What Do You Wear to a Baptism as a Guest? Plus, What Not to Wear

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The appropriate colors, cuts & styles to wear to a christening

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett and Devin McSween

Last Updated: September 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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Dressing Appropriately

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What to Avoid

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Outfits for Men

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Outfits for Women

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What to Wear to Your Own Baptism

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If you’ve recently been invited to a family member or loved one’s baptism, we're here to help you figure out what to wear. A baptism (also called a christening) is a religious rite that initiates someone into the Christian church, so modest and semi-formal attire is usually appropriate. To help you decide what to wear, we’ll list several outfit ideas for men and women, what to consider when planning your outfit, and what to avoid. We’ll also go over what to wear to your own baptism. Read on to learn more!

Baptism Dress Code

Pick out an outfit that’s modest and semi-formal—think of your “Sunday best.” For men, suitable outfits include a suit and dress shirt or slacks and a button-down. For women, appropriate attire includes midi dresses, midi skirts and blouses, or slacks and button-downs.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Dress Appropriately for a Baptism

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Wear modest, semi-formal clothes. Baptisms are sacred, religious events that are usually held in a church, so it’s important to dress respectfully and not too casually. As a good rule of thumb, dress in your “Sunday best,” or clothes that are appropriate for a regular church service. Think tailored trousers, button-down shirts, long dresses or skirts, and dressy, closed-toe shoes.^{[1]
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- If you’re not religious, dress in a “smart casual” outfit appropriate for the office or a conference. This also includes slacks, collared shirts, blazers, and long dresses or skirts.
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Choose clothing in light or pastel colors. Light colors are perfectly acceptable to wear to a baptism, as they help symbolize the baptismal themes of purification and new beginnings. Feel free to wear white and pastels in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink.^{[2]
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- Black and dark colors are also perfectly appropriate to wear to a baptism. Since these hues can be associated with more formal or subdued events, like funerals, try to accessorize with light or pastel colors.
- Patterns are also acceptable to wear at baptisms, like florals, plaids, stripes, and polka dots.
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Churches and other event spaces can be cold, so prepare for the air conditioning by taking a cardigan, sweater, sports coat, blazer, or jacket with you. Plus, outerwear helps add a layer of modesty if you’re wearing a sleeveless top or dress.
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Dress for the season and weather. Choose clothing in colors and fabrics that are appropriate for the season. For instance, wear rich colors like maroon and forest green in thick fabrics like velvet and wool in the winter. Or, put on pastel colors and lightweight fabrics, like linen and cotton, in the summer.
- Wear season-appropriate accessories, too. For instance, dressy boots are suitable for the cooler months while heeled sandals are appropriate for the warmer months.
- Make sure to check the weather before the baptism! While baptisms are commonly held inside, you might need to grab an umbrella or heavy coat if you’ll be outside.
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Respect the family’s religious or cultural customs. Some Christians may view baptisms as very formal occasions or more casual events, so consider the family’s beliefs when planning what to wear. Also respect their cultural customs about dressing, such as ensuring you’re showing minimal skin.^{[3]
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- For instance, Catholic baptisms tend to be more formal than other Christian baptisms. So, a suit or dress pants and a dress shirt might be more appropriate than a polo and khakis.
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Add accessories to your outfit. While baptisms are slightly formal, they’re also festive events celebrating your loved one’s initiation into the Christian church. It’s perfectly appropriate to show off your style with tasteful accessories like jewelry, cufflinks, ties, shoes, scarves, and hats.^{[4]
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- For instance, wear a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, in a fun pop of color. Or, stay warm in a faux fur shawl.
If you’re not sure what to wear to a baptism, ask the family, host, or church leaders for advice! They’ll be able to tell you if they prefer formal or casual outfits, as well as anything they would like you to avoid wearing.

Section 2 of 5:

Clothing to Avoid Wearing to a Baptism

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Be mindful of the family’s beliefs and show respect for the baptism by wearing modest, flowy clothing. Avoid wearing figure-hugging pants, skirts, dresses, low necklines, and short hemlines.
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Casual clothes like shorts, T-shirts, jeans, and flip-flops Baptisms are sacred events that lean on the formal side, so avoid wearing anything too laid back and relaxed-looking. This includes shorts, graphic tees, ripped or distressed jeans, sneakers, and sandals.
- Note: If the baptism you’re attending is more casual, jeans may be appropriate. Just choose a nice, fitted pair in a dark wash and style them with a button-down or blouse.
Bold and flashy clothing can be distracting and draw attention away from the baptism. While colors and patterns are appropriate for the event, avoid loud prints, neon hues, and heavily jeweled or sequined clothes to stay respectful.

