If you have ever Googled "what to wear to church," you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions people ask before visiting a church for the first time. The good news: church dress codes have become dramatically more relaxed over the past few decades, and the vast majority of churches in 2026 care far more about your presence than your outfit. That said, different traditions and regions do have different norms. This guide breaks it all down.

The General Rule in 2026

Here is the simplest advice: clean, neat, and comfortable. That is the universal dress code for the vast majority of American churches today. If you would wear it to a nice casual restaurant, you can wear it to church.

The days of "Sunday best" being a strict requirement are largely over. While some congregations still dress formally, the overwhelming trend across denominations is toward casual, come-as-you-are worship. Most pastors would rather see you in jeans than not see you at all.

What to Wear by Church Type

Contemporary / Non-Denominational Churches

Dress code: Casual

Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and casual wear are perfectly appropriate. Many pastors at these churches preach in jeans and untucked button-downs. You will see everything from athleisure to sundresses. If you show up in a suit, you will likely be the only one.

Think: what you would wear to a coffee shop or casual dinner.

Traditional Protestant (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran)

Dress code: Smart Casual to Business Casual

Mainline Protestant churches tend to be a step above casual. Think khakis or nice jeans, collared shirts, blouses, or dresses. You will not be out of place in jeans, but you also will not be out of place in a blazer. These churches often have a mix of people dressing up and dressing down.

Think: what you would wear to a nice brunch or a casual office.

Catholic Mass

Dress code: Business Casual

Catholic churches generally lean slightly more formal than Protestant churches. Slacks, modest dresses, skirts, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes are common. That said, many Catholic parishes — especially those with younger or more diverse congregations — have relaxed significantly. Jeans are increasingly acceptable at many parishes.

For your first visit, business casual is the safest bet. You can adjust after seeing what the congregation wears.

Baptist Churches

Dress code: Varies Widely

Baptist churches span a huge range. Smaller, rural, or older Baptist churches may still have a more dressed-up culture. Larger, contemporary Baptist churches are often indistinguishable from non-denominational churches in their casualness. Southern Baptist churches in the South may lean more traditional than those in other regions.

When in doubt, smart casual is safe for Baptist churches.

Historically Black Churches

Dress code: Dressy to Formal

Many historically Black churches maintain a tradition of dressing well for church. Suits, ties, dresses, hats, and coordinated outfits are common, especially at older or more traditional congregations. This is a beautiful cultural tradition rooted in respect and celebration.

That said, younger and more contemporary Black churches have embraced casual dress. If you are visiting a historic Black church, dressing up shows respect for the tradition. If you are visiting a contemporary Black church, smart casual is fine.

Episcopal / Anglican Churches

Dress code: Smart Casual to Business Casual

Episcopal churches tend to be welcoming regardless of attire, but the congregation often leans toward business casual. Think nice jeans or slacks, collared shirts, dresses. Cathedrals may feel slightly more formal than neighborhood parishes.

Orthodox Churches (Greek, Russian, Antiochian)

Dress code: Modest and Conservative

Orthodox churches generally expect more modest dress. Women often wear skirts or dresses that cover the knees (some parishes provide head coverings). Men typically wear long pants and collared shirts. Avoid shorts, tank tops, and overly casual attire. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

Pentecostal / Charismatic Churches

Dress code: Varies Greatly

Pentecostal churches range from very formal (some traditions expect women to wear skirts or dresses) to completely casual (modern charismatic churches often look like non-denominational churches). Check the specific church's culture before your visit.

What to Wear by Region

The South (Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte): Slightly dressier than the national average. Smart casual is the sweet spot. Sunday best culture persists more here than elsewhere. See our city-specific guides for Nashville, Atlanta, and Dallas.
The West Coast (Seattle, Portland, LA): Very casual. Jeans, flannel, and even outdoor wear are common. Seattle churches in particular are among the most casual in America. Read our Seattle church guide.
Mountain West (Denver, Phoenix): Casual. Outdoor-influenced attire is normal. Denver churches see a lot of hiking gear; Phoenix churches see shorts year-round due to heat. See our Denver and Phoenix guides.
Texas (Houston, Austin): Ranges from dressy in traditional churches to very casual in contemporary churches. Austin is the most casual city in Texas for church. See our Houston and Austin guides.
Northeast: Moderate. Business casual is safe. Catholic parishes and mainline Protestant churches tend to dress up slightly more than in other regions.
Midwest: Moderate to casual. Friendly, unpretentious dress is the norm.

What to Avoid

While most churches are welcoming regardless of attire, a few general guidelines:

Avoid anything with offensive graphics or language
Avoid beachwear (swimsuits, cover-ups) unless you are at a literal beach church
Extremely revealing clothing may draw uncomfortable attention at more conservative congregations
Hats are traditionally removed by men inside most churches (though this varies)
Flip-flops are fine at casual and beach churches, but might feel out of place at formal ones

Beyond these basics, most churches genuinely do not care. They would rather have you there in a wrinkled t-shirt than not there at all.

What About Kids?

Kids can wear whatever kids wear. Play clothes, nice clothes, character t-shirts — it does not matter. Children's programs are messy, active, and fun. Dress your kids comfortably. No one is judging a six-year-old's outfit.

Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

Check the church's Instagram or Facebook. Scroll through recent Sunday photos to see what people actually wear. This is the single best way to gauge the real dress code.
Read FaithScout visitor reviews. Search for the church and look for comments about the atmosphere — visitors often mention dress code.
When in doubt, go one step above casual. You can always dress down next time. It is easier to remove a blazer than to wish you had worn one.
Layers are smart. Church sanctuaries can be cold (aggressive AC) or warm (old buildings). A light layer you can add or remove keeps you comfortable.
Comfortable shoes. You will likely stand for worship music (15-25 minutes at many churches). Wear shoes you can stand in comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear jeans to church?

Yes, jeans are appropriate at the vast majority of churches in 2026. Contemporary, non-denominational, and most Baptist churches are fully casual. Even many Catholic and mainline Protestant churches have relaxed their dress expectations. Very conservative or formal churches may prefer dressier attire.

Do I need to wear a dress or skirt to church?

No. Women can wear pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, or dressy shorts at most churches. A few very traditional or conservative congregations may still expect women to wear skirts or dresses, but this is increasingly rare. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident.

Is it disrespectful to dress casually for church?

At the vast majority of churches, no. Most churches prioritize attendance over attire and would rather have you present in casual clothes than absent because you felt you did not have the right outfit. The trend across nearly all denominations is toward more casual, welcoming dress codes.

What should men wear to church?

For most churches: jeans or khakis with a casual shirt are perfectly fine. For more traditional churches: slacks with a collared shirt or button-down. Suits and ties are only expected at the most formal congregations. Clean, neat, and comfortable is the universal standard.

How do I find out a specific church's dress code?

Check the church's website, social media (especially Instagram for Sunday photos), or FaithScout profile. Visitor reviews on FaithScout often mention the atmosphere and dress code. You can also call the church office — they are used to this question and happy to help.

The Bottom Line

Do not let wardrobe anxiety keep you from visiting a church. The overwhelming message from churches across America in 2026 is: come as you are. Your presence matters infinitely more than your outfit.

Ready to find a church? Take the FaithScout quiz for personalized matches, or search churches near you. And wear whatever makes you feel like yourself.