The dress code for jury duty is business casual. Courts expect jurors to wear neat, conservative clothing such as slacks, collared shirts, blouses, or modest dresses. Avoid shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive graphics. Dressing professionally shows respect for the court and ensures you are not dismissed for inappropriate attire.
Why Your Appearance Matters in Court
The courtroom represents one of the most solemn institutions in our society. When you receive that jury summons in the mail, you become part of a constitutional process that dates back centuries. Your clothing choices reflect not just on you, but on your respect for the legal system, the judge, fellow jurors, and the parties involved in the case.
Think about it this way: jury service places you in a position of tremendous responsibility. You might be deciding someone’s freedom, financial future, or family situation. The way you dress signals to everyone in that courtroom that you take this responsibility seriously. While nobody expects you to show up in a three-piece suit (unless that’s your normal style), presenting yourself professionally helps maintain the dignity of the proceedings.
Understanding Business Casual for Court
Business casual strikes the perfect balance for jury duty. It shows respect without requiring you to invest in formal business attire you might never wear again. But what exactly does business casual mean in a courtroom context?
For many people, business casual feels like a vague concept. The courthouse interpretation leans toward the more conservative side of this spectrum. You want to look like you could walk into a professional office or attend a parent-teacher conference without raising eyebrows. This doesn’t mean stuffy or uncomfortable, just neat, clean, and appropriate for a serious setting.
The temperature in courthouses varies dramatically from room to room. Many jurors report that courtrooms and deliberation rooms can be surprisingly cold, even in summer. Layering becomes your friend here. A cardigan, blazer, or light jacket serves double duty: it elevates your outfit’s professionalism while keeping you comfortable during long hours of sitting.
Acceptable Clothing Options for Men
Men have plenty of appropriate options for jury duty that don’t require buying new clothes. Start with your bottom half: dress pants, khakis, or chinos work perfectly. Even nice, dark jeans without holes or excessive fading are acceptable in many jurisdictions, though some federal courts prefer you avoid denim entirely.
For your upper body, collared shirts remain the gold standard. This includes polo shirts, button-down shirts (both long and short-sleeved), and dress shirts. You don’t need to wear a tie, though adding one never hurts if you’re comfortable with it. A sweater over a collared shirt also works well, especially in colder months or air-conditioned courtrooms.
Footwear should be closed-toe and professional-looking. Dress shoes, loafers, or clean, conservative sneakers (think business-casual sneakers, not athletic shoes) typically pass muster. Save your running shoes and sandals for the weekend.
If you normally wear a suit to work, by all means, wear it to jury duty. However, don’t feel obligated to purchase formal business attire specifically for jury service. The goal is respectful presentation, not fashion perfection.
Acceptable Clothing Options for Women
Women often have more flexibility in their wardrobe choices, but this can make deciding what to wear more challenging. Professional pants, including dress pants, khakis, or conservative dark jeans (where permitted), provide a safe foundation. Skirts and dresses work well too, but length matters, aim for knee-length or longer. When you sit down, your skirt should still provide appropriate coverage.
Blouses, button-down shirts, sweaters, cardigans, and conservative knit tops all make excellent choices. Avoid anything too tight, too sheer, or with a plunging neckline. If you’re questioning whether a top is appropriate, the simple test is this: would you wear it to meet your grandmother or to a job interview? If the answer is no, choose something else.
Professional dresses offer an easy, one-piece solution. A simple sheath dress, shirt dress, or wrap dress in a solid color or conservative pattern requires minimal thought while looking put-together. Pair it with a cardigan or blazer for added professionalism and warmth.
For footwear, closed-toe shoes work best. Flats, low heels, loafers, or conservative boots all fit the bill. While some courts don’t explicitly ban open-toed shoes, they’re generally discouraged. You’ll potentially be walking through security, standing in lines, and sitting for extended periods, so prioritize comfort alongside appropriateness.
What Not to Wear: The Prohibited List
Courts across the country consistently ban certain items of clothing. Shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, flip-flops, and hats (except for religious purposes) are universally prohibited, and jurors who are not appropriately dressed will be sent home and ordered to appear for jury service on a future date.
The prohibition list extends beyond these obvious items. Clothing with holes, rips, or tears, even if they’re intentionally distressed designer jeans, should stay in your closet. Anything with offensive language, controversial slogans, or provocative images doesn’t belong in court. This includes band t-shirts with explicit lyrics, political statements, or alcohol and drug references.
Revealing clothing of any kind creates problems. This means no bare midriffs, no spaghetti straps, no backless tops, and no plunging necklines. The courtroom isn’t the place to show off your gym progress or your new tattoo. If you have visible tattoos, you don’t necessarily need to cover them, but avoid clothing choices that seem designed to display them prominently.
