Summer attire at Mass

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I go to an EF Mass, where folks do tend to dress more modest than at the OF. I’ve also seen a few women in comfortable yet clean slacks and modest tops, as well as nice jeans. I live in TX, where it’s almost as hot as you-know-where. It can be hard to dress cool and modest, but it’s possible.
What gets me is some of these women, especially at the OF( and sometimes even the EF)Mass, Where short dresses, and low-cut necklines. I actually saw a woman in a short dress which had an open back (backless). In fact I remember seeing the back part of her scapular on that bare back. I just shook my head and said nothing. But I did think " She should think more of dressing to please her Lord, not her man, at least in church." But what can you say?🤷:banghead:
 
The falling away from wearing “Church clothes” that has occured in our society is in large part simply a consequence of falling away from wearing appropriate attire for other occcasions. The Mass is the high point of life, and we dress in a special way for it. If regular life is a “5” and special occasions say double, a “10”, and Mass is triple…a “15”.

But if regular life is a 0…2 times 0 is still 0, and three times 0 is also zero.

Our society is increasing desensitized to grave immodesty which only prompts even greater immodesty in order to get responses out of desensitized people. A time traveller from pretty much any culture in world history who showed up at an American Walmart on Friday night would most likely believe that prostitution was widespread and legal in the United States of 2012, because a great many people, men and women, dress in the manner of prostitutes.

Take for example shorts. There used to be a thing called “short shorts” which denoted shorts that were well, shorter than normal. Today “short shorts” is the new norm, at least for women under the age of 30 who go about in warm weather covering little more below the waist with their outerwear than they do with their underwear. Men go about in tank tops or no tops at all. Tattoos and piercings show a lack of concern for the human body.

So what to do? I think the Mass is a good place to start. If someone doesn’t own any nice clothes, get one nice outfit to wear to Mass. Nice doesn’t mean expensive. It simply means, modest and dignified. An appreciation of attire and the Mass can be a good seed to grow into an appreciation for modesty throughout life.

One other important point. Modesty is not simply “a women’s issue”. As a general rule visual temptations do effect men more then women, but they certainly effect women as well. I had a discussion with a priest who is a friend of mine recently. He related how he was concerned about attire (especially in summer) and had tried speaking with some mothers about the how their daughters were dressed. I suggested that he try speaking with their fathers. However, I think the key is speaking to the fathers about…the fathers. Tell a man that he needs to change how his daughter dresses, and he’s quite likely to shut you out and refuse to listen because he finds the suggestion that his daughter is dressed like a prostitute offensive (even though she is). Rather, convince a man of the importance of purity in his life, and convict him that he needs to change what he looks at (on TV, in print, online) in order to avoid occassions of grave sin. Once he’s convicted that he needs to be concerned about what he’s looking at, it’s a short step for him to realize that other men need to be concerned about what they look at, and other men are looking at his wife and daughters…

Pax Christi
 
johnnyjones said:
But since there seems to be such dispute over what is proper to wear to mass why wouldn’t the Vatican’s example satisfy you?. At least your honest and admit you think the Vatican’s attire code is dumb. They are providing an example of how to present oneself in presence of the blessed sacrament. The same blessed sacrament at your own church.

Is it possible the Vatican knows something you don’t about proper dress?
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For the record I don’t think all of it is dumb…just the part about bare arms…

Having said that…I also can see why they put it there…it’s not often that you see a sleeveless blouse that isn’t spaghetti straps with a bra showing…so they go broad base…I think that is more the reason rather than some man will be distracted by my bare arm…
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
For the record I don’t think all of it is dumb…just the part about bare arms…

Having said that…I also can see why they put it there…it’s not often that you see a sleeveless blouse that isn’t spaghetti straps with a bra showing…so they go broad base…I think that is more the reason rather than some man will be distracted by my bare arm…
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Who is saying it all has to do with a man looking? Some designations for dress simply appeal to proper etiquette.

For years women (and men) have found suitable clothing to attend mass in. Now style and fashion designers are suddenly the culprits. Besides the “inducing lust” reason, try to see why the Vatican came up with this example. Properly covering oneself has a long history connected with presentation of the human body.

People can rationalize anything right down to what they prefer.
 
Even though I wear sleevless sheath dresses to work in the summer, I carry either a wrap or a cardigan with me to put on when I go to noon mass. On weekends, I carry the same with me since I wear a lot of strapless summer dresses. I see a lot of people with exposed shoulders, but for me personally, I’d rather cover up a bit.
 
severus68 said:
I would think that the Pope himself would receive anyone as they are as Christ did., not sure of his advisers.
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Sure, but that is NOT the question. How would the vast majority dress if they had a private audience with the Pope?
 
