How to Dress for Church: What to Wear to Church on Sunday to Look and Feel Your Best
They say “Come as you are.” Yet, you can’t help but stress about how to dress for church.
What’s the proper church dress code?
What will happen if you aren’t wearing the proper attire?
Should you go with a hat or no hat?
This quick overview of what to wear to church on Sunday will leave you with a clear understanding of the dos and don’ts, along with some great church dress ideas to inspire your look at the next service.
The truth is, there are no right or wrong answers as to what you should wear to church as long as you aren’t offending other members of the congregation and you feel comfortable. All that matters is you come ready to worship the Lord, our Savior.
Still, we want to help you feel confident stepping into the chapel - which is why our women's church suits and men’s church suits are worth exploring.
Designer Church Suits has more than 30 years of experience in helping you dress to impress in any church setting, from Sunday Service to Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, and everything in between.
How to Dress for Church: Overview of the Traditional Church Dress Code
We’ll share some great church outfit ideas in just a few moments, but first, let’s talk about how to dress for church in general. While there isn’t a standardized “church dress code”, there are a few best practices you should abide by to avoid offending other members of the congregation.
The Importance of Modesty
Dressing modestly for church is not only a tradition but a mark of respect for the sacred space and the community gathered there. It reflects humility, reverence, and a focus on worship rather than on drawing attention to oneself.
This principle is deeply rooted in many religious teachings and is an important aspect of church etiquette. Modest clothing should cover the body appropriately, avoiding overly revealing or flashy elements that may distract from the sanctity of the service.
Appropriate Fabrics
You have a variety of acceptable fabrics at your disposal as you begin building your church wardrobe, but just remember to balance comfort and style with appropriateness.
Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are excellent choices as they are breathable and comfortable for long periods. They also provide a classic and refined look for church settings.
Fabrics such as polyester or nylon blends can also be appropriate if they are styled modestly. It is important to avoid overly shiny or sheer fabrics that can appear too casual or inappropriate for the solemnity of church services.
Cover Your Knees
One commonality across denominations is that women should cover their knees when wearing skirts and dresses. This goes back to maintaining modesty and respect.
Knee-length or longer skirts and dresses are considered appropriate and help maintain a conservative and respectful appearance.
Styles such as A-line, pencil skirts, and maxi dresses can be both stylish and modest, allowing you to look your best while following traditional church dress codes.
Stick With a Conservative Neckline
Similarly, we suggest high necklines for women, such as crew necks, boat necks, and modest V-necks, are appropriate choices that ensure you are dressed respectfully.
These avoid revealing too much skin and keep the focus on the service rather than on your attire. While there is room for personal style, it is best to avoid plunging necklines or overly intricate designs that may be considered distracting or inappropriate.
Layering Your Outfit
Adding a cardigan, blazer, or shawl can provide extra coverage and a touch of elegance. This approach is particularly useful in cooler weather or in air-conditioned churches.
Layering also allows for versatility. You can easily adjust your outfit to suit different settings or temperatures while ensuring you remain modestly dressed.
Accessorizing the Look
Who said church attire had to be boring? You can elevate your look and add a touch of personal style without compromising modesty. Subtle and elegant accessories, such as simple jewelry, hats, scarves, and belts, can complement your attire beautifully.
When choosing accessories, stick with pieces that enhance without being overly flashy or distracting. A delicate necklace, a pair of pearl earrings, or a tasteful bracelet can add a refined touch to your ensemble.
A well-chosen hat can be both a stylish and respectful addition to your church outfit, adhering to traditional customs while showcasing your personal style. We have beautiful designer church hats here - we’ll share some of our favorites later on.
What to Wear to Church on Sunday: Our Favorite Church Dress Ideas
Looking for some specific church dress ideas? We’ll share some tips on what to wear to church on Sunday for men and women alike below, from dresses to suits, jeans, hats, and more!
Beautiful Church Dresses
One of our favorite things for women to wear to Sunday Service during summer is church dresses. These are feminine and comfortable, and there are so many different styles you can choose from:
A-Line Dresses: Cinch at the waist and gently flare out, creating a flattering silhouette for any body type. They offer a classic look that is both modest and stylish.
Sheath Dresses: A sleek and polished look, contouring to your body shape for a more fitted appearance. They are perfect if you prefer a sophisticated and modern style.
Midi Dresses: Want full coverage without compromising on style? These dresses are an elegant choice that falls between the knee and ankle.
Maxi Dresses: With a full-length skirt that sweeps the floor, maxi dresses create an elongated and graceful appearance. They are ideal for a more formal church service or event.
Wrap Dresses: Featuring a front closure that wraps around the body, wrap dresses provide a comfortable and adjustable fit. They are both flattering and versatile.
Fit and Flare Dresses: Fitted through the bodice and waist with a full skirt, these offer a feminine and flattering look. They combine style and comfort.
Shift Dresses: Simple and timeless, these fall straight from the shoulders for ease of movement and comfort. They are great for a more casual yet respectful church outfit.
Peplum Dresses: With a short, flared ruffle at the waistline, these add a touch of playfulness and sophistication to any ensemble. They’re unique and stylish.
Lace Dresses: These dresses exude grace and femininity with their delicate and elegant material, perfect for adding refinement to your church attire.
Stunning Church Suits For Women
Want to step into the chapel with a bit more sophistication? Women’s church suits have a more polished and professional look that combines style with modesty.
From women's linen church suits to knit church suits and even skirt suits for church, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of our favorites:
Classic Suits: Featuring timeless designs with clean lines and subtle patterns, classic suits are perfect for those who prefer a traditional and elegant look. They never go out of style and are always appropriate.
