You always want to look and feel your best stepping into any church setting, but there are certain occasions that come once a year where you really want to pay extra attention to your outfit. 

Everyone’s mind goes to Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve services, but what about the Good Friday service dress code? You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for inspiration for what to wear to Good Friday church service.

In general, this is the time to draw on darker colors like black, gray, and maybe even deep purples. Unlike Easter Sunday, this is a solemn day - and festive, bright attire should be avoided.

Instead, stick with black church suits for women or black church dresses if the weather permits. You can tie the outfit together with the right black church hat. Sticking with men’s church suits keeps things simple for the guys.

We’ll share more tips on how to dress for Good Friday service below, but just know that DesignerChurchSuits.com is your trusted destination for elevating your worship wardrobe. Shop top designers at unbeatable prices with world-class service from A to Z!

What is Good Friday?

A lot of newcomers to Christianity and religion in general may not understand the significance of Good Friday. The Friday before Easter Sunday is one of the most solemn days of the year, as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity’s sins.

If you’ve never been to a Good Friday church service before, expect a very different atmosphere than what you may be used to. Instead of celebration and positivity, these services tend to be marked by deep reverence and contemplation.

Churches dig into scripture readings, hymns, and moments of silence to honor the gravity of the occasion. Certain denominations take things a step further with traditions such as fasting, candlelight vigils, or reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

As somber as this service may feel, it’s an important reminder of the gift our Lord gave us in his son. The good news is things take a positive turn just a few days later on Easter Sunday - when we realize he is risen!

But in the meantime, you can imagine how the way you dress for a Good Friday service sets the tone for your experience. The last thing you want is to look out of place and send the wrong message to other members of the congregation. So, is there a Good Friday service dress code?

Is There a Special Good Friday Service Dress Code?

In general, how you dress for church says a lot about the respect you have for the setting and your commitment to getting as much out of the service as possible. It also shapes how those around you engage with the worship experience.

While some denominations have relaxed their dress codes over time, many still encourage the congregation to dress modestly in dignified clothing. This is especially important for more meaningful religious observances like Good Friday.

That being said, the typical Sunday church dress code doesn’t apply on Good Friday. Because this is more about mourning the suffering Jesus endured, black is the most common choice. Wait, is it bad to wear black to church? Not in this case. It would certainly look out of place on Easter Sunday and potentially even Christmas eve, but this color symbolizes grief and sorrow.

Some will wear something a bit lighter like gray or dark navy, as each of these colors still puts forth a subdued, respectful tone. The clergy, though, might wear purple during Lent since it represents penitence and sacrifice.

You may even see deep reds worn as a means of symbolizing the blood Christ shed on the cross. What matters more is what you don’t wear: white and pastel colors should be saved for what to wear to church on Easter Sunday. This is where we celebrate, after all!

But in the meantime, you might still have questions about what to wear to Good Friday church service specifically. We’ll help you choose from a few different outfits below.

What to Wear to Good Friday Church Service

You don’t have to stress about figuring out how to dress for Good Friday service. It’s as simple as sticking to the color schemes we mentioned above and wearing something modest and respectful. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish, though. Here are some tips on what to wear to Good Friday church service to look AND feel your best while aligning with the tone of this setting.

For Women

Women have far more choices than men, but this can be a blessing and a curse. It’s easy to get overwhelmed choosing between dresses and skirts, suits and denim. Let’s help you narrow it down below.

A knee-length or longer dress or skirt is the simplest choice for Good Friday services. These are perfect for reflecting the respectful and conservative nature of the day while keeping you comfortable and stylish.

Keep the design simple and structured and be sure to stick with darker tones like black, navy, or charcoal. Save the dresses with excessive embellishments or patterns that draw attention for another day. This is not the time for them.

If you’re looking for a more specific recommendation, we prefer to wear our A-line, sheath, or midi-length dresses because they’re refined yet modest enough for this occasion.

You can’t go wrong with a suit when you want to cover your legs completely and dress up a bit more. Dark-colored slacks paired with a blouse and a structured blazer create a polished and respectful appearance.

What you shouldn’t wear is anything skin-tight or too casual, such as leggings or jeggings. Some more contemporary churches might not mind these bottoms, but then again, these churches are probably not holding a traditional Good Friday service in the first place!

Just make sure you’re choosing breathable fabrics as springtime is typically in full swing by the time Good Friday rolls around. You might need to check the weather the morning of and make the switch to something lighter like a dress or skirt. 

Speaking of unpredictable spring weather, it’s best to plan ahead and layer for comfort and modesty. A lightweight cardigan, shawl, or trench coat can keep you warm without distracting from the overall look. This is easy to take on once you enter the worship setting.

Evening services can get especially chilly, though, so you might want to wear a tailored coat in a neutral shade for both warmth and style while dressing in line with the formal tone of this occasion.

Don’t forget to choose the right shoes, though. Classic pumps, ballet flats, or modest heels are safe choices. You want to avoid overly high or flashy styles that may be distracting or uncomfortable.

For Men

It’s a lot easier for men to figure out how to dress for Good Friday service since dresses and skirts are out of the question. Instead, it’s just a matter of piecing together the right suit.

A well-fitted suit in black, gray, or deep navy is the most traditional choice for men attending Good Friday service. But if this feels like too much, you can keep things simple with dark dress slacks paired with a crisp button-down shirt and a blazer. 

No matter which approach you take, always stick with simple, understated patterns while avoiding overly bright or bold prints. Save the ornate suits for a more upbeat occasion.

As far as your footwear goes, keep things classy with closed-toe dress shoes such as loafers, oxfords, or derbies in black or brown. The goal is to stay comfortable and fly under the radar.

Accessories and More Things to Consider

Men and women alike can tie their outfits together with the right accessories. The key takeaway, though, is to stay tasteful and understated. A delicate necklace, simple stud earrings, or a classic wristwatch is sufficient.

Some women may wear a headscarf or hat as a sign of reverence on this occasion as well. Our selection of church hats has a great choice waiting for you right now.

Just like with what to wear to Good Friday church service, don’t do anything that could detract from the focus of the service. That means you should keep makeup natural and avoid bright colors, loud prints, or overly elaborate designs.

Find All Your Good Friday Dress Essentials at DesignerChurchSuits.com!

Whether you’re looking to take your suit game up a notch or searching for the perfect church dresses for women, we’re here to help you figure out how to dress for Good Friday service.

We stock the latest styles from all your favorite designers in church fashion. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing you’re getting the comfortable, durable garments you deserve. You’ll also get competitive pricing and a seamless shopping experience, making it easy to find the perfect outfit for any church setting - including Good Friday. When in doubt, reach out - our customer service team is on standby, ready to offer some personalized recommendations.

Step into Good Friday with confidence. Dress with purpose, respect, and grace with our help!

Final Words on How to Dress for Good Friday Service

Hopefully this guide on how to dress for Good Friday service has left you feeling clear and confident in the proper dress code. It’s not all that complicated, but understanding what to wear to Good Friday church service can make or break your worship experience along with those around you.

Dark, modest clothing is your best for setting the right tone. Whether you choose women's church suits or a dress, remember that simplicity and comfort are the most important factors. 

So, honor the significance of Good Friday with an outfit that aligns with the occasion, right here at DesignerChurchSuits.com. Find the perfect look for this sacred service today!