These threads always show how far the culture has fallen. The fact that so many people can argue against modest dress for Mass just reflects the culture, and it is a culture that has strayed very far from any sense that each person owes a debt to those around them.

This one single thread paints a rich picture of the many problems this culture is plagued with.

People can’t just have simple humility and admit that Catholics should dress nicely for Mass. Nope–they have to argue the point so that they can keep on justifying wearing their cutoffs and tanks to Mass.

Someone earlier predicted that I’d stay to the end of this thread…not gonna happen because there just is no point. I am not certain there is any real point behind posting in any thread on CAF.

**We receive God during Mass **and Catholics cannot even agree that reasonable modest clothes should be worn when they receive the blessing and Grace of that personal encounter with the Risen Lord (something the vast majority on the planet never experience). Catholics seem to think that the Mass is about them–they are mistaken, it is about Jesus Christ.

Oh well. I am out. 🙂
 
irishpatrick said:
Sure, but that is NOT the question. How would the vast majority dress if they had a private audience with the Pope?
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Nearly every picture of a man meeting the Pope shows the male dignitary in a dark suit. Same for the women in a knee length dress or skirt with a black veil (or mantilla) and covered from the neck to the knees.

If I had the chance to meet the Holy Father privately, I would be wearing a long sleeved black shirt, a black skirt with a length goes below the knees or longer with a black veil or mantilla on my head.
 
irishpatrick said:
These threads always show how far the culture has fallen. The fact that so many people can argue against modest dress for Mass just reflects the culture, and it is a culture that has strayed very far from any sense that each person owes a debt to those around them.

This one single thread paints a rich picture of the many problems this culture is plagued with.

People can’t just have simple humility and admit that Catholics should dress nicely for Mass. Nope–they have to argue the point so that they can keep on justifying wearing their cutoffs and tanks to Mass.

Someone earlier predicted that I’d stay to the end of this thread…not gonna happen because there just is no point. I am not certain there is any real point behind posting in any thread on CAF.

**We receive God during Mass **and Catholics cannot even agree that reasonable modest clothes should be worn when they receive the blessing and Grace of that personal encounter with the Risen Lord (something the vast majority on the planet never experience). Catholics seem to think that the Mass is about them–they are mistaken, it is about Jesus Christ.

Oh well. I am out. 🙂
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You’ve made some very good points. Don’t be discouraged, there are many who share your view. This forum can be beneficial if those on it would stop trying to “win” the argument or debate. How so many can justify presenting themselves before the Lord in shabby or provocative clothes is as you said now a part of the American mindset. Most would never consider going to meet a person of prominence on this earth wearing beach attire or rags. Yet, some women are dressed for seduction and some men are dressed for hiking. Of course God will accept you based on your heart whatever you wear but if you know your going to HIS house, be respectful. Keep the faith.
 
johnnyjones said:
Who is saying it all has to do with a man looking? Some designations for dress simply appeal to proper etiquette.

For years women (and men) have found suitable clothing to attend mass in. Now style and fashion designers are suddenly the culprits. Besides the “inducing lust” reason, try to see why the Vatican came up with this example. Properly covering oneself has a long history connected with presentation of the human body.

People can rationalize anything right down to what they prefer.
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People on this thread…and other dressing ettiquette threads on CAF…

And my whole point was that even such a thing as an arm…totally bare arm? Bare arm after the midpoint blouse?, Cap sleeve that shows most of the arm? elbow covered but forearm showing? Just in something as that there is always disagreement…and judgement. Even if Vatican rules are met…there is still disagreement here about what is modest…or your best…

Some people are never going to be happy with peoples dress…period!

I have offered plenty of agreement and compromise and yet…stilll…🤷
 
irishpatrick said:
These threads always show how far the culture has fallen. The fact that so many people can argue against modest dress for Mass just reflects the culture, and it is a culture that has strayed very far from any sense that each person owes a debt to those around them.

This one single thread paints a rich picture of the many problems this culture is plagued with.

People can’t just have simple humility and admit that Catholics should dress nicely for Mass. Nope–they have to argue the point so that they can keep on justifying wearing their cutoffs and tanks to Mass.

Someone earlier predicted that I’d stay to the end of this thread…not gonna happen because there just is no point. I am not certain there is any real point behind posting in any thread on CAF.

