Dress code for gentlemen

The dress code for men attending an Orthodox church is rather simple:

  • Collared, button-up shirts
  • Clean dress pants (no shorts, even in the summer, and no ripped jeans)
  • Sweaters or vests
  • Ties and coats (not required, but always appropriate)

When wearing a button-up shirt, you can either button to the collar or leave the first button undone. Leaving more than one button undone is inappropriate for worship. Moreover, men should not wear excessively tight dress shirts and pants, and instead opt for loose-fitting, modest clothes. (Modesty and humility aren’t just for the ladies; men can distract women, too!) Lastly, avoid wearing clothes with any words or logos on them.

Dressing for God

Every Christian (and non-Christians, too) should use their best judgment before entering an Orthodox church. The church is not just any ordinary place. It is the House of God. When we enter, we do so humbly, with a sense of unworthiness. We dress as modestly and respectfully as we can, because we are in the presence of God Himself. If invited by any earthly king or queen, we would dress in our finest clothes. Therefore, we should dress similarly when accepting an invitation from the Lord of Heaven.

The way Orthodox Christians dress, both in and outside the temple, reflects their way of life and dedication to and fear of God. We dress modestly at all times, not in a flashy or provocative way that brings attention to ourselves. Below are some general guidelines for what to wear in an Orthodox church. Keep in mind these vary slightly from parish to parish, depending on the archdiocese (Greek, Russian, Serbian, etc.).

 

Acceptable and recommended

 

Unacceptable, not recommended

 

  

  

 

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Dress code for ladies

We recommend:

  • Long dresses or knee length - long skirts for women, which are traditional in Orthodox settings

  • Dress shoes or other formal footwear for all (no flip-flops or bare feet)

  • If pants are worn by women, they should be of a dress or business casual style

  • If leggings or tights are worn, they should be under a skirt or dress

  • For women: head coverings are not required but they may be used (Note that they are required when visiting an Orthodox monastery)

Please refrain from wearing:

  • Shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting skirts or dresses

  • Leggings worn as pants

  • Bare shoulders or low-cut tops

  • Sleeveless or strap-only dresses

  • Clothing with bare midriffs or open backs

  • T-shirts, tank tops, or casual sportswear including sweats

  • Jeans (unless no alternative is available)

  • Flashy or attention-drawing attire

  • Bare feet

The way we dress reflects our understanding of the sacredness of the moment and the One we are encountering in the Divine Liturgy. We encourage dressing with care and reverence not only for the Eucharist but for any time spent in the Nave, including confession, prayer, or choir practice.

Children

One of the greatest joys is our children participating in the life and worship of the Church. We ask that children not bring toys or coloring books into the church. If something small and quiet is truly necessary for them to participate peacefully, please consult the priest in advance. Items that make noise or can be dropped and heard should be avoided.

In efforts to maintain a prayerful atmosphere, we kindly ask parents with young children to be especially diligent to make sure children remain quiet during services. When necessary, we ask that you take them to the narthex section of the church in cases of uncontrolled crying, agitation, or noise.

Exceptions

We understand there are times when someone may arrive directly from work, school, or an activity and cannot change first. In such cases, please do not hesitate to come as you are—we want you in church! Out of consideration for others, we ask that those in casual or athletic attire remain near the back so as not to distract others during worship.