SPLIT: Dressing up for Mass

[Chopstick]

No one would think anything of jeans in my area, unless they’re a holey pair.

Personally, I dress up for Mass about every other week, in a nice, modest church dress and either sandals or boots (possibly questionable footwear, but it’s what I’d wear to any special occasion). On the other weeks I work on Saturday and Sunday, so I’m wearing whatever blouse and slacks my job will permit.

I don’t really mind what anyone else wears so long as it’s decent. Like, those tiny shorts with a word across the back, or spaghetti straps (with visible bra straps, no less!) should not be worn to Mass.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

The way that one dresses is not directly related to the importance of an occasion. The birth of one’s child is generally considered a very important event. No one dresses up.

It is a materialistic view that associates clothing with the state of a person’s heart. Clothing does not reflect upon a person’s sincerity or the importance that he places upon the sacrifice of the Mass.

I go to Mass to participate in the Passion of Christ. If I was on the walk to Calvary, I doubt that I would be wearing a suit and tie. Everyday clothing is completely acceptable for participation in the sacrifice.

Ok, so we know your opinion now. However, other people have given at least as reasonable an opinion as yours. You may consider that the view of wearing ‘appropriate’ clothing or what was called once ‘dressing for an occasion’ is ‘materialistic’; others do not share that view.

Of course, we also (most of us) live in a time and place where people have a lot more clothing to wear, so to speak. The pioneer family out West may have had only two suits of clothes, one to wear for the weekdays (which included Saturday) and one slightly fancier to wear for Sunday church and important events such as graduation, wedding, funerals.

Whereas even you, MtnDwellar, probably have at least a half dozen Ts, 2 or 3 pairs of jeans, a pair of dress pants, some pullovers or flannel shirts. . .So you certainly could, quite easily, pare down your clothing choices to one or two shirts or jeans to wear 6 days a week and have one ‘outfit’ that was slightly dressier, being ‘newer-looking’ due to being worn less often, that you could wear for Sundays and ‘occasions’ and still be wearing ‘plain everyday’.

Wouldn’t that be a reasonable idea? It would be a nice eco-friendly thing to do, to cut down your clothing options, use fewer resources (detergent, water, electicity), and it would not only tie in with your opinion, it would also tie in with those who want modesty and slightly more ‘awareness’ of Christ as ‘King’.

See? Everybody could be happy!

 

[Langbank]

The important thing surely is that you are at Mass. External things like clothing are irrelevant in my opinion when one is before the Lord it is the internal way that your soul is dressed that is important. I have attended Mass in a grimy boiler suit before because I could not be excused from the engine room of the ship that I served on in time to go and get changed - straight after Mass back on duty.

Do you think that He who walked on the water to save the fishermen was scandalised?

If not, then if He is not scandalised then who are we to take offence?

 

[TheMc]

The important thing surely is that you are at Mass. External things like clothing are irrelevant in my opinion when one is before the Lord it is the internal way that your soul is dressed that is important. I have attended Mass in a grimy boiler suit before because I could not be excused from the engine room of the ship that I served on in time to go and get changed - straight after Mass back on duty.

Do you think that He who walked on the water to save the fishermen was scandalised?

If not, then if He is not scandalised then who are we to take offence?

No, in that case I don’t think the lord cared. But that is kind of beside the point.

When you are able to dress up… I just can’t understand why you wouldn’t. Why wouldn’t you dress up your best (or at least nicely) for Sunday Mass? Are you suggesting wearing that boiler suit to Mass now, because Jesus doesn’t care?

He gives himself for you. Can’t you at least put 10 minutes into making yourself look presentable?

 

[ElToro]

I think people should dress with modesty and respect at Mass. Some people are my parish dress in too revealing/sensual of ways. Some people at my parish dress like slobs (tank tops, shorts, shower sandals, etc.) putting their own comfort ahead of everything else. Both are wrong.

So is somehow thinking that a necktie and a jacket or a dress are somehow required or make God happy.

 

[ElToro]

The important thing surely is that you are at Mass. External things like clothing are irrelevant in my opinion when one is before the Lord it is the internal way that your soul is dressed that is important. I have attended Mass in a grimy boiler suit before because I could not be excused from the engine room of the ship that I served on in time to go and get changed - straight after Mass back on duty.

Do you think that He who walked on the water to save the fishermen was scandalised?

If not, then if He is not scandalised then who are we to take offence?

It’s wrong to infer that some people can attend Mass only if they are dressed inappropriately. That is very rarely the case. People far too often use that as an excuse.

