What about dress code

[atassina]

I try not to make judgements about clothing–jeans versus slacks. Golf shirts versus dress shirts. Some folks may not have the benefits, of clothing choices. Some may be on their way to work, etc. But I am disheartened when I see shorts and revealing clothing–things I would never have let my children purchase and bring home let alone where to church or anywhere in public.

Sometimes, it is not all *dressing down *either. A priest of my youth once told us, “If you are wearing something to church to bring notice to yourself, it probably should be left in your closet for a more appropriate occassion.”

On a fishing trip to the Bishop, CA area, my son and I showed up for Sunday Mass in jeans and flannel-type shirts. We were immediately taken back by how well everyone was dressed. We, and a few others, were standing out because of our vacation wear. The priest after his homily thanked the parishoners for dressing respectfully for the worship service. I brought dress slacks and a nice shirt on my next fishing trip. He set the tone and the parish responded.

Finally, a rational argument explaining why you chose to wear more formal clothes. However, were your jeans and flannel shirt immodest, something against virtue?

 

[Nowhere_Man]

Finally, a rational argument explaining why you chose to wear more formal clothes. However, were your jeans and flannel shirt immodest, something against virtue?

I don’t really think that is the point…I think what we, or at least I am, trying to say is that if you would wear formal clothing for the President, the Pope, (insert highly praised mortal hear), etc. then why shouldn’t we take the time to do this for Christ Himself? Now, if you can’t afford a suit and tie, or what have you then that is understandable, but even then you should try and wear the best you have, like maybe setting aside a nice pair of jeans and a nice long-sleeved shirt especially for church so they don’t get worn as easily. Of course, if this is some how leading you to vanity (although, you’d probably be quite vain already) then you need to reassess your purposes and tone it down.This is just my two cents on the matter, the two cents of a young teenager, by the way.

 

[Tomkinst]

I don’t think they are immodest but they are certainly not “dressy” and maybe improper. If you were going to a wedding, a job interview, the Oval Office or trying to show respect for a ceremony, most would not wear jeans and T’s. I think some else in the string said it better but “Wear your best.” If your best is jeans, then God will understand. If you want to show respect for God and its a Sunday Mass, why not dress up? If you stop by daily Mass on your way to work or school, He will understand and be greatful for your attention and understand you wearing clothes appropriate for the next stop.

Maybe we should ask, “Why wouldn’t you want to dress-up for our Lord?”

 

[white_sheep]

I have a question for those of you against jeans, can you tell me what region of the country you grew up in and what sort of clothes you wore to Junior High, High School, or wedding dances?

 

[Miserys_Fence]

I’m still waiting for someone to give a reasoned defense of why jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt are immodest, a style of dress that opposes virtue.

I’d like to hear this, too. I’m also curious as to why so many people equate “dressing up” with “respect.” I wore a fancy dress to my prom; was that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It was just a chance to play dress-up. I wear dress clothes to work; is that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It’s because, unfortunately, my company apparently lets society do their thinking for them. I worked a similar job where I wore jeans every day, and the quality of my work there was the same as it is in my current job. And obviously, the quality of my work at my previous job impressed my current company enough to hire me.

As I posted earlier, I respect my folks more than anyone else on this Earth, and I don’t dress up for them. I show respect by being mannerly and helpful and devoted to them and spending time really listening to them and living my life with the values they taught me. They would have me committed if I suggested that they should institute a “no jeans” policy in their home as a way for their family and guests to show them “respect.”

Miz

 

[Bob_Aliano]

I’d like to hear this, too. I’m also curious as to why so many people equate “dressing up” with “respect.” I wore a fancy dress to my prom; was that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It was just a chance to play dress-up. I wear dress clothes to work; is that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It’s because, unfortunately, my company apparently lets society do their thinking for them. I worked a similar job where I wore jeans every day, and the quality of my work there was the same as it is in my current job. And obviously, the quality of my work at my previous job impressed my current company enough to hire me.

As I posted earlier, I respect my folks more than anyone else on this Earth, and I don’t dress up for them. I show respect by being mannerly and helpful and devoted to them and spending time really listening to them and living my life with the values they taught me. They would have me committed if I suggested that they should institute a “no jeans” policy in their home as a way for their family and guests to show them “respect.”

