round is philanthropy round and every potential new member (PNM) is given the same shirt to wear for all 3 days of this round. With the shirt, it is recommended to wear a nice skirt or pair of shorts, with comfortable and sturdy shoes.

The second in-person round of recruitment is sisterhood round and the recommended attire for these 2 days are elevated sundresses or shorts, or skirts with a nice top. Comfortable and sturdy shoes are recommended, and flats and sandals are also encouraged as this round is more elevated than the previous round.

For the final round of formal recruitment, preference round, the attire is recommended to be the nicest and most formal outfit worn all of recruitment, because it is typically a special and ceremonial round. It is encouraged to wear nice dresses, a pantsuit/romper, or a blouse and skirt as this round is seen as cocktail attire, business casual, or a nice Sunday brunch.

Outfit guide for the third in-person round and final round of primary recruitment, preference. (Ashley Matustik)
Outfit guide for the first in-person round of primary recruitment, philanthropy round. (Ashley Matustik)
Outfit guide for the second in-person round of primary recruitment, sisterhood round. (Ashley Matustik)
Outfit guide for the third in-person round and final round of primary recruitment, preference. (Ashley Matustik)
Outfit guide for the first in-person round of primary recruitment, philanthropy round. (Ashley Matustik)

The final day of recruitment, also widely known as bid day, you will be given a shirt from your sorority when you run home to the chapter. The attire for this day is typically athleisure, such as a pair of athletic shorts and a tank top. It is encouraged to wear a comfortable pair of shoes since this will most likely be a long day for the new member and they will be on their feet for most of the day.

Milana Henderson, a sophomore business student, said, “Everyone dresses differently and uniquely to them during recruitment, of course, there are dress codes, but it is more important to dress true to yourself.”