Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

Proper attire?

KangarooKangaroo
edited August 2012 in Buddhism Basics
Visiting my first temple this Sunday (yeah!!) What is generally considered proper attire for Sunday services?
MaryAnne

Comments

  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited August 2012
    Probably just decent clothes, not too worn or shabby, though I'm sure there's no requirement in Buddhism as to how good your clothes have to be for Buddhist temple services... if all you have are shabby clothes, well that's just the way it is.
  • KangarooKangaroo
    Thanks @Cloud, I'll leave the shabby clothes behind and try to dress it up a bit...but I ain't wearing no tie!
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited August 2012
    @Kangaroo, That's just my suggestion. I mean people don't wear good clothes to Sunday church services (Catholic/Christian) because there's a dress code. They do it in part because it's a serious affair, like a funeral but not quite as sad, and also in part because there will be others there... so they don't want to look shabby and they probably want to preen their feathers a bit in public too.

    I would think Buddhists would be a tad less concerned about how fine their clothing is, but I suppose that's just another assumption of mine given that I have no temple for first-hand experience. ;)
  • MaryAnneMaryAnne Veteran
    @Kangaroo

    I can't wait to hear about your first temple experience! I am envious! :) As for appropriate clothing I would just assume semi-casual (no tie needed), clean, well groomed is good.
    If it were me going I'd try for a 'respectful' look- nothing too summery or 'beach-y', but nothing too formal. Oh and don't forget Comfort! Nothing too tight or restricting!

    I'm a big help, huh? LOL

    Looking forward to your report!


  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    edited August 2012
    The few temples I've attended had very relaxed attitudes towards clothing. But all seemed to suggest no shorts (one suggested no jeans), no super bright colors, and for the ladies, no "suggestive" or revealing type clothing. And, all temples I've visited require you to remove your shoes before entering.

    Just be respectful of the situation and you'll be fine.
  • RebeccaSRebeccaS Veteran
    My local temple suggests loose clothing, and no bright colors or logos that can be distracting :) And yeah, you'll probably be taking your shoes off so wear socks :)
  • I_AM_THATI_AM_THAT Veteran
    For the most part any conservative attire is acceptable... In some cases if this a high temple complex like the royal palace in Thailand then you wont be allowed in the complex if your a man or woman wearing shorts or showing your shoulder. For the most part legs need to be covered to the knee and the shirts must cover at least to the elbow.

    There are a couple locations in Thailand that will require you to wear white meditation clothing in order to gain access to the temple. But these are rare and may only be required during certain celebrations.
  • KangarooKangaroo
    Thank you everyone. I'll let you know how it goes!
Sign In or Register to comment.