Church dress: Varying attitudes?

[Izdaari]

My church is Assemblies of God, and we have three Sunday services, with identical content but differing style catering to different demographics:

1. The early morning service is more traditional and formal. Many wear suits or nice dresses, and more of the music is traditional hymns. This seems to suit the older crowd.
2. The late morning service is middle of the road, in dress code, music and style of message delivery, aimed at the broadest possible crowd.
3. The evening service is youth oriented, though some of all ages attend. It’s more rock ‘n’ roll, and totally “come as you are” casual. This is the one I like best, and it’s also the one our Pastor says he likes best.

For the third service, everyone dresses cleanly and modestly, but anything goes so far as style within those limits: shorts, sweat pants, t-shirts, flip-flops, whatever. And that’s the way I like it. I live my life in casual clothes, and own hardly any dress clothes. I prefer to go to church the same way.

 

[JeanMichel]

I was watching an address this morning from yesterday’s session of LDS General Conference. (I am LDS but wish to be ex-LDS, but that’s another story for another thread). One of the speakers talked about the Sabbath Day in a portion of his address. He made a comment that “our youth may think that the phrase ‘Sunday Best’ is out of date. Still we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow”. It may be my 17 years of programming in the church, as I always wear a suit to church and would feel severely underdressed without a shirt and tie at least. However I know that traditions and practices vary from Catholic, Episcopal (which I attended for a short time)/Lutheran/other Protestants, and other Evangelical churches. How does everybody feel and why?

To me Sunday Best is a good standard for individuals. For some, their best is a suit and tie or dress while for others it is a pair of jeans. We don’t dress for others, but it is a way to prepare ourselves to enjoy being with our God. Going to church is easy for many because it is a physical act; however, the spiritual act of attending church, of worshiping fully, and to be fully engaged in adoring Jesus is more difficult. Often being conscious of our dress makes it easier to engage. I should point out that this is one of the minor things; as has already been said, it is good just to get people there.

On another note, there is no time like today.

 

[Bianconeri]

We are always used to go in a suite for the males, and the females in a dress.
You show other people what you are when you are going on sunday, it shows a first impression to others.

And at the other side everyone should be dressed equal(not talking about other colours or w/e) and not differently according to what position you got.
When i by accident look at catholic church for example. All you see is a circus show!
the priest, pope and other ‘‘high’’ position people gotta wear some crazy clothes.
everyone is equal, the elders or you. We are all just ordinary people and shouldnt see ourselves different from others just for the position.

Which is what priest and all do, they dont focus on who they are and what they teach but just how powerfull and different do i like?
Where i go nobody will see who is an elder and who isnt(except for the readings and all)

That brings wonderfull stories also. Some outsider talkers with 2 brothers of me who were busy with garden i believe in New york. Saying that the leaders let all others work hard while they do nothing theirselves. That they feel themselves higher then everyone, not good enough for that sort of work or to go with a taxi and all.

But then 1 of the brothers mentioned he was 1 of the (14)leaders! It kinda stunned that person. That is how it should be. We are all one!

Greetings,
Bianconeri

 

[heathernoel]

I am going to call myself out on this one

I didn’t get it a few years ago either. I was brought up with the Sunday Best mentality when I took tests at school, had meetings, or went to church. Now that I have my own kids and we are converting to Catholicism, I will say this:

Most days I am able to get the girls into dresses. Some days, though, I’m lucky to get out of the house on time. Easter Sunday, after spending most of Holy Week dressed in our best, the 5 year old was such a pain that I actually had to bring her in her pj’s. She was embarrassed and will be dressed next Sunday but…I was in jeans and my hair was wet because I just couldn’t get everyone together (I have four girls ranging in age from 11 to 8 months).

It was a moment.

That being said, there was a guy STANDING UP FOR HIS GODCHILD’S BAPTISM wearing cutoff jeans, a t shirt, and a 10 days beard while his wife was dressed to impress. I felt for her.

I prayed hard for judging.

 

[BriaMarie]

Growing up in the UPC, I was required to dress up for every service, including nylons even for midweek service. Now, I dress neatly. Depending on which mass I go to, I may wear jeans or slacks, or a skirt if I have one, with a nice shirt. For special occasions (like Easter Vigil) I will wear a dress if I have one. The important thing for me is to be neat and modest.

