How to Dress for Church

Long gone are the days when people wore hats, white gloves and patent leather to a Sunday morning service. Modern churchgoers wear everything from suits and dresses to jeans and tees.

Things You'll Need

• Hosiery
• Men's Dress Shirts
• Men's Dress Sweater
• Mens' Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Coats
• Women's Dress Pants
• Women's Dress Shirts
• Women's Dress Sweater
• dresses and skirts

Instructions

1. Check with your new church or one that you'll be visiting to find out if a dress code exists.

2. Consider regional tendencies. Services in larger cities, particularly in the South and Northeast, often boast dressier congregations.

3. Go in business casual anytime you're unsure. Men and boys might opt for khaki pants, a button-down shirt and leather slip-on shoe. Women and girls may choose a simple dress or a matching skirt and top with nice, low-heeled shoes.

4. Keep shoulders covered and lengths long until you discover the levels of tolerance of your particular church. Shorts, miniskirts and tank tops are too revealing for many services.

5. Keep prints and patterns in good taste.

6. Be comfortable and be yourself. Don't feel obligated to dress in clothes that you feel are otherwise too fancy for who you are or likewise more casual than what you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult guidebooks if you plan to visit churches in any country whose religious customs are unfamiliar. Greek Orthodox churches, for example, require legs and arms to be covered prior to entry.