When attending Mass, it is appropriate to wear clothing that is respectful, modest, and suitable for a sacred and solemn occasion. Your attire should reflect reverence for God and consideration for others present.
Principles of Respectful Attire
The primary guidelines for dressing for Mass revolve around modesty and showing reverence for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This means choosing clothing that is:
- Modest: Avoid clothing that is overly revealing, tight, or form-fitting, as it can be a needless distraction for others. This includes avoiding garments that are too short, sheer, or expose too much skin.
- Clean and Neat: Your clothes should be clean, pressed, and in good repair.
- Appropriate for the Occasion: Mass is not a casual outing. Think of it as a formal invitation to a sacred event. While suits and dresses are traditional, neat business casual attire is often acceptable.
Specific Recommendations
For Men
Men should aim for attire that is clean, neat, and respectful, avoiding overly casual or distracting clothing.
- Recommended:
- Dress shirts (button-down) with slacks or khakis.
- Polo shirts are often acceptable in warmer weather, provided they are clean and presentable.
- Sport coats or suits are excellent choices, especially for special occasions like Easter or Christmas.
- Ties are optional but can add to a more formal appearance.
- Dress shoes or clean, neat casual shoes.
- To Avoid:
- T-shirts (especially graphic or sleeveless ones)
- Athletic wear (sweatpants, gym shorts, jerseys)
- Shorts
- Excessively casual clothing like ripped jeans.
- Tight or form-fitting clothing, which can be a needless distraction for others.
For Women
Women should choose outfits that embody modesty and grace, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, and avoiding garments that are too revealing.
- Recommended:
- Dresses or skirts that fall to or below the knee.
- Blouses with modest necklines paired with slacks or a skirt.
- Cardigans or jackets can be worn over sleeveless tops or dresses to ensure shoulders are covered.
- Modest pantsuits or dressy pants are generally acceptable.
- Dress shoes or nice flats.
- To Avoid:
- Low-cut tops, particularly those that expose the décolletage region, including the pectoral region.
- Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, or halter tops without a covering.
- Mini-skirts or shorts.
- Sheer or see-through clothing.
- Tight or form-fitting clothing that may be distracting.
For Children
Children should also be dressed neatly and modestly, reflecting the importance of the occasion while still allowing them to be comfortable.
- Recommended:
- Boys: Collared shirts, khakis, or dress pants.
- Girls: Dresses, skirts, or neat pants with modest tops.
- To Avoid:
- Play clothes, stained garments, or overly casual attire.
Quick Reference: Do's and Don'ts for Mass Attire
| Category | Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|---|
| General | Clean, neat, modest attire | Ripped or stained clothes, overly casual wear |
| Men | Dress shirts, slacks, suits, polos | T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, tight or form-fitting clothing |
| Women | Knee-length dresses/skirts, blouses, modest pantsuits | Low-cut tops, strapless/sleeveless (uncovered), mini-skirts, shorts |
| Footwear | Dress shoes, neat flats | Flip-flops, athletic sneakers |
Ultimately, the goal is to dress in a way that shows respect for God, the sacred space, and your fellow worshippers, allowing everyone to focus on the liturgy without unnecessary distractions.
