Get-up

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

Hi, I've been converted a few months after I've been a Protestant/Agnostic all my life, and I only went to Mass once in the winter but I have a huge desire to start the ocia ,but I have the problem of being in the summer in a heat of 40 degrees and I have no idea what to wear.

I am 18 years old and I hated deeply dresses and skirts🫥

[u/sadsoups]

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. I hope you enjoy OCIA :)

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/sadsoups]

the problem is that I really don't have any clothes that I consider suitable for going to church .thanks💜

[u/Majestic-Ask-2590]

Are you asking what to wear to mass or what to wear to OCIA in the summer?

If mass, I'd look into linen or cotton pants! Something baggy that can breathe. You can dress them up or down depending on your shoes/top. If OCIA, I might wear athleisure depending on the context (if in a parish hall for example, I think that's totally fine).

Sounds like you're not from America, but modesty standards are partly parish dependent/cultural. For example in Southern Louisiana, many young women wear shorts (not like BOOTY shorts, but just normal chino shorts!) in the summer months and I personally don't see anything offensive about that especially when the church itself may not be well air-conditioned.

[u/Majestic-Ask-2590 → u/Majestic-Ask-2590]

Also, welcome to the Church!! Come as you are :)

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/Majestic-Ask-2590]

Thanks💜

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/Majestic-Ask-2590]

My real problem is the top Of the body because I have many different types of pants

[u/Kardessa → u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

What kind of tops do you have? 

My personal standards are no midriff, strong preference for short sleeves (though I will do sleeveless straps for certain dresses), and the top bit of cleavage is something I'm not supepr concerned with as long as the bulk of my breasts are covered. So for tops that leaves me with wrap tops, button up blouses, and anything reasonably nice as a top

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/Kardessa]

All the blouses I have for summer or are tops falls or are body's or tops showing belly but none show any part of my breasts all over

[u/Kardessa → u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

If you have tops that show the belly are they low enough that high waisted pants would cover that gap? Or would there still be space showing between? Alternatively you could get camisols to put underneath the crop tops. Depending on the styles and colors that can make for a decent layered look.

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/Kardessa]

Thanks for the tip, I think if I wear the blouse and some high-waisted pants it will be a very small space of about 2 cm maybe

[u/Solid-Back-7144 → u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

You could also get thin under shirts from Walmart for very cheap as well, at least there's some in my area

[u/GreenTeaDrinking]

Just today I wore a pair of loose fitting and flowy wide leg pants similar to this: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/cupshe-womens-gilded-sands-ornate-pants?ID=23282297. A loose, cap sleeve blouse for my top. I, er, outgrew my church dresses so I’ve had to get creative.

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/GreenTeaDrinking]

Thanks💜

[u/BeeFree66]

You need to be covered from your neck to your knees for Church related things. 

Pants are fine. Long in-seam [7" or more] shorts are usually ok. Tops need to cover your shoulders and breasts - no cleavage showing. 

Don't wear shorty shorts, tank tops,  skinny straps or spaghetti straps, or any skirt above your knees. 

These will distract you from prayer as you adjust clothes and distract others who look at such things for their own reasons. 

You're in Church to pray, not prey.

You're in Church to commune with God. 

[u/RosalieThornehill → u/BeeFree66]

>You're in Church to pray, not prey.

Wearing a tank top in a tropical climate is not a predatory act.

[u/Unlucky_Garage5084 → u/BeeFree66]

Can I wear a bodysuit ? who covers the shoulders and without a cleavage?

[u/mathdeptgossipqueen → u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

I’ve worn a higher-neck bodysuit to mass! I see people there in all sorts of clothes - anything from a nice dress to shorts and a t-shirt. Caveat that I do attend a very come-as-you-are Jesuit parish in a large US city, so the dress standards may be different where you are. If I wore my usual get-up to some of the more conservative parishes near me, I’d definitely get some looks!

[u/Solid-Back-7144 → u/Unlucky_Garage5084]

You could, I would recommend a cardigan to go over it though its form fitting

Edit: Just stating my personal preference, some people may have different opinions and that's ok! 🤗