What is the dress code of the Catholic Church in attending Holy Mass?

Answer 1

This answer comes from the traditional norms once observed in the Catholic Church before the relaxing of dress codes and social propriety in the 1960s:

Woman are encouraged to wear a head covering, usually a chapel veil although an appropriate hat can be used as a substitute. Traditionally, veils were opaque and long enough to completely conceal a woman's hair though a veil of lace is considered the norm these days.

A dress or skirt that goes at least beyond the knee. No slacks or pants. St. Padre Pio was notorious for ejecting women from his church for not observing this precept.

Any top, so long as the fabric begins within two fingers width from the pit of the throat and the sleeves reach at least to the elbow.

Most any kind of footwear is fine, even a nice pair of sandals.

Basically, you are encouraged to wear any modest fashion that is befitting for the House of God. Try to avoid flashy clothes and hot colours as these are distracting and some may even see them as enticing.

As a side note, many traditional congregations and churches still observing the above rules have decided that tongue piercings and piercing in general (excluding pierced ears, at least nothing too crazy) are not in keeping with modest appearance. Some priests, for instance, will not give Holy Communion if they see the recipient has a tongue piercing. Whether the priest is right or wrong in refusing Communion is a different question, just be warned that this might happen to you. If possible, piercings should be removed for the duration of Mass.

In most modern Catholic churches the above norms are not observed; a dress code practically does not exist and rules, such as head coverings for women, are not enforced and often are not even made known to the congregation. It is left at your discretion whether to go along with the lax modern trend, or whether to dress more conservatively as featured in the above. If, however, one is attending a more solemn rite or a more traditional church or congregation, you can be sure that they will be observing the traditional rules of dress. Some churches in Europe, especially in Rome, may enforce head coverings, even to tourists.

Basically, if you are respectfully dressed, it will most definitely not be a problem in the modern Catholic Mass. Wear a skirt or black pants, with a nice, modest top, and you'll be perfectly fine. No head coverings necessary.

Answer 2

When going to church , I think there's no specific attire required but , it is such an initiative for the person to look good but decent when going to church. It should be not revealing that can catch the attention of others instead of concentrating to the message. Lastly, whatever you wear, the presence and your devotion for worshipping God is the main thing.

Answer 3

There is NO dress code and I go every Sunday, just wear something plain and simple but it should be modest and respectful. After all, you are having a banquet and celebration where Our Lord is the guest of honor.

Answer 4

Depending on the particular church (from traditional to more relaxed), the man's age, and occasion (like a weekly mass vs. a funeral mass), anything from a polo shirt to a suit and tie can be appropriate.

Answer 5

Roman Catholic AnswerWhat you wear to a Catholic Mass depends on your sex, your role at Mass, and your interpretation of the Church's directives. If you are a lay woman going to a weekday Mass, then you would wear whatever you are wearing that day, provided it was respectable. Normally women would not wear say a dress with a plunging neckline, no sleeves, well, you get the picture. As one man described it to an RCIA class - no party clothes, but you are getting dressed up. Traditional women would still cover their heads in Church. If they are going to a Sunday Mass, or a special event Mass, then they would wear their Sunday best. Men would follow the same guidelines, weekday Mass, you should be respectable and avoid showing up in shorts, beach clothes, etc. On Sunday a suit and tie, or at least jacket and tie would be appropriate. The link below has an excellent description of the traditional guidelines for women at Mass.

Answer 6

No shorts. No sleeveless garments. No short skirts. No see-through or mesh clothing. No lycra shorts or tops. No plunging necklines. No teeshirts with offensive messages. No nudity.