How to Dress Nicely for Church

Last Updated: January 14, 2018

Dressing up for church service used to be what was expected. Nearly everyone had an outfit they considered their "Sunday best" back in the day, but today it is far less common. It used to be that most men would wear suits and neckties, and women would wear pretty dresses. Even though that may not be the case today, we can still look nice. Weekly religious gatherings, or even special occasions like weddings or christenings, blessings or observation of a festival, provide an opportunity to dress nicely.

Steps

1
Observe any cultural regulations for dress and appearance at the place of worship you are attending.
2
Make the best of anything you have to wear. Make sure all of the items are presentable: clean, neat (ironed or pressed if appropriate), fit well, and in good condition. Wear these items with respect for their meaning in your religion or faith.

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3
Know what may or may not be seen. Some places of worship require footwear to be removed, or men not to have headwear in place, so no socks with holes, dirty toes or bed heads (and even women should not wear baseball caps--as shown in image 2).
4
Wear something you have been keeping for best if it is appropriate. A party dress or Hawaiian shirt is probably not appropriate, but the smart blouse or long sleeved shirt you last wore for a job interview could make an appearance at church.
5
Dress modestly. Church is a great place for women to wear dresses or skirts, but short skirts, low-cut tops, vest tops, etc., are some typically inappropriate garments. Also, be sparing with makeup and jewelry (natural and subdued, rather than gaudy and flashy).
6
Avoid High fashion. Churches and places of worship are not catwalks. The latest fashions are not required to praise your god.
7
Dress for the season if you like. In summer, wear colours that make you think of summer flowers, do the same for the other seasons if you desire. This can be nice if your place of worship has floral arrangements as decorations. Your outfit will go with the flowers.
8
Recognise the gifts of others. Attending a worship service is about getting together with friends and family. Wear items of clothing that were gifts if they fit the occasion. Accessories are great for this. Your friend that bought you that smart tie or your aunt that gave you those smashing earrings will love to see you in them at church.
9
Check with the rest of the family. You may all like to look good together when you worship or you may not care if you all clash color-wise and make an awesome orange, green and purple impact! The choice is yours. Beware though, a husband and wife attending church both dressed in white tops, beige pants and dark shoes may get one or two odd glances - only go "Bobbsey Twins" intentionally!

Community Q&A

Question

Can I wear my hair any way I want if it goes with my chosen church outfit?

Community Answer

Just one thing: He cares more about the inside than the outside. So as long as you are coming out of love for him, he doesn't mind if you are in a million dollar dress or PJs. So as long as you love him, you can wear your hair however you want! Jesus loves you!
Question

As a female who doesn't dress up much, would it be fine to wear just a plain white tee with jeans and a pair of flats/sandals?

Community Answer

God loves you whatever you wear and where ever you are. It is what is in your heart and mind that counts. Regarding clothes, it is actually the other people in the church you are thinking about.
Question

Can I wear my own clothes without my mom telling me what to wear?

Gabriella Calderon

Community Answer

You can wear what you believe is appropriate for church. If your parent or guardian encourages you to wear a certain outfit over another, however, it would be best to listen to them.