Walking into an Apostolic church for the first time can feel intimidating if you’re not sure what to wear. You want to be respectful and fit in, but finding clear guidance on the Apostolic church dress code isn’t always easy. We’re here to help you cut through the uncertainty. 

The truth is, the Apostolic dress code is actually pretty simple. Women are expected to wear modest dresses or skirts rather than pants, with sleeves and higher necklines. Men typically wear slacks with collared shirts or suits. 

Both men and women are usually encouraged to avoid flashy accessories, heavy makeup, or revealing clothing. The guiding principles are modesty, reverence, and distinction between men’s and women’s attire.

We’ll share more tips below to help you dress confidently for services, whether you’re attending as a guest or a member. You can also count on DesignerChurchSuits.com for the best selection of church dresses and men’s church suits so you can look sharp when you step into the service! 

What is the Apostolic Dress Code?

Apostolic Christianity is a branch of the Pentecostal tradition, rooted in the 20th-century revival movement. Those who follow this path live their lives in a way that reflects holiness and separation from worldly practices.

The church itself emphasizes teachings from the New Testament, especially passages on modesty and the distinction between men’s and women’s roles. That’s where the Apostolic church dress code comes into play. 

The Roots of Apostolic Modesty

The Apostolic dress code today is inspired by scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and Deuteronomy 22:5. These verses are interpreted to mean that clothing should avoid being revealing, overly ornate, or gender-neutral. Instead, it should reflect humility, reverence, and an outward witness of one’s faith.

This often means longer skirts or dresses with sleeves, higher necklines, and minimal accessories for women, while men can dress neatly and respectfully in a nice suit. Apostolic gentlemen should try to avoid anything that could be considered sloppy, flashy, or feminine. 

Core Apostolic Attire Principles

The simplest way to think about the Apostolic church dress code is through these four tenets:

• Modesty: Clothes should cover the body appropriately, without emphasizing shape.

• Gender distinction: Women wear skirts or dresses, while men wear pants, underscoring clear differences in presentation.

• Simplicity: Jewelry, makeup, and flashy embellishments are minimized or avoided.

• Reverence: Attire reflects respect for worship and daily witness.

Yes, that rules out quite a few looks for women who want to wear church suits, shorts, or similar types of clothing - but don’t worry, we’ll share some great outfit ideas for you in just a few moments. 

Variations Among Congregations

It’s important to note that there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all, hard-and-fast “dress code” for the Apostolic church. There are guiding principles, but each individual congregation has its own vibe.

Some are stricter than others and may go as far as to require head coverings for women or prohibit any form of jewelry. Meanwhile, some will be more relaxed and might be totally fine with modest cosmetics or looser interpretations of skirt length.

Regional culture and leadership often influence these differences. The consistent theme, however, is that attire should reflect holiness, modesty, and separation from mainstream fashion trends. So, where does that leave you in piecing together an outfit? 

Tips on Navigating the Apostolic Church Dress Code for Men, Women, and Kids Alike

The Apostolic dress code can feel strict if you’re new to the tradition, but the guidelines are actually rather straightforward once you understand the reasoning behind it. Here’s what men, women, and kids can wear to look and feel good without straying from the religion’s principles. 

Why Do Apostolic Women Wear Skirts and Dresses Over Pants?

Apostolic teaching is passionate about gender distinction, often referencing Deuteronomy 22:5. This passage instructs against men and women wearing each other’s clothing. That’s why you’ll see most Apostolic women wearing skirts or dresses instead of pants.

But not all women’s garments are acceptable in the eyes of the church. Skirt and dress lengths are typically below the knee, and many congregations encourage longer hemlines to avoid ambiguity.

Women often pair skirts with jackets or modest blouses to piece together an outfit that’s not only respectful, but still plenty stylish. What matters most is you’re not wearing anything that’s too casual or form-fitting.

We have some wonderful church skirt suits, jacket dresses for church, knit church dresses, and many other styles from the church fashion industry’s most respected designers. Take a look and see what catches your eye. 

Why Do Apostolic Women Wear Veils and Have Such Long Hair?