Miz

Grow up. Wearing jeans in your parents’ home is hardly the same as wearing jeans to Mass, in fact the comparison is utter nonsense. As for work, you wear what the company policy dictates, most companies have a hierarchical dress policy; the higher you advance the more professional the attire. I suspect even John-Deere has a graduated dress code.

 

[giuseppeTO]

I’m still waiting for someone to give a reasoned defense of why jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt are immodest, a style of dress that opposes virtue.

They are not necessarily immodest, especially when dressed for farm work. However, the typical stylish jeans which demonstrate every curve of the body can most certainly be immodest. The same applies to t-shirts.

 

[Bar_San_Pauli]

“In the time of Jesus a person was fortunate indeed to own more than one finely woven cloak and the pickup truck of the day, a donkey, was even rarer. I’m not quite old enough to remember that far back but I suspect someone trying to enter the Holy of Holies in field clothes would be shunned and probably chastised.”

Only the High Priest entered the Holy-of-Holies, and that was only once a year. But you are correct - he most certainly did not wear jeans!

But did the Levites wear Levis?!

 

[Miserys_Fence]

Grow up. Wearing jeans in your parents’ home is hardly the same as wearing jeans to Mass, in fact the comparison is utter nonsense. As for work, you wear what the company policy dictates, most companies have a hierarchical dress policy; the higher you advance the more professional the attire. I suspect even John-Deere has a graduated dress code.

Pay attention, dearie. The vein of this particular conversation is ‘respect is shown by choice of attire.’ If you respect anyone outside of Mass–and hey, maybe you don’t, but to each his own–my comparison is entirely valid.

So what exactly is the difference between respecting the president (or Pope) vs. respecting you folks? If I were going to dig down and get nit-picky, I’d have to reason that the president/Pope never brought me ginger ale and soda crackers when I was sick, he never helped me with my homework, he never took me to the museum or picnics or educated me, never fed or clothed me or comforted me when I was down, and he didn’t make me the person I am today.

I don’t know where you’re from, but down here, anyone who demands that one dress a certain way to be in his/her presence is a self-important, high-fallutin’, arrogant, entitled, puffed-up SNOB. Exactly what God isn’t.

Maybe you should take your own advice.

Miz

 

[janderobinson]

I’ve taught the second-year Confirmation class in my parish for years. Most of my students don’t attend classes between second grade and Sophomore year. (That’s a whole different conversation.) During their first year of Confirmation prep, the poor Catechist frantically tries to reteach basic Catechism and prayers. Most of the kids blow that first year off, thinking that if they just go through the motions they’ll get Confirmed. Sadly, by the time they get to my class, I even find it necessary to re-teach the first-year material, then all the other things they should have learned before they were 7 years old. We even take a tour of the church, since they don’t know what to do with holy water, haven’t seen the inside of a confessional since their First Communion, have no idea Who’s in the tabernacle, nor what a vigil lamp is, how to genuflect or bow, etc. Needless to say, appropriate behavior and attire for Mass are completely foreign to them. (I have actually had pastors thank me for getting them ready, so they won’t embarrass the parish in front of the Bishop, at Confirmation.) Once they have the basics of the Real Presence, I find it’s much easier for them to grasp the fact that God’s house is not a place to flirt, show off clothes or hair, or hang all over the person one came with. We discuss clothing and behavior as the natural result of the frame of mind and state of soul one brings to God’s house - or anywhere one goes. People dress for what they’re planning to do, when they get where they’re going. I always give my kids the example that if they can’t genuflect all the way to the floor, then their jeans are too tight to wear in God’s house, because that’s one of the things we do in God’s house. If their immodest clothing distracts others from prayer, they’re flirting, not praying. God’s house is a house of prayer. And we discuss Jesus and the money-changers. As people dress so that others will think well of them, I ask them who they’re trying to impress by wearing low cut tops, tight jeans, short skirts, etc. Those who are honest with themselves get it right away. Most kids can talk themselves into leaving the flirty clothes at home, once they’ve got the whole picture. The girls may not arrive in the dresses that I would wear, or the guys in ties, but at least they end up clean, neat, and modest. Please pray for my kids - for all our kids! Thank you!

 

[white_sheep]

They are not necessarily immodest, especially when dressed for farm work. However, the typical stylish jeans which demonstrate every curve of the body can most certainly be immodest. The same applies to t-shirts.