Modern Suits: For those who want to stay on-trend, modern suits feature contemporary designs and bold colors. These make a stylish statement while maintaining an air of sophistication.
Formal Suits: Crafted from luxurious fabrics and feature exquisite details. They ensure you look your best for significant occasions.
Casual Suits: As the name suggests, these are great for more laidback settings at church where you want a comfortable yet stylish option. You can effortlessly dress them up or down without compromising on movement.
Statement Suits: These are the way to go if you want to stand out. Featuring unique patterns, vibrant colors, and eye-catching designs, these allow you to express your personality while adhering to church dress codes.
First Lady Suits: These sophisticated and elegant dresses are designed for women in prominent roles in the church, ensuring they look their best for religious ceremonies and events.
Bold Church Suits for Men
For men wondering what to wear to church, we suggest suits. After all, you want to wear your Sunday best - and it doesn’t get any better than a suit.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear men’s tuxedos, though. There are plenty of men’s fashion suits or men’s walking suits that allow you to adhere to church dress code without compromising on comfort or style.
Classic Suits: Characterized by clean lines and subtle patterns, these are ideal if you prefer a traditional and timeless look. They exude sophistication and you won’t have to worry about being appropriately dressed for church.
Modern Suits: Featuring contemporary designs and bold colors, these are perfect for fashion-forward men who want to make a stylish statement. They blend modern flair with respectfulness.
Formal Suits: Crafted from luxurious fabrics with exquisite details, these are ideal for special events. They ensure you look polished and elegant for the most important moments.
Casual Suits: Casual suits offer a comfortable yet polished look for more relaxed church services. They provide ease of movement and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Statement Suits: Men who want to turn heads when they step into the chapel can wear suits featuring unique patterns and vibrant colors. These allow you to express your individuality while maintaining respect for the church setting.
We know that shopping for suits can get overwhelming from a cost perspective, but you don’t have to worry - we have bold, fashion-forward men’s church suits under $100 here at Designer Church Suits. More on that later.
Elegant Church Robes
Church robes are a timeless symbol of reverence and tradition, often worn by clergy and choir members. These garments exude dignity and respect, creating a uniform appearance that enhances the solemnity of the service.
Church robes are typically made from high-quality fabrics like silk, satin, or wool, ensuring they drape beautifully and last for years.
The designs range from simple and understated to richly adorned with embroidery, lace, or intricate patterns, reflecting the significance of different religious roles and ceremonies.
Choosing an elegant church robe involves considering the occasion, the role of the wearer, and the desired balance between tradition and personal style. Just be aware that you shouldn’t wear these unless you’re an established member of the church - it’s a right you have to earn.
What About Hats?
There’s no better way to take an outfit from good to great than women’s church hats. They serve both a practical and symbolic purpose, offering a way to show respect and humility.
Church hats come in various styles, from simple and understated to bold and elaborate. Classic wide-brimmed hats provide a timeless look, while fascinators and pillbox hats offer a modern twist.
The choice of hat often reflects personal style and the level of formality of the service. When selecting a hat for church, consider your outfit, the colors, and the setting to ensure it complements the ensemble and adds to the sense of reverence.
Is it Okay to Wear Jeans to Church?
This is one of the most common questions we get in regards to how to dress for church. It all depends on your specific church. In more traditional settings, jeans may be considered too casual and not respectful enough for worship.
However, in many modern or contemporary churches, the focus is more on participation and community rather than strict dress codes, making jeans an acceptable option.
If you choose to wear jeans to church, make sure they’re clean and fit well. Pair them with a dressy top, blazer, or nice shoes to elevate the overall look, dressing them up a bit. You could also consider one of our denim church suits!
Acceptable Footwear in Church Settings
Closed-toe shoes are generally preferred, as they present a more formal and respectful appearance.
Women can wear dress shoes, loafers, or modest heels for both elegance and comfort. Men typically wear dress shoes, such as oxfords or loafers, which complement a suit or dress slacks.
It's important to avoid overly casual footwear like sneakers, flip-flops, or sandals, as they can detract from the solemnity of the service. Always make sure your shoes are clean and in good condition, reflecting the respect you have for the church environment.
Bring Beautiful, Comfortable, and Acceptable Church Outfits to Life With Designer Church Suits!
Whether you want to wear a beautiful dress or a fashionable suit, you can count on us to offer a variety of styles from the top designers online. Here are some of our most popular brands:
We’ve been the most trusted choice for all things church attire for more than 30 years. Once you shop with us, you’ll see what keeps our customers coming back for more!
It’s not just the clothing we offer, but the experience. You’ll find it easy to uncover the perfect ensemble for any Sunday Service. You also get unbeatable pricing and world-class customer service.
So, browse our church suits catalog and see what we have in store for you. Or, for a personalized recommendation on what to wear to church, get in touch! We can’t wait to help you look and feel your best in any church setting.
Parting Thoughts on How to Dress For Church
That concludes our complete guide on how to dress for church. We know that adhering to church dress codes as a newcomer can be stressful and uncertain. The last thing you want is to look out of place or offend anyone.
But after this detailed overview of what to wear to church, we hope you feel confident in navigating all the different church dress ideas you have at your disposal.
Just remember to put God first and avoid dressing in a manner that may distract others from the reason you’re all gathering. From elegant dresses and suits to thoughtful accessories and appropriate footwear, your attire reflects reverence for the worship setting and community.
The only thing left to do now is start piecing together your outfits at Designer Church Suits, your one-stop shop for modest yet stylish church attire. Put what you’ve learned in our guide to dressing for church into practice today!