Athletic wear deserves special mention. Your favorite yoga pants, running shorts, sweatpants, or gym clothes should stay home. The same goes for uniforms from your job (unless you’re coming directly from work and have cleared it with court staff). Activewear might be comfortable for all-day sitting, but it sends the wrong message about how seriously you take your civic duty.
Special Considerations and Exceptions
Religious and Cultural Attire
Courts respect religious expression and cultural dress requirements. Hats worn for religious purposes are explicitly exempted from the no-hat rule. If your faith requires specific clothing items, whether that’s a hijab, turban, yarmulke, or other religious garment, you’re free to wear them. The key is that religious attire should still be neat, clean, and respectful of the court environment.
Medical Necessities
If you require specific clothing or footwear for medical reasons, courts typically accommodate these needs. This might include compression stockings, orthopedic shoes, or clothing that accommodates medical devices. If you’re concerned about whether your medically necessary attire meets dress code requirements, call the jury office listed on your summons. They can provide guidance and note your situation in advance.
Financial Constraints
Courts understand that not everyone owns business casual clothing or can afford to purchase new outfits for jury duty. If you’re facing genuine financial hardship, wear the most appropriate clothing you own. Clean, neat casual clothing is better than not appearing at all. Courts care more about your willingness to serve than your wardrobe budget. Some jurisdictions even have programs to help potential jurors who lack appropriate clothing, though these aren’t widely advertised.
Weather and Seasonal Adjustments
Seasonal weather creates additional dress code considerations. In summer, the temptation to dress down increases, but court standards remain consistent year-round. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics in professional styles rather than defaulting to casual summer wear. In winter, you’ll remove outerwear inside the courthouse, so ensure your outfit underneath meets dress code requirements. Don’t assume your coat will hide an inappropriate outfit, you’ll be sitting without it most of the day.
Common Misconceptions About Jury Duty Attire
“Dressing Badly Will Get You Dismissed”
One persistent myth suggests that dressing inappropriately will get you excused from jury service. This strategy backfires spectacularly. Courts don’t excuse poorly dressed jurors, they send them home to change and reschedule their service for another day. You’ll still serve; you’ll just inconvenience yourself and potentially face contempt of court charges for deliberately trying to avoid your civic duty.
“Business Formal is Required”
While some jurors choose to wear suits, most courts don’t require this level of formality. Business attire is always appropriate but not mandatory. The emphasis on business casual acknowledges that many people don’t own or regularly wear formal business attire. Don’t stress about not having a suit or feeling underdressed if others are more formally attired than you.
“Jeans Are Never Acceptable”
The acceptance of jeans varies by jurisdiction. Many courts now allow “nice jeans” as part of business casual attire. The key word here is “nice”, dark wash, no holes, no excessive fading or embellishments. When in doubt, check your local court’s website or call the jury office. Federal courts tend to be more conservative than state courts regarding denim.
Practical Tips for Jury Duty Day
Comfort Meets Professionalism
You might spend eight hours or more at the courthouse, much of it sitting. Choose clothes that look professional but won’t leave you miserable by lunchtime. Avoid anything too tight, too new (breaking in new shoes on jury duty day is a mistake), or requiring constant adjustment. You want to focus on the proceedings, not on your uncomfortable waistband or pinching shoes.
Layering Strategy
Courthouses can be chilly, so bringing a sweater or jacket is recommended. Even in summer, aggressive air conditioning can make courtrooms uncomfortably cold. A blazer, cardigan, or professional jacket serves triple duty: it elevates your outfit, provides warmth, and gives you pockets for essentials like tissues or mints.
Fragrance Considerations
You may spend time in close quarters in jury deliberation rooms, so please do not wear strong fragrances. What smells pleasant to you might trigger allergies or headaches in fellow jurors. Skip the cologne or perfume, or apply it very sparingly. The same goes for scented lotions and heavily fragranced hair products.
Accessories and Personal Items
Keep jewelry simple and non-distracting. Avoid anything that makes noise when you move, like jingling bracelets or keys. Your phone should be on silent (or off, depending on court rules), and smartwatches might need to be in airplane mode. Some courts restrict or prohibit certain electronics, so check your summons for specific guidelines.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Dress Code
Courts take dress code violations seriously. If you arrive inappropriately dressed, several things might happen. The most common consequence is being sent home to change, with instructions to return on a different day. This means taking additional time off work and potentially facing penalties for missing your original jury service date.
In some cases, court officers might have spare clothing available, typically basic items like t-shirts to wear over tank tops, but don’t count on this. Some judges will allow inappropriately dressed jurors to observe proceedings but won’t seat them on a jury. This means spending your day at the courthouse without fulfilling your service obligation.
