Searching for what to wear to an Episcopal church won't give you an exact answer, but you can't go wrong with a nice dress or suit. A first visit to a new church can bring on a lot of nerves, especially if you are unsure whether you will fit in. It’s normal to wonder what the Episcopal church dress code entails. 

Most congregants gather together in business casual attire or Sunday best. Choosing to wear neat, modest clothing to an Episcopal church service is a good start. In this article, we’ll talk more about what you might see people wearing at an Episcopal church service. You can always count on Designer Church Suits to help. Our 30 years of experience means we offer the best church dress options, including beautiful women's church suits and men's suits from the designers you know and love. 

Key Takeaways

• No official dress code for the Episcopal Church, but nice, modest clothing is standard attire. 

• Business casual or Sunday dressy is how to dress for the Episcopal church. 

• Older, established congregations lean more formal. 

• Easter, Christmas, and other celebrations call for dressier clothing. 

• Get familiar with the Book of Common Prayer to know when to sit, stand, and kneel. 

• Shop the best selection of designer church attire in our online storefront.

Is There an Episcopal Church Dress Code?

No, there is not an official Episcopal church dress code to reference before attending for the first time. The church welcomes everyone, no matter what you are wearing. Dress standards in one parish may differ across town. Historic downtown churches are more formal, while a new congregation may show up in casual dress. 

Clergy and choir members wear a church uniform that includes robes and vestments. They are expected to follow the Episcopal church dress code for clergy, but attendees have more freedom in what to wear. 

That doesn’t mean you can wear any old thing. Dressing with respect and honor for God will help you lean toward nice, modest clothing. Athletic wear, shorts, and graphic tees are best saved for other occasions. See our guide on what not to wear to church for more examples.

What to Wear to an Episcopal Church: Outfit Inspiration for Men, Women, and Children

Our advice on what to wear to an Episcopal church is Sunday best without getting too flashy. Business casual can even be a step above your normal weeknight attire, helping you distinguish Sunday service from other days. 

A lot of church attendees still prefer to dress in men’s suits or nice dresses. Choosing a dress or suit fit that allows for movement is also essential, considering congregants stand, sit, and kneel during the service. 

So, what is the Episcopal church dress code by family member? Here is our take on what to wear to church and what each family member can feel comfortable wearing:

Women's Episcopal Church Outfits

A knee-length, midi, or long dress is appropriate because of the nature of the service. We offer church dresses for all seasons that can even pair well with shawls or jackets for varying temperatures. 

A skirt suit or pantsuit is popular in traditional parishes or on holidays like Easter or Christmas. Church hats are also common to wear with a matching Easter dress or for special occasions. 

An unwritten Episcopal church dress code calls for modest, neat clothing. This includes necklines that are not too revealing and shawls around the shoulders for summer dresses. Low heels or flats are recommended so you can move easily from kneeling to standing. 

Men's Episcopal Church Outfits

A polished men’s suit or blazer with slacks is a great choice for men’s Sunday service apparel. Add a tie for more formal parishes or special occasions. 

You can’t go wrong with business casual attire, like a collared shirt with slacks and dress shoes. Just don’t wear sneakers or sandals. Fashionable hats can be part of your Sunday best look, but men are expected to remove their hats as they enter the Episcopal church. 

What Should Kids Wear to an Episcopal Church?

Children don’t have to meet a high standard for how to dress for Episcopal church, but they can still practice being clean and neat on a Sunday morning. Girls wear dresses, skirts with tights, or pants with a nice top. Boys look great in khakis with a polo or collared shirt. 

Children usually meet for their own worship experience during Sunday services, and in many cases, this involves plenty of playtime. Comfortable clothing they can move around in is key. Kids have an opportunity to dress up formally for baptisms and confirmations. What to wear to an Episcopal church for children is more loose, but still follows tradition.  