 

[MtnDwellar]

Ok, so we know your opinion now. However, other people have given at least as reasonable an opinion as yours. You may consider that the view of wearing ‘appropriate’ clothing or what was called once ‘dressing for an occasion’ is ‘materialistic’; others do not share that view.

Thanks for the insightful post. I can appreciate that others do not share my view. I don’t criticize them for dressing up for mass. I will criticize them for saying that I should be like them.

Whereas even you, MtnDwellar, probably have at least a half dozen Ts, 2 or 3 pairs of jeans, a pair of dress pants, some pullovers or flannel shirts. . .So you certainly could, quite easily, pare down your clothing choices to one or two shirts or jeans to wear 6 days a week and have one ‘outfit’ that was slightly dressier, being ‘newer-looking’ due to being worn less often, that you could wear for Sundays and ‘occasions’ and still be wearing ‘plain everyday’.

When did you look in my closet

Wouldn’t that be a reasonable idea? It would be a nice eco-friendly thing to do, to cut down your clothing options, use fewer resources (detergent, water, electicity), and it would not only tie in with your opinion, it would also tie in with those who want modesty and slightly more ‘awareness’ of Christ as ‘King’.

See? Everybody could be happy!

I don’t see how separating wardrobe for church/other saves electricity or detergent.

Participation in this thread compelled me to survey men’s clothing options at Mass. It seemed about 60% of the men wore dress slacks and a dress shirt. None of them wore a tie or jacket. The remaining wore jeans or shorts. The shirts were mostly polo or other shirts with collars. There were a couple of t-shirts with writing.

Overall the group was pretty nice looking!

 

[MissRose73]

With summer arriving in so many areas, maybe priests should make gentle reminders about people wearing the following inappropriate items to church that are more for the pool and beach not Mass:

*Short shorts (my definition anything that doesn’t get close to the knees)
*Tank tops
*Tees with inappropriate items, logos, sayings on them
*Spaghetti strap shirts
*Cleavage exposure - women
*Excessive showing of chest hair - men
*Dresses and skirts that don’t get near the knees or at least the top part of the knees)

Then again, some may feel they may be alienating visitors and tourists but we should show some respect in church with the way we dress. I understand about people wearing their work clothes if they are going to work or coming from work to attend Mass. Same for those who cannot afford many clothes. I’d rather see a genuine effort towards people dressing a bit better for Mass.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

The important thing surely is that you are at Mass. External things like clothing are irrelevant in my opinion when one is before the Lord it is the internal way that your soul is dressed that is important. I have attended Mass in a grimy boiler suit before because I could not be excused from the engine room of the ship that I served on in time to go and get changed - straight after Mass back on duty.

Do you think that He who walked on the water to save the fishermen was scandalised?

If not, then if He is not scandalised then who are we to take offence?

Scandalized at what?

No one’s talking about naval duty. We’re taking exception to mothers dressing themselves AND their eight-year-old girls like streetwalkers.

There is a sad but growing defiance and rebellion in all things that were once taken for granted, and ‘Sunday best’ is but one example.

 

[Evan]

We are, at mass, at the wedding feast of the Lamb as described in Revelation. Jesus spoke of this dinner in the following parable.

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen” (Mt. 22:2-14).

So make your outward appearance reflect the desire you have to put on the wedding garment that will get you, ultimately, the chance to enjoy the same wedding feast of the Lamb in heaven.

 

[Langbank]

No one’s talking about naval duty. We’re taking exception to mothers dressing themselves AND their eight-year-old girls like streetwalkers.

Actually the OP stated that

I rode my motorcycle to mass and was wearing my best leather jacket and jeans.

Quite a long way from motorcycle leathers to streetwalkers I think!

Although the sexualisation of children by dressing them in a manner inappropriate for their age is clearly wrong.

Whatever clothing that adults choose to wear is a matter of personal taste, budget and convenience.

Taste is up to the individual to decide. For myself I personally detest ties and refuse to wear one (if necessary dressing in kilt and highland dress to avoid them) no-one has yet pulled me up at church for doing so.

Budget. Self explanatory really.

Convenience. If a person only has a short time frame to get to Mass and no time to change from what they were wearing before hand (or into what they will need to be wearing for the after Mass activity) and if the only option is to dress up in someone-elses appointed dress code I would suggest that many people would simply drop going to Mass. Which would at least permit those scandalised by the standards of dress to be scandalised about the half-empty church instead.

I would rather be at a full church with people dressed “as they come” than left in an empty building wondering where the Lord’s people were.

 

[foundmyfaith]

My Parish is pretty casual. The first time I went, I wore a suit. Everyone else was in jeans, dockers, etc.

