How to Dress for a Latin Mass

Women and girls wear chapel veils to a Latin Mass

People attend a Traditional Latin Mass for many reasons. Some prefer its pre-Vatican II worship style because they grew up with it. Many attend because they have developed a preference for it as an adult, purposely avoiding the Novus Ordo Mass. Others are Catholics who have never attended a Latin Mass but they have heard about its resurgence in popularity and want to experience for themselves what the attraction is. They also may know that Pope Benedict XVI encourages Roman Catholics to attend this type of Mass, to which he gave the name Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. No matter why they're there, however, most are aware ahead of time that it isn't a casual Mass. They realize certain expectations exist regarding worshipers' appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Dress clothes
• Dress shoes
• Mantilla, chapel veil, or hat

Instructions

Prepare

1. Decide beforehand what you will wear to Mass. Preparation helps avoid a last-minute realization that the clothing is inappropriate. Women in particular need to use a discerning eye when they choose what to wear, since many modern fashions are not modest enough to wear to a Traditional Latin Mass.

2. Analyze what you have chosen. For women and girls, a skirt or dress must be worn. It should hang at least to the bottom of the knee, even when sitting. If you're unsure, test at home while on a chair by sitting in different positions. Pants and shorts are not suitable attire for this type of Mass for women or girls. The shirt or top of the dress should fully cover the chest area, shoulders, and back. Sleeves should be elbow-length. Articles of clothing should not be made of a transparent fabric such as organza, lace, or chiffon. For men and boys, a suit and tie are best. Another good option is a dress sweater paired with a tie to add formality. Even boys should not wear an open-necked shirt or athletic shoes.

3. Substitute any part of the outfit that isn't appropriate with acceptable attire. Adding a shawl is often a simple fix to sleeves that are too short.

Plan a Headcovering

1. Shop for a chapel veil or mantilla. Women and girls cover their heads at a Traditional Latin Mass. It is used by the wearer as a devotional item, a sacramental that is derived from tradition and from the Bible (1 Corinthians 11). It is worn as a symbol of humility before God. It is a gesture that acknowledges God's authority over her. Wearing a veil is mentioned by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians, "But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered disgraces her head ..." (1 Corinthians 11:5) and "That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels" (1 Corinthians 11:10). This last verse is relevant because Catholics believe angels are present at Mass.

2. Ask to borrow a veil from an older relative or friend if you do not want to buy one now. If nobody you know has one, call ahead to the parish you will attend to ask if one will be available at the church for you to borrow. Remember to ask where the veils are kept since you likely will be getting it on your own. Some parishes have them positioned near the church entrance.

3. If you have a veil at home, practice placing it on your head in front of a mirror. When you are deciding how to wear it, remember that one of its purposes is to cover hair. Get comfortable with using bobby pins to secure it to your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to bring bobby pins to Mass.

• Hats are acceptable in some parishes instead of a veil. Contact the parish ahead of time for information.

• A chapel veil can be incorporated into your own private prayer and worship time at home.

• Even baby girls should wear a dress to a Traditional Latin Mass. Veils are worn from about the age of 2.

• Avoid flesh-colored fabrics that would give the appearance of nudity from a distance.

• Keep your jacket or cape on unless the outfit would retain its modesty without them.

• Do not wear a dress or skirt with a long slit.