How to Dress for a Bar Mitzvah

A young man's bar mitzvah is an important day for him and a festive occasion for his guests. If you've been invited to a bar mitzvah, you need to know how to dress appropriately. If you are the bar mitzvah boy, you should know how to look your best.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clothing for the bar mitzvah service and party

Be a Perfectly Dressed Guest

1. Find out what kind of synagogue the service is being held in, since different denominations of Judaism have different rules for dressing.
2. Maintain a certain level of decorum in dress when attending a bar mitzvah service, no matter what the denomination of the synagogue. Boys and men should wear coats and ties; girls and women should wear skirts, dresses or suits.
3. Make sure that women's and girls' clothing for the service is not too revealing, tight or low-cut. Shoulders should generally be covered, and necklines and hemlines should be on the conservative side.
4. Know that it is traditional for men to wear a kippah (skullcap) in the sanctuary of a synagogue. While it is not required for non-Jews to wear them in most synagogues, it is a sign of respect to do so.
5. Note that in the Orthodox branch of Judaism, all men and married women are expected to cover their heads. They will be handed either a kippah or lace head covering before entering the sanctuary.
6. Leave your tallit (prayer shawl) at home if you are not a practicing Jew.

Be a Great-Looking Bar Mitzvah Boy

7. Wear a dark, well-fitting suit for your bar mitzvah. Remember that you will be the center of attention for much of the day, so you will want to look your best.
8. Shop for suits at department stores, specialty stores or suit outlets. Take some time to try on a number of different suits.
9. Start shopping early for the suit, allowing time for any necessary alterations.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at the invitation or check with the host to see what the theme of the party will be. Parties run the gamut from formal black-tie affairs to casual kids' parties in family-friendly restaurants; you'll want to dress accordingly. If the party is directly following the service, it is expected that you will keep the same dress.
• Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers are good people to take along to help you choose your bar mitzvah suit.

Who Can Help:

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