Now I wear jeans to weekday Mass and slacks to Sunday Mass. I always wear sandals unless I am in danger of my feet freezing off.

I would love to report, however that I have not observed a single Liturgical abuse, and that we are packing 'em in. Loads of folks at weekday Mass too.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

Actually the OP stated that

Quite a long way from motorcycle leathers to streetwalkers I think!

Although the sexualisation of children by dressing them in a manner inappropriate for their age is clearly wrong.

Whatever clothing that adults choose to wear is a matter of personal taste, budget and convenience.

Taste is up to the individual to decide. For myself I personally detest ties and refuse to wear one (if necessary dressing in kilt and highland dress to avoid them) no-one has yet pulled me up at church for doing so.

Budget. Self explanatory really.

Convenience. If a person only has a short time frame to get to Mass and no time to change from what they were wearing before hand (or into what they will need to be wearing for the after Mass activity) and if the only option is to dress up in someone-elses appointed dress code I would suggest that many people would simply drop going to Mass. Which would at least permit those scandalised by the standards of dress to be scandalised about the half-empty church instead.

I would rather be at a full church with people dressed “as they come” than left in an empty building wondering where the Lord’s people were.

It’s not about one’s personal convenience. It’s about going to meet your King. AND dine with him.

 

[MtnDwellar]

It’s not about one’s personal convenience. It’s about going to meet your King. AND dine with him.

Perhaps the opinions of dress for mass are related to different understandings of the mass itself.

While Christ is present at Mass and we do share bread and wine, I don’t view it as dining with Christ. To me, the sacrifice during Mass is a continuation of the sacrifice Christ made at Calvary. Christ made a great, but horrific sacrifice to gain our redemption. He repeats this sacrifice for the spiritual needs of the Church.

As I posted earlier, I would not wear a suit and tie to Calvary.

 

[ldolan2]

I have to say that I don’t really dress up for Mass- I only own one pair of jeans at the moment, so I have no other choice but that and the nicest shirt I can find. Some may see that as not enough & object, but oh well. I veil as well (something very, very few female members in my parish do, usually I’m the only one on Sundays).

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

After participating in many discussion on this topic, I still don’t understand how people can find fault with wearing nice clothes for Mass. I mean, I don’t wear sweatpants when I go to church. I don’t think it is appropriate to wear clother that are for the gym or for slouching around the house. I always try to look decent: to be clean, covered up and like I’m making a bit of an effort. Clothes don’t have to be expensive to be ‘nice’. I wonder what this debate is really about. Do people want to treat mass as something that is just another everyday thing?

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I would rather be at a full church with people dressed “as they come” than left in an empty building wondering where the Lord’s people were.

Again, this argument. So are we to assume that people wear rags or indecent clothes (‘as they come’) unless they make a special affort to change into something a bit more dressy?
Why does this have to be positioned as an extreme? Either - or. What do you people wear? I’m seriously curious now.

 

[lizaanne]

I suppose the real question here is, why wouldn’t anyone WANT to look their best to be with Jesus? This sounds more like a cranky child syndrome than anything else. “I don’t wanna get dressed up, waaahhhhh!”

We don’t always get to do what we want. But as grownups we do what we know is right.

No one is saying that a good clean (and un-marked) leather jacket and clean and neat jeans are wrong. I personally don’t have a problem with that if it is the best someone owns. What I am more concerned about is the attitude behind the OP’s argument, because it makes no sense beyond just being stubborn. And that’s prideful.

~Liza

 

[Catholic90]

The OP rode his motorcycle to mass. It is pretty difficult to wear a suit and tie while riding a bike, so I think he would be just fine wearing his motorcycle attire to mass, since that is what he rode to mass on. There is a man at our parish who is an avid motorcycle rider and when the weather is nice, he always rides his bike to mass. When he does, he is dressed in leathers.

I also wear flip flops all summer. It is the footwear I wear to mass and everywhere else, since I hate, hate, hate shoes. I have several different pair in different styles and colors. It is what I wore to my son’s graduation (with a tank top - it was 90 degrees). It is what I wore to dinner after graduation. It is what I have worn to weddings. It is what I will wear to Baccalaureate.

 

[The_Curt_Jester]

It’s not a foolproof method of telling, but typically, people act how they dress. After having attended five Masses each weekend for quite some time, it’s pretty easy to pick up on that. There is something to be said about the exterior representing the interior. Again, it can’t be used to say that everyone who wears a pair of jeans has no care for the Blessed Sacrament or that just because someone wears a suit that he’s the most reverent person around. I’ve seen opposite examples of both. I’m just saying what I generally see…