**We receive God during Mass **and Catholics cannot even agree that reasonable modest clothes should be worn when they receive the blessing and Grace of that personal encounter with the Risen Lord (something the vast majority on the planet never experience). Catholics seem to think that the Mass is about them–they are mistaken, it is about Jesus Christ.

Oh well. I am out. 🙂
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I don’t see anyone here arguing for cutoffs and tanks to Mass…that is what you are reading into it.

Even when compromise is offered…it’s not good enough unless it meets your personal standard. Catholics should dress nice for Mass…you are right…the stickler is what consistitues nice to you might be different for someone else…🤷 But nowhere on here did I read that anyone equated nice with cutoffs and tanks…🤷
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
People on this thread…and other dressing ettiquette threads on CAF…

And my whole point was that even such a thing as an arm…totally bare arm? Bare arm after the midpoint blouse?, Cap sleeve that shows most of the arm? elbow covered but forearm showing? Just in something as that there is always disagreement…and judgement. Even if Vatican rules are met…there is still disagreement here about what is modest…or your best…

Some people are never going to be happy with peoples dress…period!

I have offered plenty of agreement and compromise and yet…stilll…🤷
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They key word was “all” which you should have put in extra bold lettering. Do you think the Vatican is focused on covering up the body because of “sexual stimulation” only? Maybe it is just proper dress, like when you go on a job interview and don’t wear inappropriate clothes.

People are “never going to be happy” because they want to do whatever they want, period! Selfishness consumes this society.
 
severus68 said:
I was talking about what is inside a person. Christ was humble and taught humility. He was not about externals.
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Yes, Christ taught humility. Not false humility, not a ‘modern Western’ idea that absolutely nothing was to be considered preparing for.

And part of preparing for something special is dressing for that. And that is the case whether you’re talking of prehistoric man, Egyptians of the 20th century before Christ, Chinese in AD 400, serfs in AD 1100 Europe, Muslims of the 14th century, South American tribes of the 17th century, Inuits in the 19th century, most people in the early 20th century. . .

All had as a part of preparation for something ‘outside the ordinary’ the idea that one prepared oneself inside and outside. Not simply inside, not simply outside, but both.

Why did that aspect of humanity disappear in some subgroups of a few areas of the U.S. in the last 40 years or so? And why do they think this is such a good thing?

Isn’t Mass and the possible reception of Christ in the Eucharist something we should be preparing for inside and out? If not, why not? I’d like to know.
 
johnnyjones said:
They key word was “all” which you should have put in extra bold lettering. Do you think the Vatican is focused on covering up the body because of “sexual stimulation” only? Maybe it is just proper dress, like when you go on a job interview and don’t wear inappropriate clothes.

People are “never going to be happy” because they want to do whatever they want, period! Selfishness consumes this society.
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Alright…I will bite…so…for everyone…I am a slightly overweight women…what does everyone think my proper attire for Mass should be?

Of course you will have to include daily Mass as well as Sat night and Sunday Mass…

It will be interesting to see what people will be “happy” with…or not happy…

Or am I being selfish? Funny I didn’t think that giving up my lunch hour each day to walk to Mass and back was selfish…but it seems it was because I’m not dressed to the nines everyday…🤷
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
Alright…I will bite…so…for everyone…I am a slightly overweight women…what does everyone think my proper attire for Mass should be?

Of course you will have to include daily Mass as well as Sat night and Sunday Mass…

It will be interesting to see what people will be “happy” with…or not happy…

Or am I being selfish? Funny I didn’t think that giving up my lunch hour each day to walk to Mass and back was selfish…but it seems it was because I’m not dressed to the nines everyday…🤷
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Weight? Weight is only an issue if you make it one. I see plenty of women who may have some extra pounds conservatively dressed.

Dressed to the nines? Not necessary. Wear some nice jeans or slacks with a blouse. I’m a guy so I don’t know all the terms for apparel. Your walk is not selfish, in fact it is commendable. Soft shoes and lite summer dresses if it is too hot. Girls are usually creative on these mixing and matching things.

Some people jog to mass wearing a nice jogging suit.
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
Alright…I will bite…so…for everyone…I am a slightly overweight women…what does everyone think my proper attire for Mass should be?