In any case, unless you have access to everyone’s closets, you don’t know if they’re wearing their best or not. Before buying a dress last week, I haven’t had a church-appropriate dress in years. Because of being forced to wear skirts, wearing them now can make me very uncomfortable. Focus on yourself and God, and less on everyone around you.

 

[TheExorcist]

Easter Sunday, after spending most of Holy Week dressed in our best, the 5 year old was such a pain that I actually had to bring her in her pj’s. She was embarrassed and will be dressed next Sunday but…I was in jeans and my hair was wet because I just couldn’t get everyone together (I have four girls ranging in age from 11 to 8 months).

It was a moment.

That being said, there was a guy STANDING UP FOR HIS GODCHILD’S BAPTISM wearing cutoff jeans, a t shirt, and a 10 days beard while his wife was dressed to impress. I felt for her.

I prayed hard for judging.

Wow what a task with those four girls! I have one little boy (5 yrs old) and he’s hard enough most Sundays!

 

[JoshuaNY]

I dress up a little then I would on a normal day(I’m a Phys. Ed. teacher). I try to wear khakis and a polo. I do not find a shirt and tie comfortable, I get very hot all of the time. I have no problem suffering a little for Jesus but I find that if I am very uncomfortable I will not be able to concentrate. So I gotta beleive I am not the only one. If you dress modestly and are not wearing cut off shorts and sleeveless shirts I think you are ok. Now I am not Catholic but what is good for the Vatican is good for me

On the same note, I would rather have the butts in the pews then people not come because they dont dress right.

 

[xixxvmcm85]

Ex-Mormon here.

I still wear suits to church. Just can’t get myself out of the habit.

I still even feel a little uncomfortable wearing anything other than a white shirt.

 

[TheExorcist]

Ex-Mormon here.

I still wear suits to church. Just can’t get myself out of the habit.

I still even feel a little uncomfortable wearing anything other than a white shirt.

Ah yes you still have that Mormon programming in effect. My mission president told me in my exit interview to always wear a jacket to church and I always still feel slightly off when I don’t have a jacket at church. I would feel ok wearing a different color shirt but my wife gives me too much trouble about it. I broke away and went to an Episcopal parish for a while and THAT was freedom!!

 

[BrushedByAngels]

I think every church bulletin should have a front page notice on it – in Capital Letters – “GOD WILL BE HERE NEXT SUNDAY. HE WANTS TO SPEAK WITH EACH OF YOU PERSONALLY.” How do you suppose we would dress for the occasion? Too bad we need to remind people whom they are visiting with when they come to Mass, but such is the case. The priest shouldn’t have to tell adults that God is not just their beach buddy. And Catholics receiving Communion should be in awe and want to make God welcome under the best of conditions. But that’s a thing that dreams are made of. It’s not reality. Maybe some day we’ll return to our senses and give God the respect due Him.

I wouldn’t mind at all meeting him in my everyday attire. If I dressed like a skank then maybe I’d be embarressed … but I don’t. I wear my jeans to Sat vigil mass same as I do to daily mass I wear what I’ve worn to work for the day which is usually jeans and t-shirt. I 'm not much of a clothes shopper either. Clothes don’t really make impression on me (as long as it is modest clothing)

 

[Bezant]

I was watching an address this morning from yesterday’s session of LDS General Conference. (I am LDS but wish to be ex-LDS, but that’s another story for another thread). One of the speakers talked about the Sabbath Day in a portion of his address. He made a comment that “our youth may think that the phrase ‘Sunday Best’ is out of date. Still we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow”. It may be my 17 years of programming in the church, as I always wear a suit to church and would feel severely underdressed without a shirt and tie at least. However I know that traditions and practices vary from Catholic, Episcopal (which I attended for a short time)/Lutheran/other Protestants, and other Evangelical churches. How does everybody feel and why?

In my cultural background, Church dress is still rather old school: suits, dress shoes and ties for men, skirts/dresses for women to the knees, nice blouse and shoes–at the very least. I’m not talking about cuff links, hats, gloves, and all that good stuff.

IMO, formality a legitimate but not a primary concern. I can’t remember where, but the NT says we’re not to judge each other in worship on the worth of our clothing.

However, one should look as neat as possible before the Lord, and certainly cover appropriately: IMO, shirts with sleeves for both sexes, no tight clothing, no rude prints/slogans, a modest neckline and something that covers the knees.