Proper attire for a traditional Latin Mass?

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dnu said:
God creates us all naked. It’s humans who fuss over our own norms, mores, and values regarding what clothing makes us comfortable. Perhaps rather than becoming uncomfortable when someone wears something “innapropriate,” the person offended should do some introspection and ask the simple question of “why does this make me uncomfortable?” I study Sociology, so I know as a matter of my own discipline that you can only be as uncomfortable about a situation (i.e. scantily clad bodies) as you let yourself be.
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I have to disagree. I can understand not being able to afford clothes (I can’t really afford them since I am unemployed) but I at least own a few dresses. If I’m not wearing a dress, I wear pants (not jeans; I don’t like jeans that much anyway 🤷 ) and a nice top.

There are those who argue that at least the badly dressed people came to Church and participated, and while I agree with this somewhat, I have witnessed people coming to Church in halter tops and mini skirts. I even witnessed someone attending Sunday Mass in a bathing suit once (a bikini with a sheer cover up). I think it’s much more appropriate to attend Mass in nicer clothes than a swimsuit or a halter top. It may just be a matter of opinion, but I was always taught to dress modestly.

If jeans are all you own and can afford, go in jeans. But if you can afford to dress nicer, I think you should. God, of course, is the final judge. 🙂
 
dnu said:
Jesus wore a robe and sandals and didn’t have access to shampoo, soap, or toothpaste; nobody seems to mind 😃 One should wear what they’re comfortable in. If someone is bothered by what you’re wearing, maybe they should mind their own business and focus on what is really important at Mass.

David
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Jesus also changed water into wine, cured the blind & saved the world.
Since I can do none of those things, nor can I live the sinless life that Jesus did, I try to honor Him by using decent language, accepting the crosses He sends my way & by the way I dress when I plan to be in His house…among other things. I don’t always succeed, but I try.

Dress at Mass has nothing to do with what others think or say, I try to make the best of what God gave me…that includes my body & how I clothe it. I have never worn pants to Church but that’s my choice & I don’t try to push that choice on anyone unless they ask me.

So, to the OP., most women wear a skirt or dress to the Latin Mass that I attend. During this cold, COLD winter…I wear tights under a long skirt & a sweater. Concerning veiling, about half of the women attending wear a hat or veil.
 
If you are going to go to the EF, please wear either a skirt or dress. We live in utter poverty, but have been able to put together a modest wardrobe, so poverty is no excuse.

Also, not to detract, but I was under the impression, at least when Patrick Easton was moderator here, that we were not allowed to resurrect old threads but had to start new ones. Has this changed?

Threads such as these always turn into arguments.
 
Women and girls must cover their heads. Women and girls must wear dresses or skirts that cover the knee completely when standing or sitting. Slacks, shorts, sleeveless, tight or low-cut clothing, and dresses or skirts with long slits are not permitted. Men and boys should wear suit coats and ties. Jeans and other casual attire are inappropriate for attendance at church services.

These are guidelines. As the saying goes - your attire is evidence of your reverence for the Blessed Sacrament whose presence you are going to be in at Church.

pax
 
lizaanne said:
Why in the world would attire be different at a TLM than any other Mass? :confused: It’s all Mass you know - Jesus is no more or less present at one than He is at another. 🤷

~Liza
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The attire is different because it is a cultural thing. In the United States, most people who attend TLM dress up for mass. Most of the people who attend the Novus Ordo dress down for mass.
 
Although it looks like it could use a pressing, I think this “June Cleaver” dress covers what all needs to be covered for Holy Mass, plus it’s a subdued color, which is better for Mass than say, a hot pink dress… It’s got a high neckline, comes down below the elbows and falls a few inches below the knees. I don’t want to hear, “Below the elbows would be too hot in the summer.” As my grandmother used to say, “your pride will keep you cool.”

http://www.ballyhoovintage.com/miva/images/11502d.jpg

So, my vote is something that covers like this, plus a hat or scarf.
 
I agree that traditional styles often invoke fond memories of how things used to be.

With all due respect to June Cleaver and Amish/Mennonite women everywhere, no discussion of vintage church-going attire is complete without mention of the undeniably classic, mad-sick-nice Catholic Schoolgirl outfit. Properly worn and accessorized, it has no peer.
 
I think that it is important to dress modestly. For me, that would mean not only not appearing half-naked, but wearing subdued colors, not loud, splashy prints. What is comfortable can be modest. I wouldn’t want to wear clothes that said, “Look at me!”.
I wear comfortable shoes (low-healed black shoes) only because if I wore anything else, I would be thinking about my feet hurting. I wear clothes that are respectful to Jesus, and that don’t make me think of myself. The focus is on the sacrifice of the Mass. If one rebels against such a simple thing as respectful dress, what does that say to the Lord who said, “Take up your cross, and follow me.”?
 
DaughterOfMary6 said:
I have to disagree. I can understand not being able to afford clothes (I can’t really afford them since I am unemployed) but I at least own a few dresses. If I’m not wearing a dress, I wear pants (not jeans; I don’t like jeans that much anyway 🤷 ) and a nice top.