Repeated violations or obvious attempts to avoid service through inappropriate dress could result in contempt of court charges. While rare, this could mean fines or even jail time. The inconvenience of finding appropriate clothing pales in comparison to legal consequences.
State-by-State Variations
While general principles remain consistent, specific dress code requirements vary by state and even by individual courthouse. Federal courts typically maintain stricter standards than state courts. Urban courts might be more formal than rural ones. Some jurisdictions post detailed dress codes online, while others simply state “appropriate attire required.”
California courts suggest comfortable clothing that fits with the importance and dignity of the courtroom, while Massachusetts has no specific dress code but advises avoiding excessively casual, revealing, or damaged clothing. Maryland describes appropriate attire as “neat, clean, comfortable and not revealing”.
Before your service date, check your local court’s website or the jury summons itself for specific guidelines. When in doubt, err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. You can always remove a blazer if you feel too formal, but you can’t materialize appropriate clothing if you’re underdressed.
Special Situations: Grand Jury and Extended Trials
Grand jury service, which can last weeks or months, presents unique wardrobe challenges. You’ll need multiple appropriate outfits, not just one jury duty outfit. Build a simple capsule wardrobe of mix-and-match pieces: a few pairs of appropriate pants or skirts, several suitable tops, and a couple of layering pieces. This prevents both outfit repetition fatigue and the expense of buying extensive new clothing.
For extended trials, some jurors develop an informal dress code among themselves, gradually becoming more casual as they get comfortable with each other and the judge. However, always maintain a baseline level of professionalism. The trial could include unexpected visitors, media coverage, or formal proceedings requiring more conservative dress.
Preparing Your Jury Duty Outfit
The night before your service, prepare your entire outfit. This includes checking for stains, wrinkles, missing buttons, or other issues that could make otherwise appropriate clothing unsuitable. Ensure your shoes are clean and in good repair. Charge any devices you’re permitted to bring, and organize necessary documents.
Consider the entire day’s timeline. If you’re taking public transportation, will your outfit remain presentable after a crowded commute? If you’re driving, do you have coins for parking meters? Will you need to go somewhere after jury duty that requires different clothing? Planning ahead reduces morning stress and ensures you arrive at court calm and properly dressed.
Keep a backup outfit in your car or office if possible. Spilled coffee, unexpected weather, or other mishaps could necessitate a quick change. Having options prevents a minor wardrobe malfunction from becoming a major problem.
The Psychology Behind Court Attire
Your clothing affects not just how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. Psychologists call this “enclothed cognition”, the influence clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes. Dressing professionally for jury duty can make you feel more serious, attentive, and capable of making important decisions.
This psychological effect extends to group dynamics. When all jurors dress appropriately, it creates a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect. You’re signaling to fellow jurors that you value their time and the process you’re undertaking together. This can lead to more productive deliberations and better group cohesion.
Conclusion: Dressing for Your Civic Duty
Jury duty represents one of the most direct ways citizens participate in democracy. Your appearance should reflect the gravity of this responsibility while remaining practical for a full day of service. Business casual attire, neat, clean, and conservative, strikes the right balance for most courts.
Remember, the dress code isn’t about fashion or personal expression. It’s about showing respect for the legal process, the parties involved in the case, and your fellow citizens. When you dress appropriately for jury duty, you contribute to maintaining the dignity and solemnity that helps our justice system function effectively.
Take time to prepare your outfit in advance, checking your local court’s specific requirements. Choose comfort within the bounds of appropriateness, and remember that being slightly overdressed is always preferable to being underdressed. Your thoughtful appearance demonstrates that you understand and respect the important role you’re playing in the administration of justice.
Quick Reference Checklist
✅ Acceptable Attire:
- Business casual clothing
- Dress pants, khakis, or nice jeans (check local rules)
- Collared shirts, blouses, or conservative tops
- Knee-length or longer skirts and dresses
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sweaters, cardigans, or blazers
- Religious headwear
- Medically necessary clothing
❌ Prohibited Items:
- Shorts of any length
- Tank tops or sleeveless shirts
- Flip-flops or beach sandals
- Mini-skirts or short dresses
- Clothing with holes or tears
- Offensive slogans or images
- Revealing or tight clothing
- Athletic wear or gym clothes
- Hats (except religious)
- Strong fragrances
💡 Pro Tips:
- Layer for temperature changes
- Prioritize comfort for long sitting
- Check local court websites for specific rules
- Prepare outfit the night before
- Keep it simple and conservative
- When in doubt, dress up rather than down
