Rain changes everything. That beautiful fabric you had in mind will spot or cling as soon as it gets damp. You don’t want to step into church wearing a parka, though. Figuring out what to wear to church on a rainy day can be a little tricky, but we’ve put together this guide to help!

Take a look at our outfit inspiration below, or browse our full lineup of church suits, dresses, and hats so you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. 

Key Takeaways  

• Knit fabrics are a better choice for wet weather than wovens or suede.

• Darker colors and prints hide water spots that would show on white or pastel.

• Protect your hat or leave it home if the rain is really bad.

• Stick with closed-toe shoes so your feet stay dry. 

• A lightweight jacket/wrap protects your outfit between the car and the door.

• Don’t forget the umbrella!

• Designer Church Suits has the latest styles from the top brands in church fashion.

What to Wear to Church on a Rainy Day

You don’t have to bundle up in a raincoat. You can still look and feel your best heading into Sunday service despite the unfortunate weather. You just need to be a bit smarter about the fabrics you choose! Here’s our advice on what to wear to church when it’s raining.

Stick With Knits

Woven suits and more structured dresses can hold a ton of water, and they’ll start looking wrinkly once they get wet. They take forever to dry - you’ll probably still be damp by the time church ends and you head back out into the rain!

Knit fabrics are your best friend when it’s pouring outside. They’re way more forgiving. They stretch back into shape and dry super fast. Moisture doesn’t show on them nearly as easily, either. 

Wear Darker Colors or Prints

Honestly, some moisture on your outfit is inevitable when it’s coming down and you have a long walk from the parking lot to the sanctuary. Even with an umbrella, you want to go into damage control. That’s why we recommend darker colors or prints. 

Don’t get us wrong, light pastels and whites look beautiful on a clear Sunday. But they show rain spots immediately. On the other hand, a navy or black suit keeps its composure even if you catch a few big raindrops between your car and the front door.

You can’t go wrong with burgundy or charcoal. These deeper tones look absolutely stunning, too! Prints are even better at disguising moisture. You can’t go wrong with a patterned fabric. 

Plan Around Your Hat

It’s no secret that church hats are a staple in the South. But rain and humidity can really take a toll on the materials most church hats are made from. Straw loses its shape when it gets soaking wet. Felt can get permanently stained. Whether it’s fabric flowers or feather details, hats with embellishments are most at risk. 

Now, we’re not saying you can’t wear your favorite hat to church. Just that you need to plan ahead. You can stick with a simpler hat in a more weatherproof material. Most hats will be fine in just a light drizzle. Otherwise, you have to make sure your umbrella does its job!

Focus on the Footwear

Your shoes are probably the most important aspect of what to wear to church on a rainy day. There are a few specific styles that are best left at home when the weather gets ugly. Don’t wear suede or any light-colored materials. Like we touched on earlier, they show moisture too much.

You should also avoid wearing open sandals or delicate heels. Your toes will get soaked. Closed-toe shoes are the way to go when it’s raining. 

Bring a Layer You Can Remove

The conditions inside the church are obviously going to be a lot different than what’s going on outside. That’s why layering is non-negotiable. 

You want something you can wear from the car to the sanctuary, and then take off to reveal a dry, pristine outfit underneath. But, the layer has to match the rest of the outfit as well so you look the part as you walk into church.

Don’t overthink it. You can wear a simple black or navy jacket over pretty much anything. Drape it over your thigh or fold it up on the pew next to you if there’s extra room. 

Find the Perfect Church Outfit For Any Weather at DesignerChurchSuits.com!

You can take a look at our full lineup of church dresses, suits, and hats if you want some more specific advice on what to wear to church when it’s raining. We stock all the latest styles from your favorite designers in church fashion:

• Donna Vinci

• Giovanna

• Lily and Taylor

• Serafina

• Dorinda Clark-Cole

• And more!

You’ll gain access to sizes from 4 to 34W, and orders over $199 ship free. Most importantly, though, our customer service team is here to help you navigate all things church fashion. So if you want a personalized outfit recommendation, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Final Words on What to Wear to Church When it’s Raining

Figuring out how to dress for church in the winter is stressful enough. But when it’s raining, every decision you make has to be a bit more thought out. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about what to wear to church on a rainy day anymore. We hope these tips leave you feeling confident in putting together your Sunday best while keeping it functional! 

Related Resources

Is it disrespectful to wear a hat in church | What to wear to a Baptist church