There are those who argue that at least the badly dressed people came to Church and participated, and while I agree with this somewhat, I have witnessed people coming to Church in halter tops and mini skirts. I even witnessed someone attending Sunday Mass in a bathing suit once (a bikini with a sheer cover up). I think it’s much more appropriate to attend Mass in nicer clothes than a swimsuit or a halter top. It may just be a matter of opinion, but I was always taught to dress modestly.

If jeans are all you own and can afford, go in jeans. But if you can afford to dress nicer, I think you should. God, of course, is the final judge. 🙂
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I agree about the people coming in like they’d just come in from the beach being wrong.

Regarding people not being able to afford clothes…this country is so blessed that even our second-hand stores have some really great items, some even new. When I was poorer, in my younger days, I had to buy clothes there. But they were never rags. Some people give away perfectly good clothes to second-hand shops. Now I don’t have to shop second-hand, but I enjoy it anyway.

There really is no excuse for anyone not to dress respectfully. I once saw a guy in a cut-off sweatshirt at a funeral. I don’t think that’s the only outfit he owned.

Dressing in an appropriate manner shows how little time one spends thinking about pleasing the Lord. We know in our hearts when we are being respectful.
 
It is most appropriate to wear clothes. Clean is good also.

St Francis offered to go to Mass naked once as I recall, but the bishop gave him a robe.
 
Sorry for 3 replies in a row, but I thought of something else.

We wouldn’t want the priest to show up in a bathrobe or gymsuit, would we? All the traditions behind the vestments show respect and honor to God.

Our culture has gotten so lax and undisciplined in every thing it does. I think dress problems are symbolic of how we want everything to be quick and effortless. How one dresses affects one’s attitude. Not only do people wear totally inappropriate clothing, but clothes are not ironed (yes, many things still do need to be), shoes are not polished and people’s posture is lazy. I see so many people in public places that look dirty and sloppy. Even jeans can be clean and t-shirts can be clean and fit right.

Would you want to go to a doctor who wore a ragged t-shirt in his office? Maybe. I think a pressed labcoat shows more respect for his patients. Lawyers still wear suits, especially in court.

When I first went off to college it was the first time I’d worn slacks to class. In high school we had to wear dresses or skirts. The boys were not allowed to wear jeans. (Late 60s, public school). I felt strange at first being in class in slacks.

To someone who has never been “dressed up”, I suggest you try it. It’s amazing how it affects the way you sit and walk.
 
Yooper, you are 100% correct.

When I was growing up in the fifties and sixties, we wouldn’t have dreamed of going anywhere without getting “dressed up.” Skirts or dresses, but never pants. You are also right about public schools. While I attended parochial schools, my cousins went to public school and up to about 1968 or so, they had to wear a suit and tie.

The problem today is that it’s a culture of laziness. It’s more than a disgrace the way people come to Mass- the seniors are the worst offenders because they know better. Also, immodest dressing is an occasion of sin to others - but no one thinks of those things anymore. It’s all about ME ME ME and everyone else can take a long walk off a short pier if they don’t like it.
 
Malleus_01 said:
Women and girls must cover their heads. Women and girls must wear dresses or skirts that cover the knee completely when standing or sitting. Slacks, shorts, sleeveless, tight or low-cut clothing, and dresses or skirts with long slits are not permitted. Men and boys should wear suit coats and ties. Jeans and other casual attire are inappropriate for attendance at church services.

These are guidelines. As the saying goes - your attire is evidence of your reverence for the Blessed Sacrament whose presence you are going to be in at Church.

pax
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With all due respect, I think an over-emphasis on dress code at mass distracts from why we go there.

In my parish, for example, there are those who dress up in their finest, most expensive suits and dresses, pompously strutting up to receive communion as if it were a fashion parade, who at the end of mass sit drinking tea and boasting of their high-flying careers and latest material acquisitions, then hurry off, never to be seen again in the parish during the week, even on Holy Days of Obligation. Also in the parish, is one man in particular who serves as a great inspiration to me. He often comes to Church in tattered old clothes, his face unshaven. Yet this man’s sincerity outweighs that of the others by a thousand to one. He attends mass almost daily, assists in the life of the parish in every possible way, such as by tidying the Church and tending its grounds, and acts as a full time carer to his elderly mother. At the end of mass he can often be seen lingering, praying the rosary. Is this man’s faith somehow less worthy?
 
Yes, you are right, it does distract. So, men and women, dress appropriately and modestly, and with more dignity befitting a child of God.
 
<<< With all due respect, I think an over-emphasis on dress code at mass distracts from why we go there. >>>>

Mal: Actually - the reverse is true. Those who dress immodestly draw attention to themselves which of course distracts atttention not to mention the outright disrespect to the Blessed Sacrament.

In my parish, for example, there are those who dress up in their finest, most expensive suits and dresses, pompously strutting up to receive communion as if it were a fashion parade, who at the end of mass sit drinking tea and boasting of their high-flying careers and latest material acquisitions, then hurry off, never to be seen again in the parish during the week, even on Holy Days of Obligation. >>>>>

Mal: We all know people like that. But that is a strawman argument. Dressing modestly is the subject - not how fashionably , trendy , or condescendingly people dress.

