Dressing for church in the summer is a seemingly impossible balancing act between staying cool and comfortable and remaining respectful for the sanctity of the setting. 

It’s hard to wear proper coverage without sweating through your clothes. So how do you find the sweet spot between modesty and comfort? We’re here to help with this detailed guide on what to wear to church in summer for men and women alike.

We’ll share general style tips on how to dress for church in summer like fabrics that prevent you from overheating and color schemes that work well. But we’ll also share some speciifc outfits to wear to church in summer for women and men so you can step out in confidence.

After all, DesignerChurchSuits.com is your one-stop shop for everything from church dresses to women’s church suits and men’s church suits, church hats for women, and a whole lot more. Find your favorite designers at unbeatable prices with world-class customer service along the way! 

What to Wear to Church in Summer

It’s far more difficult to figure out what to wear to church in summer than what to wear to church in winter. High-temperature Sunday afternoons tempt you towards sleeveless tops, low necklines, or shorter hemlines - none of which are considered proper church attire.

Yet, sleeves, longer skirts, and full suits can feel heavy in the heat. That’s not to mention how heavy fabrics like polyester or lined suiting material can trap heat and moisture, leaving you feeling wet and sticky during long services, eager to get home and shower or jump in the pool.

There’s also the contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures. It might be 95°F outside, but your church is (hopefully) blasting the air conditioning inside. This is why layering is so important.

The good news is that figuring out how to dress for church in summer is actually be pretty simple - there are a few outfits in particular you can fall back on to look good, feel better, and stay aligned with church dress codes. Speaking of dress codes, let’s start there. 

Understanding Church Dress Code in General

First things first, why do people dress up for church in general rather than just wear what’s most comfortable - shorts and a short-sleeve shirt, or perhaps a tank top? It can be traced back to the idea that this is the most important thing you do all week. So, you should dress accordingly! 

The goal is to dress modestly and respectfully, showing reverence for the setting at hand and avoiding detracting from the experience of those around you. The general expectations are for outfits to be polished and not overly casual.

Of course, specific standards vary from one denomination and church to the next. The Baptist church attire is much different from what you’d wear to a Catholic or Presbyterian church. 

Really, it just comes down to maintaining appropriate coverage. That means dresses typically fall at or below the knee and provide full coverage of the shoulders. It also means no plunging necklines or anything else that’s too revealing, like super tight, form-fitting garments.

The problem is, it’s not easy to meet these expectations without overheating in the summer weather. Short hemlines, sleeveless tops, and sheer fabrics are your go-to this time of year - but they have no place in church attire. So, let’s get into what to wear to church in summer below. 

Fabric Choices to Keep Things Light and Breathable

The right fabric makes all the difference in summer, letting your skin breathe and wicking moisture away. You can’t go wrong with cotton blends, linen, chambray, seersucker, crepe, and lightweight rayon. They let air circulate and help reduce trapped heat and sweat.

What you shouldn’t wear includes heavy knits, thick synthetics, or anything with full lining unless it’s specifically designed for warm weather. Stick with structured garments that use breathable fabric without losing shape.

How Colors Impact Comfort (and Style) in Scorching Summer Weather

Color does more than make a visual statement. It impacts how hot you feel, too, as you’ve probably experienced at some point in your life. Dark colors (think black or navy) absorb heat, while lighter shades reflect it away from the body to keep you cool, calm, and collected.

This is why pastels, soft neutrals, light grays, and off-whites are going to be your new best friends for how to dress for church in summer. Or, go with floral prints and soft patterns for a touch of seasonal style without coming off too casual.

Just be mindful of fabric thickness when choosing lighter shades, as these are notorious for becoming see-through under strong sunlight or bright sanctuary lights. 

Outfits to Wear to Church in Summer for Women

Let’s get more specific about what to wear to church in summer with some of our favorite outfits to wear to church in summer for women:

• Midi and A-line dresses let your skin breathe without showing too much.

• Two-piece skirt suits with short-sleeve or elbow-length jackets provide plenty of structure while reducing bulk that can weigh you down.

• Pant sets made from crepe or linen blends let you move freely while still putting forth a clean look.

