Christian clothing

Clothing worn during religious services

In some Christian communities, the term "Sunday best" refers to the tradition of saving one's finest clothing for Sunday services.^[1] In some communities, churches served as the main social center for local residents. As such, dressing in fine clothing for religious services was often dictated by a need to project status and influence among peers^{[citation needed]}. Church clothes also symbolize cleanliness and pride^{[citation needed]}.

Some Christian holy days incorporate traditional clothing, such as the Easter bonnet.

In recent decades, some churches have encouraged a more informal dress code. Among the first to adopt this policy were the Calvary Chapel associated churches^{[citation needed]}. Many clergy members, especially those in denominations and religious groups formed in the 20th century, have abandoned the traditional robes and vestments in favor of business casual clothing to close the perceived gap between clergy and layperson. Some even wear jeans and other everyday casual wear along with the congregation. Though a small minority, Christian naturists take this one step further, and wear no clothing at all.

Some Christian traditions encourage or require adherents to don clothing of religious significance during church services, such as a headcovering required of women attending services in many modern Anabaptist sects and some Eastern Orthodox communities.

Non-liturgical clothing

The Latter Day Saint movement instructs adherents to a set of underwear known as temple garments throughout the day and night, with a few exceptions such as while bathing or swimming.

Clothing featuring explicitly Christian themes or content totalled less than 2% of sales Christian retail stores in 2004.^[2]

See also

• Clerical clothing
• Vestment

References

1. ^ Christ In Y'all.com - Studies - Dressing Up For Church
2. ^ CBA :: The Association for Christian Retail

External links

• "A Business of the Cloth Finds a Surge in Demand" by Debra Nussbaum, "The New York Times", January 28, 1996, retrieved September 6, 2009.
• "What Would Jesus Sell?" by Stephanie Simon, "The Los Angeles Times", July 21, 2006, retrieved January 4, 2010.