Special Occasions You Should Dress Differently for

You’ll want to dress up a bit more for Easter and Christmas, not just in regard to the Episcopal church dress code, but really any denomination, for that matter. This is a good opportunity to pull out bright colors, pastels, or three-piece suits. 

Baptisms and confirmations are milestones you’ll want to dress with a little more intention for. Weddings also call for formal attire. But in this case, you don’t have to play the guessing game - simply  follow the dress code on the invitation. 

You should wear darker colors for somber occasions, be it a funeral or Good Friday service. But the key takeaway is that the Episcopal church dress code is more about respect than falling in line with specific rules. That said, you will feel more comfortable when you fit in with the rest of the congregation. 

What to Expect at Your First Episcopal Church Service

Feeling confident about how to dress for Episcopal church is step one; now get familiar with the Book of Common Prayer and know when you’ll be expected to sit, stand, and kneel. The prayers and responses are printed in the prayer book at your pew, so you won’t be expected to memorize anything. 

Greeters and ushers are happy to answer questions if you get lost or don’t know what to do next. A typical service lasts one hour. It's completely appropriate to observe and take it all in during your first visit until you are comfortable joining in the prayers. 

The Order of Service

Sunday service starts with the Liturgy of the Word. First, you’ll sing hymns, hear excerpts from the Bible, and listen to a sermon. Afterward, the Nicene Creed, the Prayers of the People, and a prayer of confession will round out the service. 

At the end of the Liturgy of the Word, they invite everyone to participate in the Peace. You shake hands with your neighbors and say, “Peace be with you.”

Communion (The Eucharist)

The Eucharist is the center of Episcopal worship and is also known as communion. Baptized members of Christian churches can partake in communion. 

Expect to walk to the front, stand or kneel at the rail, and receive bread to eat in remembrance of Christ. Next, sip the wine from the cup if you feel comfortable. You can always stay in your seat or cross your arms over your chest for a blessing if you choose not to receive communion. 

Standing, Kneeling, and Sitting

The saying, stand to praise, sit to learn, and kneel to pray, will help you know when to move throughout the meeting. Stand to sing hymns and during the Gospel reading and the Creed. You can sit during the other readings and the sermon. Kneel during the confession and some prayers. 

There is no judgment if you are not able to kneel. Sitting forward is acceptable also. The transitions between sitting, kneeling, and standing should factor into deciding what to wear to an Episcopal church. Think about the fit of men’s suit pants and hemlines for women. 

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DesignerChurchSuits.com has been in business for over three decades, serving those who love church fashion and want to show their individuality while paying their respects to God. Our customers are loyal and return for new church clothes for happy occasions or weekly church attendance. 

We have a variety of women’s suits, dresses, hats, and men’s suits that are suitable for the Episcopal church dress code at your parish. Browse our catalog to find your Sunday best look. 

Parting Thoughts on How to Dress for Episcopal Church

Knowing what to wear to an Episcopal church is easy. Choose modest, neat, and comfortable clothing. You can feel confident  and ready to build community in a dress or suit of your liking. 

And remember, your experience at church matters more than your attire. You can dedicate your full focus to worship and fellowship once you've picked your outfit from Designer Church Suits. Shop our catalog today. 

Related Resources

Is it disrespectful to wear a hat in church? | Baptist church dress code

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just show up to an Episcopal church?

Yes, visitors are always welcome at any Episcopal church. There is no need to call ahead or be a member of the congregation. Arrive early, meet new people, and ask questions when needed. 

Is Episcopal conservative or liberal?

The Episcopal Church has a progressive history. Women are able to be ordained, going back to 1976. In 2003, they consecrated their first openly gay bishop. In 2015, the church approved same-sex marriage. Still, views can change from parish to parish. 

Where can I find appropriate attire for an Episcopal church?

DesignerChurchSuits.com has everything you need for what to wear to an Episcopal church, from elegant suits and dresses to hats and men's suits. We are happy to help you get started!