The typical stylish dress clothes I’ve seen in the workplace can most aptly be described as immodest as well. Cleavage hanging out, tight form fitting pants, high heels, etc.The same applies to button up shirts for women, or dresses, or any other kind of top.

 

[white_sheep]

I’d like to hear this, too. I’m also curious as to why so many people equate “dressing up” with “respect.” I wore a fancy dress to my prom; was that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It was just a chance to play dress-up. I wear dress clothes to work; is that out of “respect?” Heck, no. It’s because, unfortunately, my company apparently lets society do their thinking for them. I worked a similar job where I wore jeans every day, and the quality of my work there was the same as it is in my current job. And obviously, the quality of my work at my previous job impressed my current company enough to hire me.

As I posted earlier, I respect my folks more than anyone else on this Earth, and I don’t dress up for them. I show respect by being mannerly and helpful and devoted to them and spending time really listening to them and living my life with the values they taught me. They would have me committed if I suggested that they should institute a “no jeans” policy in their home as a way for their family and guests to show them “respect.”

Miz

It was stated earlier in the thread that jeans are bad because they are blue collar.

 

[mick321]

Pay attention, dearie. The vein of this particular conversation is ‘respect is shown by choice of attire.’ If you respect anyone outside of Mass–and hey, maybe you don’t, but to each his own–my comparison is entirely valid.

So what exactly is the difference between respecting the president (or Pope) vs. respecting you folks? If I were going to dig down and get nit-picky, I’d have to reason that the president/Pope never brought me ginger ale and soda crackers when I was sick, he never helped me with my homework, he never took me to the museum or picnics or educated me, never fed or clothed me or comforted me when I was down, and he didn’t make me the person I am today.

I don’t know where you’re from, but down here, anyone who demands that one dress a certain way to be in his/her presence is a self-important, high-fallutin’, arrogant, entitled, puffed-up SNOB. Exactly what God isn’t.

Maybe you should take your own advice.

Miz

I love it when you get all worked up.

I bet you’re fun to look at too.

So wear whatever you want.

Arrive early and stay late.

Don’t forget your sunglasses Baby.

 

[Lycorth]

I’m still waiting for someone to give a reasoned defense of why jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt are immodest, a style of dress that opposes virtue.

Common clothing is suitable for common events or places or people. Even our parents, whom we should love and respect, are still common folks.

Christ is not common and deserves to be honored with the best we have. If we won’t wear the best clothes we have when we spend that measly hour a week with Him at Mass, then how can we be expected to give Him the best love and faith we can?

Sure, some folks can’t afford better than t-shirts and jeans and sneakers, but those are the exceptions to the rule - and even the best of one’s sneakers or t-shirts or jeans ought to be worn to Mass in the event a person can’t afford better. But most of us can afford better than what are unarguably common clothes, and since Mass and the Faith is all about God and not about us, the reason so many people oppose wearing common clothes to Mass is clear.

 

[Springkeeper]

They are not necessarily immodest, especially when dressed for farm work. However, the typical stylish jeans which demonstrate every curve of the body can most certainly be immodest. The same applies to t-shirts.

Absolutely. One of my students in Sunday school wear jeans and t-shirts so tight I’m not really sure how she gets them on in the first place. How many women or teenage girls wear loose fitting jeans?

My Grandfathers (on both sides) were farmers and they never even owned a pair of jeans. I came from a poor family and my Mother much more so and NEVER would they have worn anything other than their best to Mass because they actually believed Christ was present and they wanted to show honor to Him. Since I retired, we no longer have all that much money either but since dress pants are cheaper that jeans, it hasn’t been a problem.

 

[sanctamaria17]

I do not cover my hair. I usually wear dresses or skirts to church, sometimes pants. I’ve worn darker jeans with a nice top and shoes, freshened makeup, and jewelry.

Dress modestly.

It’s your heart that matters.

Who really cares what other people think of your dress?

Remember, we are not to be Pharisees.

 

[Onegin]

I’d like to hear this, too. I’m also curious as to why so many people equate “dressing up” with “respect.”

The simple answer? Because it is an objectively respectful act to dress up.

Subjectivism is apparently so pervasive these days that people believe that every issue and every standard is open to question or personal interpretation. Certainly dressing nicely is respectful! It is common sense and one of the easiest expressions of it at that. Whether you wish to personally view dressing nicely as respectful or not is irrelevant as that is your own, personal opinion which has no bearing on whether or not dressing nicely in and of itself is an objectively respectful act. Certain things don’t change simply because we wish they would or we stop doing them. As I mentioned earlier, genuflecting in front of the Tabernacle will always be an objectively respectful act regardless of whether you think it is or not. Certain things cannot be changed.