Hair and head coverings are an important but often overlooked aspect of the Apostolic church dress code. Many Apostolic women refuse to cut their hair, and they point to 1 Corinthians 11 - believing it is their “glory” and a visible symbol of devotion.

Long hair is usually worn up or neatly styled to maintain modesty. Some congregations also encourage women to wear veils, prayer caps, or headscarves during worship as a sign of humility and reverence.

Sleeve Lengths and Necklines

Modesty doesn’t stop at skirt length. Women need to be careful about coverage for the arms and chest as well. Some congregations are fine with short sleeves, but it’s usually best to err on the side of caution if you’re not sure. Sleeveless tops are definitely unacceptable.

Necklines are expected to be high enough to cover the chest fully, preventing distractions or a focus on appearance. As for fabrics, it’s usually best to avoid anything sheer or clingy. Layering with jackets, sweaters, or camisoles is common. 

Jewelry and Makeup

While Baptist church outfits and Catholic church outfits can be complemented with accessories, the Apostolic dress code tends to lean a bit more modest and simple. Some congregations prohibit jewelry entirely, while others allow very simple wedding bands or watches.

Makeup, when permitted, is expected to be minimal. It should be used for neatness, not fashion. Bright lipstick, dramatic eyeliner, and glitter all call attention to appearance rather than faith, and that’s a no-no. 

What Can Apostolic Men Wear to Church?

Men are held to standards of modesty and neatness as well, but the Apostolic church dress code is much simpler in this case. 

You can’t go wrong with slacks and a collared shirt paired with a jacket. A lot of men wear full-fledged suits to church. What you should not wear includes jeans, shorts, and casual t-shirts, especially in more traditional congregations.

Hair is usually kept short and tidy, and men are expected to present themselves in a way that reflects reverence without vanity. As for footwear, keep it basic with polished dress shoes, not sneakers or sandals.

What About Kids and Teens?

Children and teens are taught to abide by the Apostolic dress code early on. 

Girls usually wear dresses or skirts similar to adult women, with age-appropriate adjustments for comfort. Boys wear slacks and button-down shirts, sometimes with ties for special services.

As teens grow, leaders and families guide them in applying modesty principles to developing personal style, helping them navigate peer pressure while honoring tradition.

Seasonal and Event-Based Considerations

Practicality still matters, and Apostolic families adapt to seasons and special occasions while still keeping modesty at the forefront of their outfits. 

For example, lighter fabrics like cotton and linen are acceptable in summer, but sleeveless or sheer outfits are still avoided. As for what to wear to church in the winter, women will typically layer long skirts with tights or leggings underneath for warmth, paired with sweaters or jackets.

There are subtle nuances to the Apostolic dres code for events like baptisms, weddings, or holidays. Attire is often more formal in these cases, but the rules about inappropriate church attire still apply. 

Find Stylish Outfits That Align With the Apostolic Dress Code at DesignerChurchSuits.com 

Shopping for Apostolic-friendly attire doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of styles available at DesignerChurchSuits.com that align with the Apostolic church dress code!

We’ve built an entire catalog with modesty, reverence, and elegance in mind. You’ll find trusted churchwear designers such as Giovanna, Lily & Taylor, Donna Vinci, and Serafina, offering everything from long, flowing skirts and jacket dresses to full-length suits with tasteful detailing.

Many pieces are available in missy, plus, and extended sizes up to 30W, so every woman can shop confidently, knowing her fit and modesty needs are covered. We make it easy to filter by color, size, or price, so you can find exactly what you need.

With flexible payment plans, low prices, and world-class customer service from A to Z, you can see why men and women of the congregation consistently come back for more. So, shop at DesignerChurchSuits.com today and refresh your worship wardrobe!

Final Words on the Apostolic Church Dress Code

We hope this deep dive into the Apostolic dress code has left you with total clarity on the guiding principles at play. Remember, dressing for Apostolic services is less about fashion and more about faith, modesty, and respect for tradition.

From skirts and long dresses for women to neat, polished attire for men, the guidelines are meant to create a sense of reverence while keeping the focus on worship.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t love the way you look. There are always thoughtful ways to balance comfort, modesty, and style, and we make it easy at DesignerChurchSuits.com. Take a look at our collection and see what catches your eye, or get a personalized recommendation!