Can I wear jeans to church?

At many churches, yes — especially non-denominational, contemporary Baptist, and Assemblies of God churches. At Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopal, and traditional Baptist or Lutheran churches, jeans are generally too casual for regular Sunday services. When in doubt, opt for khakis or dress pants.

What should I wear to church for the first time?

A safe default for any denomination is business casual. For men, chinos or dress pants with a collared shirt. For women, a modest dress or dress pants with a blouse. You'll be appropriately dressed at even the most formal churches, and can dress down once you see what regulars wear.

Do churches still have dress codes?

Very few churches have explicit, enforced dress codes, but most have unspoken norms. Formality varies dramatically by denomination — Orthodox and Catholic lean formal, non-denominational and contemporary evangelical lean casual. No mainstream church will refuse entry based on clothing.

Do I need to cover my head at church?

Head coverings are customary for women in Eastern Orthodox churches and some traditional Catholic parishes, particularly during Latin Mass. At most Protestant and mainstream Catholic churches, head coverings are not expected.

Is it okay to wear shorts to church?

At casual non-denominational and contemporary evangelical churches, neat shorts are generally acceptable in summer. At Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and traditional Baptist churches, shorts are considered too casual. Lightweight long pants like linen chinos are a safe alternative.

What should a woman wear to a Catholic church?

A modest dress, skirt, or dress pants with a blouse. Shoulders should ideally be covered. Hemlines at or below the knee are traditional. Comfortable shoes are important since Mass involves standing, sitting, and kneeling. For Easter and Christmas, dress more formally.

What do you wear to a Presbyterian church?

Presbyterian churches generally lean toward the dressier side of business casual, though formal attire is not strictly required. Neat slacks with a button-up or polo, a sport coat or blazer, and a knit dress or skirt with a blouse all fit in well. More traditional PCA congregations and older mainline PCUSA churches often appreciate Sunday best, while contemporary plants are more relaxed. Clean, put-together clothing that shows you took the service seriously is always welcomed.

What do you wear to a Methodist church?

Business casual is the safest default for most Methodist churches. Traditional United Methodist services, especially those with hymns, choir, and an older congregation, tend to lean a little dressier — slacks and a button-up, a blazer, or a modest dress. Contemporary Methodist services and Free Methodist plants are typically more relaxed, where nice jeans, a polo, or a casual dress blend right in. When in doubt, smart casual works across both styles without feeling out of place.

What do you wear to a Baptist church?

Baptist dress codes span a wide spectrum. Traditional Southern Baptist and Independent Baptist congregations often still expect Sunday best — suits or sport coats for men, dresses or skirts for women — especially in smaller and older churches. Modern and contemporary Baptist plants are much more casual, where jeans, polos, and simple dresses are the norm. If you are visiting for the first time and unsure, business casual is a comfortable middle ground that will not feel out of place in either setting.

What do you wear to an Episcopal or Anglican church?

Episcopal and Anglican churches generally fall in the business casual to smart casual range for main Sunday services. Slacks with a button-up or sweater, a blazer, a modest dress, or a skirt with a blouse all fit comfortably. Cathedral services, high-church parishes with more liturgical ceremony, and formal choral Evensong events tend to lean dressier, so an added jacket or tie is appropriate. Small chapel or family services are often a notch more relaxed while still looking intentional.

What do you wear to a Lutheran church?

Business casual is the standard at most Lutheran churches. ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) congregations tend to be more relaxed and accepting of nice jeans, polos, and casual dresses, while LCMS (Missouri Synod) and WELS churches often lean a little dressier and more traditional. Across synods, it is a good idea to avoid shorts, tank tops, and athletic wear for the main service. Slacks with a button-up or a simple dress will fit in almost anywhere.

What do you wear to a Pentecostal church?

Many Pentecostal and Apostolic churches hold to visible modesty standards, especially United Pentecostal and Oneness congregations. Women often wear dresses or skirts that fall below the knee, with sleeves covering the shoulders, and some traditions do not cut their hair or wear makeup or jewelry. Men typically wear slacks and a button-up or collared shirt, sometimes with a tie. Charismatic and non-denominational Pentecostal churches are more relaxed, but erring on the modest side is always welcomed when visiting.

What do you wear to an Orthodox church?

Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches are among the most traditional in dress. Women typically wear skirts or dresses that fall below the knee, with shoulders covered, and many also cover their head with a scarf or lace veil during the Divine Liturgy. Men wear long pants and a collared shirt, avoiding shorts and graphic tees. Modesty is the guiding principle — knees and shoulders covered, nothing tight or revealing — out of reverence for the historic liturgical setting.

What do you wear to a non-denominational church?

Non-denominational churches are usually the most casual end of the spectrum. Jeans, polos, t-shirts, casual dresses, and even sneakers are common, especially at contemporary services with a band, coffee bar, and relaxed atmosphere. Smart casual is always a safe choice if you want to look slightly more put together without feeling overdressed. Unless the church specifically describes itself as traditional or liturgical, you almost never need a suit, tie, or formal dress to fit in.

Tips

What to Wear to Church: A Denomination-by-Denomination Guide

By FaithScout TeamMarch 25, 202616 min read

Last updated: April 13, 2026

Table of Contents

First-Time Visitor Tips (Any Denomination)

What Should Kids Wear to Church?

What to Wear to Special Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Find a Church and Visit with Confidence