As they say, try as you will, standing in a garage won’t make you a car. Neither will denying the merit of certain outward signs of respectability make them any less worthwhile or necessary.

To quote Pope Pius XII on this issue: “There always exists an absolute norm to be preserved.”

 

[ohioszo]

Went to a renewal of wedding vows today. The attire requested was Hawaiian Casual. I wore a ruffled white blouse and green skirt, and asked my Dad who said when asked, that he thought hose would be better than bare legs. On arriving, I felt great, properly dressed. There was a fellow there who was dressed very poorly, and, of course, I probably attracted his attention. How does one treat a person who is disrespectfully dressed at a wedding. Later on, I saw that the “bride’s” sister spoke to him, and, I give her some credit for that! I didn’t know him from the man in the moon, and, didn’t care to. How’s that for what one should wear! My cousin was in jeans, but, with his simple shirt looked okay, if not weddingish. There are jeans and there are jeans wear. If he were greasing up the car, I might have said good day or hello.

Picked up a fellow, in our car, who lost weight and hasn’t a spare penny. He ties up his pants and skips the shirt. (He left a dirty mark on the car seat. I sure hope that his mom’s estate gets settled pretty soon … ) My Dad wouldn’t say a word to him, and, it would have been hard to invite him for dinner.

Don’t we all get the problem. But, the interpretation has to be somewhat spiritual too. BTW, our town has a man named Clancy, not a parishioner; homeless, but has been offered a home by a parishioner and real estate agent. Also has a brother in town. He, Clancy, sits outside of our Adoration Chapel on Thurs/Fri nights, and, during Mass, sits in the space outside of worship. Every Sunday, drinking his coffee, sometimes in a rocking chair(s) that were placed in the gathering area. He has his old raincoat, just completely an outdoor living person, legs crossed and at ease. Hi Clancy, how are you today?!

Funny thing about jeans … they last a few years, while wool lasts forever, decades. That’s just a small comment. If you are a minister at church, you know what I mean. Where are the dresses (which changes in fashion making them outdated in those same few years? Oh but styles do come back.) One way to keep ahead is to go ahead of the fashion, paying attention to the runways. Then, your clothes (women’s anyways) will be good for longer. Knowing how to sew, too. Those baggy clothes of the 80’s, fit our spreading shapes in 2010s. (A joke, ha ha.) Just remove the shoulder pads please.

Okay … the secret of the wealthy is classic styling, English; dress like a man, or, a schoolgirl?

Ruffles are in again, BTW, aren’t they? And, what are Hawaiians wearing to weddings anyway?

 

[atassina]

Common clothing is suitable for common events or places or people. Even our parents, whom we should love and respect, are still common folks.

Christ is not common and deserves to be honored with the best we have. If we won’t wear the best clothes we have when we spend that measly hour a week with Him at Mass, then how can we be expected to give Him the best love and faith we can?

Sure, some folks can’t afford better than t-shirts and jeans and sneakers, but those are the exceptions to the rule - and even the best of one’s sneakers or t-shirts or jeans ought to be worn to Mass in the event a person can’t afford better. But most of us can afford better than what are unarguably common clothes, and since Mass and the Faith is all about God and not about us, the reason so many people oppose wearing common clothes to Mass is clear.

Rend your heart and not your garments

 

[atassina]

Absolutely. One of my students in Sunday school wear jeans and t-shirts so tight I’m not really sure how she gets them on in the first place. How many women or teenage girls wear loose fitting jeans?

My Grandfathers (on both sides) were farmers and they never even owned a pair of jeans. I came from a poor family and my Mother much more so and NEVER would they have worn anything other than their best to Mass because they actually believed Christ was present and they wanted to show honor to Him. Since I retired, we no longer have all that much money either but since dress pants are cheaper that jeans, it hasn’t been a problem.

You are correct about the tight clothing-- it is immodest because it is revealing something which should remain hidden. When clothing is so tight that it becomes a second skin, it is in fact immodest. In church, I have seen women in clothes so tight that the clothing revealed their intimate parts. That is why it was immodest and against virtue. Jeans are not immodest. Tight jeans are.