Christians' clothing varies widely depending on denomination, cultural context, and occasion, but several common themes and practices emerge:
General Principles
- Modesty is a core biblical principle guiding Christian clothing, emphasizing simplicity and avoiding ostentation or showiness (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4)
- Christians are encouraged to dress respectfully and modestly not only for worship but in everyday life, reflecting the "full clothing of Christ's righteousness" as a symbol (Genesis 3:21, Revelation 3:18)
- There is no universal Christian dress code; rather, believers are called to "put on Jesus Christ," meaning their clothing should reflect their faith and values rather than fashion trends or status
Clothing for Worship and Religious Services
- Many Christians traditionally wear their "Sunday best" for church services, which historically signified respect and social status but today often simply means dressing neatly and modestly
- Some denominations require or encourage specific attire during worship, such as headcoverings for women in Anabaptist, Orthodox, and some Reformed churches, based on biblical teachings (1 Corinthians 11:2–6)
- Clergy often wear vestments or robes during services in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, and Lutheran traditions, though some modern churches have adopted casual or business casual dress for clergy to appear more relatable
Specific Denominational Practices
- Conservative Anabaptists and Holiness Methodists emphasize plain dress: women wear dresses or skirts that cover the knees and headcoverings, while men wear modest shirts; clothing avoids flashy or tight styles
- Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear special temple garments under their clothes as a religious reminder and dress modestly for church, often with men in white shirts and ties and women in dresses or skirts
- Some Christian naturists choose to wear no clothing, seeing it as God's original design, though this is a very small minority
Contemporary Trends
- Many modern churches encourage comfortable, casual clothing such as jeans, as long as it is modest and respectful. The focus is on the heart and mission rather than strict dress rules
- Christians are advised to dress in a way that is missional-meaning their clothing should help them connect with and reach others rather than setting themselves apart as "church people"
In summary, Christian clothing is guided by principles of modesty, respect, and faith expression, with wide variation from traditional vestments and plain dress to casual modern attire, depending on the community and context