Walking into church shouldn’t come with second-guessing what you’re wearing. Yet, here you are, wondering what NOT to wear to church. We totally get it, you don’t want to look out of place or offend other fellow churchgoers. After all, the goal is to focus on worship - not wardrobe malfunctions. Here’s a quick overview of what you shouldn’t wear to church:

Clothing that’s revealing or tight-fitting (short skirts, crop tops, low necklines)

• Casual staples like ripped jeans, shorts, or flip-flops

• Loud or flashy prints that distract from the service

• Sleeveless tops or off-the-shoulder pieces without proper coverage

• Overly casual items such as graphic tees, athletic wear, or hats inside the sanctuary

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to dress boring by any means. You can still make a stylish statement in how you dress if you know what you’re doing. We make it easy with the best selection of church dresses, women’s church suits, and men’s church suits.

Shop our curated collection from the best names in church fashion and round out your wardrobe with stylish, respectful garments that help you look and feel your best. 

Why Your Church Attire Matters 

There’s a reason they call it your “Sunday best.” Dressing well for church has always carried meaning beyond fashion. It signals intention and reverence. In other words, it shows you view the service as something sacred rather than casual or routine.

From Catholic churches to Baptist churches and even more laid-back settings like Presbyterian churches, the goal is to present yourself in clean, well-fitted clothing that doesn’t distract from the real reason everyone is gathered: worship. 

There aren’t always hard-and-fast dress codes, but there are unspoken rules about how one should dress - whether you’re a lifelong member or a first-time visitor. But for a lot of people, knowing what not to wear to church is easier than looking up specific outfit ideas.

So can I wear leggings to church? What about jeans? Let’s dive in below to help you dress with respect and style all at once. 

What Can You NOT Wear to Church?

When it comes to what not to wear to church, use your best judgment. If what you’re wearing feels too casual, it probably is! Here are some of the types of clothing we recommend you save for the other six days of the week.

What Colors Should You Not Wear to Church?

First, let’s talk colors. No color is necessarily forbidden in church, but there are some nuances you should be aware of - especially regarding certain occasions. It’s best to wear white and other light colors on Easter, while you’d wear something a bit darker for Good Friday.

Other than that, just think about what shades might come off as distracting. It’s probably best to avoid neon tones, metallic fabrics, and overly bold prints since all of these draw attention away from the purpose of the gathering.

You can’t go wrong with muted neutrals like navy, ivory, burgundy, and gray. These tend to blend gracefully into most worship settings. Save the brighter or glossier looks for celebrations or special events.

Revealing or Tight-Fitting Outfits

Clothing that’s too short, low-cut, or form-fitting is also a no-go in church settings, basically across all denominations. This means no mini skirts, sleeveless tops without coverage, bodycon dresses, or ripped skinny jeans.

You should wear clothing that lets you sit, stand, and move comfortably without drawing focus. Think tailored slacks, midi-length dresses, or modest blouses paired with jackets or shawls.

Flashy or Distracting Designs

We sort of touch on this when talking about colors, but you should steer clear of sequins, bold animal prints, and large, glittery embellishments at church as well. Yes, these things turn heads - but not for the right reasons.

In general, church attire is meant to be elegant and understated. Let your character shine, not your clothes. If you want to wear patterns, keep them subtle. Florals and plaids are just fine. Or, keep it basic with crepe, cotton, or wool fabrics.

Clothing With Logos, Slogans, or Offensive Imagery

Here’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind regarding what to not to wear to church: anything that makes a statement louder than your faith should stay home. 

That means shirts with logos, political messages, or humor (no matter how lighthearted) are best left in the dresser drawer. They can feel disrespectful in a space meant for worship. Even neutral branding can look too casual, so swap tees/hoodies for more refined tops/dress shirts.

Wrinkled, Dirty, or Poorly Maintained Attire

It’s not just a matter of choosing the right type of clothing - the condition of your clothing speaks volumes, too. Wrinkled shirts, scuffed shoes, or stained fabric can appear careless, even if unintentional.

Take time to press, polish, and tidy your outfit before leaving home. A neat appearance goes a long way in setting the stage for a fulfilling worship experience!

Hats Are Unacceptable (Unless…)

Men should remove their hats indoors as a sign of respect. That tends to be the standard not just in church but any indoor setting, really. There is an exception here, though - church hats for women are a long-standing tradition, especially in the South.

From structured brims to embellished fascinators, a well-chosen hat can elevate your outfit while honoring cultural tradition. Explore elegant, affordable designs at DesignerChurchSuits.com, where every piece is crafted to complement your Sunday best.

What About Makeup and Accessories?

We know you came here to learn about what not to wear to church, but how you present yourself, as far as makeup and accessories, needs to be thought out as well.

We’re not saying you can’t do your makeup - just that you should keep it balanced and refined. Neutral makeup tones, simple jewelry, and classic shoes are perfectly fine. Avoid large hoops, excessive perfume, or overly glossy lip color that distracts from your presence. Think of accessories as finishing touches, not focal points.

Discover Appropriate, Stylish Church Outfits at Designer Church Suits!

You know what not to wear to church, so where does that leave you as far as options go? Finding the perfect look that’s respectful and stylish is easy here at DesignerChurchSuits.com. Our curated collections bring together timeless design and modern sophistication for the best of both worlds.

Why Shop With Us For Church Attire?

We’ve spent over three decades helping men and women of the church look and feel their best. We source the latest styles from the most trusted names in church fashion, such as Lily and Taylor, Donna Vinci, and GMI.

Everything we carry is handpicked for craftsmanship, comfort, and class. Our customers trust us for:

• Authentic, high-quality brands at unbeatable prices.

• Inclusive sizing that celebrates every shape and style.

• Fast shipping and attentive service that makes shopping simple.

• Detailed product images and descriptions so you know exactly what to expect.

• Flexible payment options with Klarna, Afterpay, and PayPal for convenience.

There’s something for everyone here in our catalog. Take a look around and see what catches your eye!

Gorgeous Church Dresses and Suits for Women

Our women’s collection ranges from stunning suits to tasteful dresses. Explore two- and three-piece suits, lace-trimmed dresses, and elegant hats that elevate any Sunday look. 

Brands like Lily and Taylor and Dorinda Clark Cole deliver beautiful structure, color, and fit, which are great for deaconesses, ushers, or Women’s Day events. But the truth is, they’re beautiful for even just a basic Sunday service!

Across the entire catalog, though, you’ll find luxurious fabrics, coordinated accessories, and flattering silhouettes that make dressing up feel effortless and inspiring.

Sharp Men’s Church Suits That Make a Statement

Discover polished, pastor-ready styles for men as well. We help guys make a stylish statement with two- and three-piece suits from the top names in men’s church fashion as well.

Choose from classic black and navy suits, modern slim fits, and bold statement robes designed for comfort and confidence at the pulpit or in the pews. Whether you’re wondering what to wear to church in the winter or summer, we’ve got you covered. 

Wrapping Up Our Guide on What Not to Wear to Church

You can stop stressing about accidentally wearing inappropriate church attire now that you know what not to wear to church. It’s pretty simple. If you think you’re underdressed or wearing something off-putting, you probably are! 

Modesty, neatness, and balance go a long way toward honoring both the space and the community you’re part of. We make it easy with clothing that checks every box - stylish, comfortable, respectful, and affordable. What more could you ask for?

Explore our curated selection of suits, dresses, and accessories to help you look polished and feel great every Sunday.