Top 10+ Things You Should Never Wear To Church & 10 That Keep You Appropriate

Attire That’s Presentable and Shows Off Your Personality

Grabbing the right outfit for church can be hard! While you want to be modest, you also want to be comfortable, and toeing that line is trickier than it seems. Don’t worry, we have you covered. While most churches won’t care what you wear, it’s still important to dress appropriately in a place of worship—so here are a few dos and don’ts. 

1. Revealing Clothes

Remember where you are—don’t arrive at Sunday Mass in revealing clothes! Undone buttons, short dresses, and plunging necklines are best left outside the church as you want to remain respectful. Whenever you’re in doubt, stick with high collars or button-up blouses. 

2. Inappropriate Graphic Tees

While wearing a t-shirt isn’t the end of the world, inappropriate phrases or vulgar graphics don’t belong in a place of worship. Even if you have a sweater to cover it up, avoid wearing any immature shirts at all. 

3. Distressed Jeans

Jeans during Mass maintain a chic, casual look—but distressed denim takes it a step too far. It’s always wise to opt for a respectable look and ripped knees or frayed hems are a little too laissez-faire. 

4. Overly Tight Clothing

Keep those leggings in your closet! Unless they’re worn under knee-length skirts or maxi dresses, leggings are a touch too tight for Sunday Mass. Overly tight clothing can not only be revealing, but it’s also uncomfortable. 

5. Sports Jerseys

We know it’s Sunday, but leave your favorite jersey for game time. From the loud colors to the excessively casual nature, jerseys or sports memorabilia can stick out like a sore thumb among the pews. 

6. Sunglasses

It’s never a good idea to wear sunglasses indoors, but it’s especially disrespectful during church service. You’ll speak with community members, accept communion, and spend several hours in a dimly lit Mass—none of which warrant Ray Bans. 

7. Hats

People just can’t seem to agree on whether hats belong indoors. While it’s usually not a problem, it’s best to check with your church and see if they prefer removal before Mass. It might not be a big deal to you, but you don’t want to upset the clergy. 

8. Mini Skirts

Try not to wear anything above the knee. Though most places won’t bat an eye, you might catch a few stray looks from other churchgoers, especially if undergarments like thigh-highs are visible. Keep a modest length to avoid any incessant tugging. 

9. Crop Tops

Too much skin is usually a no-no in church, and the same goes for our midriffs. Even if it’s paired with a high-waisted skirt, the last thing you want is to risk showing skin. Stick with a button-up or sweater to maintain a respectable, modest look.

10. Sportswear

If leggings or jerseys don’t earn a dirty look, sportswear definitely will. Anything overly casual like Crocs, hoodies, and sweatpants is best left for casual events. While you don’t need to dress to the nines for Mass, you should always choose something a bit dressier. 

With some of the less savory options out of the way, let’s explore a few that maintain an appropriate appeal.  

1. Skirts Below the Knee

Mass is for modesty—but don’t let that stop you from wearing cute skirts or patterned dresses! So long as everything hits below the knee, you can safely rock a flowy ensemble that shows off your personality. 

2. Trousers

Men and women alike can arrive in freshly pressed trousers for a sleek, classic look. You can’t go wrong with a paired button-down or comfortable cardigan either. It’s a great choice for any season and presents a perfect business casual style. 

3. Ironed Shirts

The best dress shirts are clean, ironed, and don’t come in too many flashy colors. Simple options like grey or blue help keep an ensemble casual without drawing too much attention, which isn’t something you want during Mass. 

4. Modest Jewelry

Who said you couldn’t style your outfit with a little flash? Humble pieces like a crucifix or a stylish bow accentuate an outfit. Don’t be afraid to dip into your jewelry box before it’s time to go! 

5. Semi-Fitted Dresses

Masses, especially those during prominent holidays, can stretch well past an hour—which means comfortable clothes are a must. Semi-fitted dresses are a terrific option to keep you cozy and presentable. Open-toed shoes and small purses top it all off as well. 

6. Cardigans and Sweaters

You never know when you might need a sweater, so don’t be shy about packing a light cardigan. Not only do they cover bare arms, but they also provide that added touch of stylish warmth during cooler seasons (or evening Mass).

7. High Collars

You can’t go wrong with high collars in church. From turtlenecks to printed blouses, you can still bring a little personality to the pews while maintaining appropriate attire. They also make a great canvas for simple accessories like ties and necklaces.   

8. Clothes for the Weather

Always pay attention to the weather! No one wants to get caught in the rain or sweat during a crowded Mass. Layers help you shed with ease to stay comfortable during the service while proper outerwear like trench coats or shawls protect you from any nasty weather. 

9. Dressier Shoes

It’s not the end of the world to arrive in running shoes, but it’s best to stick with dressier shoes in church. Open-toed sandals, Oxfords, and loafers all make far better options than casual kicks. They’ll pair better with a business casual outfit too. 

10. Muted Prints

There’s nothing wrong with a printed dress or necktie—so long as they aren’t too loud. Flowers and stripes? Not a problem. Rubber ducks and leopard print? It makes more sense to leave those at home.