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                Proper dress code, since beginning of time, had been very important when it comes to religious events. Those countries that are heavily-influenced by religion (like Catholicism), conduct and discipline are considered a must during Sunday mass. Countries, such as Italy or Philippines which are both strong Catholic believers, always remind people to present themselves before God with decency. But lately, there had been recklessness and some preferred to refuse the old way of clothing when attending mass. Before, in Philippines, people should wear formal clothes to portray decency and dignity. This is also a way to express their respect on the holiness of such occasion. But now, things changed a lot, especially when it comes to attire. Here’s a little comparison of what was before and what’s right now…

FOR WOMEN

Before: Women church suits before portrays conservative and decent features. They wear suits, knee-length skirts (always skirts) and hats; sometime they even wear gloves or stockings. In the Philippines, women wear “baro’t saya” (totally long and covering dress) when going to church ages back ago. It’s like mandatory to look reserved and demure, it’s not proper to wear too short dresses as it is sometimes called “indecency” to the old folks.

Now: On other countries, women still wear church suits on Sundays. Formal suits to look appropriate and pleasing, but more women, especially the adolescents, wear differently. Some teenagers wear pants (denim, etc.) rather than skirts, and instead of long sleeved dresses, sometimes they wear dresses with spaghetti straps or with no sleeves at all. If ever they would wear skirts, it would be too short from formal ones.

FOR MEN

Before: Before, proper church suits for men were mandatory as well, formal suits and a bowler hat is the right attire when going to church. In Asia, like in Philippines, men wear their national suit for men, the “barong tagalog” which was very formal and decent. Men, even just by attending Sunday mass always projects decency and power.

Now: Older men on our present day, especially those who are upper-classed, still wear men formal suits when going to church. But the teenagers are satisfied with faded jeans and a simple shirt, sometimes they even wear shirts saying bad stuffs, which I consider as total irony and disrespect to the church and God. They don’t wear black shoes anymore and feel comfortable with flip flops or slippers.

There had been big changes on attire when it comes to church dresses and suits, some shows less decency, some just doesn’t care on what other people think. But people shouldn’t forget that Sunday is our Lord’s Day. Whatever religion you have, pay respect, if not to yourself, but to Him above. Decency is a must but it should be tinge with downright respect and discipline. Maybe teenagers aren’t tamed anymore, unlike the times before, and church wardrobe had evolved in such a fast pace…but it’s not too late to change anything. Looking good isn’t about how cool you’re putting on yourself, despite it’s very expensive brand name, if you’ll end up looking disgraceful in church, then you might have to reconsider things on what you wear on Sundays. Remember, it’s not only people who can see you but the Big Boss up there as well.