Section 3 of 5:

Baptism Outfit Ideas for Men

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Suit, dress shirt, and dress shoes For a more formal baptism, put on your best suit. Opt for a traditional black or navy suit in the fall and winter or a gray, tan, or light-colored suit in the spring and summer. Then, put on a crisp white dress shirt and black or brown dress shoes.^{[5]
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- Patterned suits are appropriate, too. For instance, wear a subtle plaid or pinstripe suit.
- Adding a tie or bow tie is a great, optional accessory to dress up your outfit even further. Just choose a tie in a color or pattern that compliments your suit.
- Wear dress boots in the cooler months, if you prefer.
- Wearing a suit is a great option if you are the parent of the person getting baptized or in their immediate family, as this is a more formal outfit.
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Slacks, button-down, blazer, and dress shoes If you’re attending a semi-formal baptism, opt for a pair of tailored slacks in black, gray, navy, or brown. Simply pair your pants with a collared button-down shirt in white, a neutral, or a light color like pastel blue, pink, or green. Then, accessorize with a blazer that matches your slacks or shirt and dress shoes in black or brown.^{[6]
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- A sports coat is a great alternative to a blazer if you don’t have one.
- Wear a blazer or sports coat in a solid color or pattern, like plaid.
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Chinos, collared shirt, and loafers For a slightly more casual and relaxed baptism, slide on a pair of fitted chinos in black, gray, brown, navy blue, or khaki. Style your trousers with a collared button-down or polo shirt in white, a neutral, or a pastel hue. Then, put on black or brown loafers.
- Feel free to wear either a long or short-sleeved shirt.

Section 4 of 5:

Baptism Outfit Ideas for Women

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Sleeved midi dress and low heels or flats A mid-length dress that has sleeves is the perfect option for formal and semi-formal baptisms. Choose a solid dress in white or a light color like baby blue, lavender, or pastel yellow. Or, opt for a colorful floral, striped, or polka dot pattern. Then, put on low heels or flats in a neutral color, like nude, black, or brown.^{[7]
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- Go for a flowy cut over a more fitted style, like an A-line or wrap dress.
- In the fall and winter, opt for a dress with long sleeves. In the spring and summer, choose a dress with short sleeves, cap sleeves, or thick straps.
- Choose a dress that’s made out of thick, high-quality fabric. Image consultant Kalee Hewlett says, “When it comes to formal wear, I personally love things like velvet [and] satin silks…they're really rich, beautiful fabrics.”
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Midi skirt, sleeved blouse, and low heels or flats If dresses aren’t your thing, go for a flowy, mid-length skirt in a structured fabric or silky material. Simply choose a neutral or colorful skirt in a solid or pattern, like florals. Then, tuck a blouse in a neutral or matching color into the skirt and throw on some low heels or flats.^{[8]
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- In the cooler months, layer tights or leggings under your skirt and put on ankle boots.
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Slacks, sleeved blouse, blazer, and flats Tailored pants are also appropriate for formal and semi-formal baptisms. Opt for a pair of slacks in black, gray, navy blue, brown, or tan. Then, tuck a white, neutral, or light-colored blouse into your pants and throw on a matching blazer. Finish off your outfit with a pair of black, brown, or nude flats, dress shoes, or mules.^{[9]
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- Opt for a solid blazer that matches your slacks or shirt. Or, choose a striped or plaid blazer.
If you prefer wearing longer dresses, put on a flowy maxi dress with long or short sleeves. Select a dress in a solid, pastel color, floral pattern, or abstract print. Then, style it with neutral flats, low heels, wedges, or heeled sandals.
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Trousers, a button-down, and flats For a more casual baptism, wear a pair of tailored trousers in black, gray, navy blue, brown, or khaki. Then, slip on a long or short-sleeved button-down in a crisp white or light color, like blue, green, or pink. Simply throw on some flats or mules in a neutral color to finish off your look.
- Tuck in your button-down all the way or do a half or French tuck. Alternatively, leave your shirt untucked.

Section 5 of 5:

What to Wear to Your Own Baptism

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Wear dark, loose clothes for an immersion baptism. If your baptism involves getting submerged in water, wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. For instance, put on a T-shirt and shorts or loose-fitting pants. Choose thick, dark-colored clothing to help preserve your modesty when you get wet, too.^{[10]
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- Note: Ask your church leader if there is anything specific you need to wear to your baptism. Some churches provide a robe, shirt, or jumpsuit for you to wear over your clothes. Other churches, like the Mormon church, may ask that you wear white.
- Wear full-coverage undergarments under your clothes to help ensure your modesty. Or, put on a bathing suit.
- Bring a church-appropriate outfit with you to change into after your baptism, as well as a towel to help dry off.
If your baptism involves getting water poured or sprinkled on your head, simply wear your “Sunday best.” For instance, put on slacks or khakis and a button-down. Or, wear a modest, mid-length dress.