• Shift dresses with modest necklines can be styled with a lightweight wrap or structured vest, making it easy to layer for air conditioning indoors and sweltering summer heat outdoors.

Make sure you’re wearing the appropriate length dress for church if you go that route, though. You should also favor designs with short sleeves or cap sleeves for better airflow and modesty. Try to stay away from any clingy materials that can trap heat.

What to Wear to Church in Summer for Men

As for what to wear to church in summer for men, you don’t have quite as many options as women. Unfortunately, it’s a bit harder to stay cool while dressing appropriately. Fabrics become extra important. Here are some great outfits to wear to church in summer for guys:

• Unlined or half-lined suits in lightweight fabrics are best for formal churches.

• Dress shirts made from breathable cotton or moisture-wicking blends help regulate body temperature without compromising on style. 

• Lighter-colored trousers and button-downs can replace darker wool suits without sacrificing polish.

As for your footwear, you can’t go wrong with loafers or polished dress sandals paired with no-show socks. Short-sleeve dress shirts may be appropriate in more casual congregations, but you will need to dress them up with a pair of neatly pressed slacks and a belt.

Matching Summer Hats and Accessories

Don’t forget the accessories! You can put the finishing touches on your summer church attire with a few thoughtful additions. The key takeaway is these should elevate your look without weighing it down whatsoever. Or worse, serving as a distraction for the rest of the congregation. 

Women can wear hats made from lightweight straw, mesh, or breathable synthetic blends for coverage and style without trapping heat. Smaller brims or open-crown styles allow more airflow while still completing your outfit. Learn about the different types of church hats in our blog.

But, is it disrespectful to wear a hat in church for men? Yes. This is one of the many double standards in our world. Women can wear church hats as long as they’re tasteful and don’t block anyone’s view. Men must remove their hats immediately upon entering church.

That being said, you can round out your look with summer jewelry while you’re at it. Think wood, resin, or minimalist metal designs, which all feel seasonally appropriate and less heavy.

You may want to wear light scarves or shawls, both for decorative and practical purposes when attending a church that’s liberal with its air-conditioning, as these are easy to take on and off.

Keep accessories light in color or go with seasonal prints. Soft metallics can tie your look together without feeling out of place. But these accessories should complement your outfit, not steal the shine. 

Instead, let your suit or dress so the talking. Find your new favorite breathable, stylish garments at DesignerChurchSuits.com now that you know how to dress for church in summer!

Summer Style Staples Await at DesignerChurchSuits.com!

DesignerChurchSuits.com is here to help you find the balance between staying cool and comfortable this summer and dressing your best to remain respectful of the church setting.

We bring you the latest and greatest from the most trusted names in church fashion, including GMI, Giovanna, Lily & Taylor, Donna Vinci, Dorinda Clark Cole, and countless others. You can rest assured you’re getting the high-quality attire you deserve at an affordable price.

Whether you’re searching for breathable fabrics, lighter color palettes, or sizes that actually fit, your search ends here. From missy to super sizes up to 34W, we make it easy for every woman to find a flattering, elegant outfit that suits both the season and the sanctuary.

Our website’s filtering tools let you search by color, size, designer, or occasion, so you can find what you need fast, without scrolling through endless pages. Plus, our customer service team is here to help with personalized support whenever you need it.

So, what are you waiting for? Take our tips on what to wear to church in summer and discover your new favorite look at DesignerChurchSuits.com today.

Parting Thoughts on How to Dress for Church in Summer

You don’t have to compromise between comfort and modesty when dressing for church. Now that you know how to dress for church in summer you can feel confident piecing together outfits that look great and feel even better.

Understanding what to wear to church in summer is just a matter of picking the right fabrics, thoughtful color choices, and seasonally smart accessories. We’ve shared some of our favorite outfits to wear to church in summer for women and men alike, so it’s all in your hands now!

Respect the space, dress for the weather, and choose pieces that let you feel like yourself. We have them here in store for you at DesignerChurchSuits.com. Browse our newest arrivals and find summer looks made to fit your body, your style, and your Sunday!