<<< Also in the parish, is one man in particular who serves as a great inspiration to me. He often comes to Church in tattered old clothes, his face unshaven. Yet this man’s sincerity outweighs that of the others by a thousand to one. He attends mass almost daily, assists in the life of the parish in every possible way, such as by tidying the Church and tending its grounds, and acts as a full time carer to his elderly mother. At the end of mass he can often be seen lingering, praying the rosary. Is this man’s faith somehow less worthy? >>>>>

Mal: So if the same man wore cutoffs and a tank top and didnt shave and you found out that on Monday Morning he was a stock broker dressed to the nines would the same criteria apply? Or are you saying to me that an unshaven man in tattered clothing by that fact alone is an inspiration because of that fact? I like to think of it like this. If we were going to have an opportunity to meet and talk to the President of the United States today - would we dress accordingly? What about if Our Child was getting Married? Or we were going to a Funeral? But because we are ONLY Going to MASS and in essence witnessing the CROSS itself - how we look is no big deal? Dressing YOUR best is all thats asked. For some its less than for others according to their means which may be the case for this man you cite although razors arent that expensive , maybe he cannot afford one. . But to purposely dress down for HOLY MASS knowing its HOLY MASS to me is evident of ignorance on what you are going to participate in. The SACRIFICE of JESUS CHRIST on the Cross itself. So because its ONLY that - dress anyway we want? Sorry , I dont follow the logic.

Pax
 
This subject likewise reminds me of a parable.

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW

22:1. And Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying:

22:2. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriage for his son.

22:3. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come.

22:4. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come ye to the marriage.

22:5. But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm and another to his merchandise.

22:6. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated them contumeliously, put them to death.

22:7. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.

22:8. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy.

22:9. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage.

22:10. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests.

22:11. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment.

22:12. And he saith to him: Friend, how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment? But he was silent.

22:13. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

22:14. For many are called, but few are chosen.

So some who think that any manner of dress is appropriate , why then this parable?

Pax
 
Malleus_01 said:
This subject likewise reminds me of a parable.

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW

22:1. And Jesus answering, spoke again in parables to them, saying:

22:2. The kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who made a marriage for his son.

22:3. And he sent his servants to call them that were invited to the marriage: and they would not come.

22:4. Again he sent other servants, saying: Tell them that were invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my beeves and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come ye to the marriage.

22:5. But they neglected and went their ways, one to his farm and another to his merchandise.

22:6. And the rest laid hands on his servants and, having treated them contumeliously, put them to death.

22:7. But when the king had heard of it, he was angry: and sending his armies, he destroyed those murderers and burnt their city.

22:8. Then he saith to his servants: The marriage indeed is ready; but they that were invited were not worthy.

22:9. Go ye therefore into the highways; and as many as you shall find, call to the marriage.

22:10. And his servants going forth into the ways, gathered together all that they found, both bad and good: and the marriage was filled with guests.

22:11. And the king went in to see the guests: and he saw there a man who had not on a wedding garment.

22:12. And he saith to him: Friend, how camest thou in hither not having on a wedding garment? But he was silent.

22:13. Then the king said to the waiters: Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

22:14. For many are called, but few are chosen.

So some who think that any manner of dress is appropriate , why then this parable?

Pax
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Not to be argumentative b/c I am a nazi about dress for Mass, but I always thought this parable was about Purgatory. I suppose it could have more ten one meaning though. New way to look at it for me.
 
<<<< Not to be argumentative b/c I am a nazi about dress for Mass, but I always thought this parable was about Purgatory. I suppose it could have more ten one meaning though. New way to look at it for me. >>>>>>

Mal: Not to claim I am personally interpreting every possible meaning to the exclusion of all others which of course is the perrrogative of Holy Mother the Church solely , i just felt it ironic that our Lord would choose the Parable and cite “dress” in the parable as being important.

Obviously it is a parable and thus the underlying principle will be relevant until the end of time which of course is the “genius” ( Or the fact that is is GOD which is greater) behind teaching in parables . And BTW - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth applies to Hell , not Purgatory IMO.

Pax
 
Malleus_01 said:
<<<< Not to be argumentative b/c I am a nazi about dress for Mass, but I always thought this parable was about Purgatory. I suppose it could have more ten one meaning though. New way to look at it for me. >>>>>>

Mal: Not to claim I am personally interpreting every possible meaning to the exclusion of all others which of course is the perrrogative of Holy Mother the Church solely , i just felt it ironic that our Lord would choose the Parable and cite “dress” in the parable as being important.

Obviously it is a parable and thus the underlying principle will be relevant until the end of time which of course is the “genius” ( Or the fact that is is GOD which is greater) behind teaching in parables . And BTW - Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth applies to Hell , not Purgatory IMO.

Pax
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I have read saints who have said that the pains of hell and the pains of Purgatory are the same, save for the fact that the poor souls have hope. I don’t think there is Doctrine on the subject, but I am free to believe what the saints have said since it isn’t contrary to anything. I could be wrong, but I could be right.
 
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