The Old Roman Apostolate upholds the traditional Catholic understanding of modesty, reverence, and dignity in attire, recognizing that how we dress reflects our respect for the sacred liturgy and our awareness of being in the presence of God. Whether attending Mass in a dedicated chapel or a domestic setting, all faithful are encouraged to dress in a manner that befits the solemnity of divine worship and aligns with the virtue of modesty.

Some argue that “God doesn’t mind” how we dress because He looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. While it is true that God judges the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), this does not negate the importance of external conduct, which reflects our interior dispositions. Throughout Scripture and Tradition, God has consistently commanded reverence in worship, from the detailed vestments prescribed for the Old Testament priesthood (Exodus 28) to Christ’s parable of the wedding feast, where one improperly dressed was cast out (Matthew 22:11-14).

The Church has always recognized that outward modesty and decorum are expressions of interior humility and respect for the sacred. Just as one would not approach a king in casual or inappropriate attire, so too should the faithful approach God with the dignity and reverence He deserves, particularly in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. To claim that “God doesn’t mind” contradicts the very nature of Catholic worship, which calls us to give our best to God, not only spiritually but also in our outward expressions of devotion.

The Sacredness of the Liturgy and Proper Attire
Regardless of where Holy Mass is celebrated—be it in a grand church, a modest chapel, or a home—the sacred nature of the liturgy remains unchanged. The priest always wears the prescribed liturgical vestments, as required by the rubrics of the Church, signifying the dignity and unchanging nature of the Sacrifice of the Mass.

The setting does not diminish the sacred reality of the Mass. Whether offered in a cathedral, a small chapel, or a private house, the Mass remains the same unbloody Sacrifice of Calvary. The dignity of the priesthood is always visibly signified through liturgical vestments; likewise, the faithful should reflect this reality in their own dress, ensuring that their outward appearance corresponds to the inward reverence due to God.

Pope Pius XII in Mediator Dei emphasized that external decorum in worship is essential to fostering the proper interior dispositions: “The Church has further used her right of control over the external expression of religious worship, and this she has done from the earliest centuries down to the present day. She has prescribed laws concerning the dignity and form of the sacred vestments, of the churches and altars, the sacred furnishings, and the manner of worship.”¹ If such care is required for sacred vestments and furnishings, how much more should the faithful ensure that their own attire is suited to divine worship?

The Church has always recognized that true modesty and reverence are first and foremost dispositions of the heart, not a matter of wealth or luxury. God does not demand extravagance, but rather that we offer Him our best within our means. For those who are poor, simplicity and cleanliness are sufficient; a well-kept but modest outfit, even if humble, is entirely fitting for worship. The Apostolate understands that financial constraints may limit one’s wardrobe, and no one should feel discouraged or unwelcome because they lack formal attire. What matters most is the intention to dress with dignity and respect for the sacred, according to one’s circumstances. The Church’s call to modesty is not a burden, but an invitation to honour God with what we have, trusting that He sees the love and effort behind every sacrifice.

Dress Code for Women
Women attending an Old Roman Apostolate Mass or service are asked to follow these guidelines:

  • Skirts or dresses only—The tradition of women wearing skirts or dresses that extend at least to the knees is upheld, reflecting both modesty and femininity.
  • Appropriate necklines and sleeves—Clothing should not be low-cut, sleeveless, or tight-fitting.
  • Head coverings—In accordance with St. Paul’s teaching (1 Corinthians 11:5-6), women should wear a mantilla, veil, or headscarf in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This practice was reaffirmed by Pope Pius XI in Casti Connubii² and remained obligatory until the post-conciliar era.
  • Avoidance of distracting attire—Bright, flashy patterns, excessive jewelry, and extravagant fashions should be avoided to maintain an atmosphere of recollection.

Pope Pius XII explicitly addressed the need for women to dress modestly in public, let alone at Mass: “The good of our soul is more important than that of our body; and we have to prefer the spiritual welfare of our neighbor to our bodily comforts… If a certain kind of dress constitutes a grave and proximate occasion of sin, it is our duty to give it up.”³

Dress Code for Men
Men should dress in a manner that reflects both modesty and respect for the sacred:

  • Collared shirt and long trousers—T-shirts, shorts, or athletic wear are not suitable for Mass.
  • Suit or jacket encouraged—While not required, wearing a jacket or suit helps foster an atmosphere of formality and reverence.
  • Well-groomed appearance—A neat and tidy appearance is expected as a sign of respect for God and the Church.

Pope Pius XII warned against the increasing tendency toward casual and unisex clothing, stating, “The very grave question of modesty, which concerns morality and Christian virtue, becomes even graver when it relates to clothing that does away with the differences between the sexes. The immorality of this fashion depends in great part on the cut, the material, and the degree of exposure… but no less on the mentality which it expresses and the intentions which it reveals.”⁴

Special Considerations for Domestic Masses
While some may assume that attending Mass in a home setting allows for more relaxed dress, the reality is that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is always the same, regardless of location. The priest is required to wear full liturgical vestments, whether celebrating Mass in a grand cathedral or in a humble domestic chapel. This serves as a reminder that our own attire should likewise reflect the same reverence at all times, maintaining the dignity of the occasion.

Pope Benedict XV, in Sacra Propediem, condemned the increasing tendency toward casual and immodest dress even in Catholic circles: “One cannot sufficiently deplore the blindness of so many women of every age and condition, made foolish by a desire to please, who do not see to what degree the indecency of the clothing shocks every honest man, and offends God.”⁵

The Role of Modesty in Spiritual Warfare
The battle for souls is often fought first in small acts of discipline, such as how we present ourselves before God. Just as the priest approaches the altar clothed in sacred vestments, prepared for the Holy Sacrifice, so too should the faithful recognize that their manner of dress is a form of spiritual preparation. Modest and dignified clothing strengthens the soul against vanity, pride, and worldliness, allowing the heart to focus on God rather than on self-expression or societal trends. Catholics must recognize that clothing is not merely a personal choice but a spiritual act of reverence.

Conclusion: Countering the Spirit of the Age
The world promotes fashions that celebrate immodesty, vanity, and rebellion against natural law. Catholics, however, are called to bear witness to a higher reality: the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of divine worship. Just as the Church has always prescribed sacred vestments to clothe the priest in reverence, so too should the faithful recognize that their own attire should reflect the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. In dressing with dignity and modesty, we stand as a visible sign against the world’s indifference to the sacred and uphold the unchanging truth of the Catholic Faith. By choosing to dress with dignity and reverence, the faithful proclaim their belief in the Real Presence and bear witness to the sacred reality of the Mass.

As Catholics, we are called to glorify God not only with our words and prayers but also with our actions, including how we present ourselves in His presence. Just as the priest wears sacred vestments to reflect the dignity of the Mass, so too should the faithful approach worship with reverence in their attire. Let us renew our commitment to dressing with modesty, dignity, and respect, not as a burden, but as a joyful offering to Our Lord. Whether in a grand church or a humble home, our clothing should reflect the sacred reality of the Holy Sacrifice. By embracing these standards, we not only honour God but also bear witness to the world that the Mass is not ordinary—it is the most sacred act on earth. Let us set an example for future generations, reclaiming the beauty of Catholic modesty and reverence, and offering Our Lord the very best we have. 🔝

¹ Mediator Dei, Pope Pius XII, 1947, §49.
² Casti Connubii, Pope Pius XI, 1930.
³ Allocution to the Girls of Catholic Action, Pope Pius XII, 1941.
⁴ Address to the Congress of the Latin Union of High Fashion, Pope Pius XII, 1957.
⁵ Sacra Propediem, Pope Benedict XV, 1921.