Of course you will have to include daily Mass as well as Sat night and Sunday Mass…

It will be interesting to see what people will be “happy” with…or not happy…

Or am I being selfish? Funny I didn’t think that giving up my lunch hour each day to walk to Mass and back was selfish…but it seems it was because I’m not dressed to the nines everyday…🤷
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It’s not selfish. The parish I attend during the week has a very diverse congregation. There are Wall Street types, tourists stop in for Mass, every once in a while there will be a construction worker. Each is dressed very diffferently, but we’re all there for the same purpose.
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
Alright…I will bite…so…for everyone…I am a slightly overweight women…what does everyone think my proper attire for Mass should be?

Of course you will have to include daily Mass as well as Sat night and Sunday Mass…

It will be interesting to see what people will be “happy” with…or not happy…

Or am I being selfish? Funny I didn’t think that giving up my lunch hour each day to walk to Mass and back was selfish…but it seems it was because I’m not dressed to the nines everyday…🤷
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Attending Mass in the summer heat… linen or cotton pants or capris, nice, sandals, and a no-cleavage linen or cotton blouse with sleeves with at least a cap sleeve. In cooler weather, dressier jeans or pants that are not tight with a top that doesn’t show cleavage and some shoes. Both of these seasonal choices can be worn to something other than Mass, so it makes it economical if you have the funds. Now, my suggestions won’t fly with the “dress like you are meeting the Pope or the President crowd” , but they DO comply with Vatican guidelines.

If you are attending on your lunch break or directly before or after work…then whatever you wear to work.
 
Annabelle_Marie said:
Alright…I will bite…so…for everyone…I am a slightly overweight women…what does everyone think my proper attire for Mass should be?

Of course you will have to include daily Mass as well as Sat night and Sunday Mass…

It will be interesting to see what people will be “happy” with…or not happy…

Or am I being selfish? Funny I didn’t think that giving up my lunch hour each day to walk to Mass and back was selfish…but it seems it was because I’m not dressed to the nines everyday…🤷
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Who ever said you had to be ‘dressed to the nines?’

Let’s say that you normally wear to work dress pants and a blouse. For daily mass, same thing. For Sunday Mass, wear a knee length skirt and a blouse. If you really cannot stand skirts or have issues with spider veins etc., then wear dress pants and a blazer over a blouse/top if the weather is cool, and dress pants with a lightweight but not sheer top, and accessorize. Wear a cross necklace or lapel pin. Tie a silk scarf and tack it with an angel pin.

Now, what if you normally wear scrubs or denim to work? Then if you have the time to change for daily Mass, again, put on a pair of dressy slacks, or a simple skirt, and blouse. If you don’t have time to change, then wearing work clothes is perfectly appropriate so long as they are clean and modest.

And for Sunday Mass, assuming you aren’t working that day, that’s the time to do as the above --dressy pants or skirt, blouse, necklace, pin, scarf. A little more pulled together to show that Mass is something you prepared for outwardly to reflect, of course, that you are also preparing yourself inwardly.

Now those ‘dress pants’ do not have to be $100 designer things. I’m sure you’ll probably recognize "Alfred Dunner’ as a designer for attractive pant and top outfits that look dressy but are not expensive (hello, Blair catalog), often found on sale. Clean, reasonably priced, attractive, and modest, and fit a variety of sizes.

As for the jewelry, quite often (ask my mother) various religious groups will send necklaces, rosaries, pins etc. for free. If you don’t get them in your mail, you probably have friends who do and would be delighted to give you some.

That’s my take on it FWIW.
 
Tantum_ergo said:
Yes, Christ taught humility. Not false humility, not a ‘modern Western’ idea that absolutely nothing was to be considered preparing for.

And part of preparing for something special is dressing for that. And that is the case whether you’re talking of prehistoric man, Egyptians of the 20th century before Christ, Chinese in AD 400, serfs in AD 1100 Europe, Muslims of the 14th century, South American tribes of the 17th century, Inuits in the 19th century, most people in the early 20th century. . .

All had as a part of preparation for something ‘outside the ordinary’ the idea that one prepared oneself inside and outside. Not simply inside, not simply outside, but both.

Why did that aspect of humanity disappear in some subgroups of a few areas of the U.S. in the last 40 years or so? And why do they think this is such a good thing?

Isn’t Mass and the possible reception of Christ in the Eucharist something we should be preparing for inside and out? If not, why not? I’d like to know.
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Dressing up is what we do, to look attractive for ourselves, to show celebration, to attract the opposite sex, sometimes for vanity, when we are required too. It has nothing to do with Christ, it has nothing to do with holiness.

We should look forward to receiving Christ and prepare ourselves internally. If some want to dress up to show outwardly their excitement and happiness, it is their right. Christ would not care if we received in sackcloth.
 
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