Wear business casual or formal clothing to jury duty

Most courts do not have a written dress code for jurors, but they expect you to dress as though you are going to a professional setting. Business casual — slacks or a skirt with a button-up shirt, a blazer, or a sweater — is the safest choice. Business formal, like a suit or a dress with a jacket, is also appropriate and shows respect for the court. The point is to look like you take the proceeding seriously, not to impress anyone.

What you wear signals to the judge, attorneys, and other jurors that you understand you are in a formal legal space. Judges have the power to send someone home to change if their clothing is too casual or distracting, so it is worth erring on the side of dressing up rather than down.

Key Takeaways

  • Business casual or business formal clothing is appropriate for jury duty; avoid jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, and athletic wear.
  • Courts expect you to dress as you would for a professional workplace, even though no written rule may exist in your courthouse.
  • Avoid clothing with large logos, slogans, or images that could distract from the case or signal a strong political or social stance.
  • If you are unsure about the dress code in your specific courthouse, call the jury office listed on your summons before your date.
  • A judge can send you home to change if your clothing is deemed inappropriate, which delays the trial and wastes your time.

Clothing to avoid on jury duty

Do not wear jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, or athletic wear like sweatpants or gym clothes. These signal that you did not prepare for the day or take the court seriously. Avoid anything with large logos, political slogans, or images — even if you believe in the cause, wearing it to jury duty can make attorneys think you have a bias that will affect how you judge the case.

Steer clear of very short skirts, low-cut tops, or anything that exposes your midriff or undergarments. Clothing that is too revealing distracts from the evidence and can make judges uncomfortable. Similarly, avoid heavy perfume, cologne, or scents — you will be sitting close to other jurors and witnesses for hours, and strong smells can be distracting or trigger allergies.

Do not wear clothing with holes, stains, or visible wear. A torn seam or a coffee stain reads as careless, and courts want jurors who appear thoughtful and attentive. If you own clothing that is clean, pressed, and in good repair, wear that instead.

Footwear and accessories

Wear closed-toe shoes — flats, loafers, dress shoes, or professional sneakers are all fine. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or very high heels that might be uncomfortable during a long day of sitting. You may be asked to stand for extended periods, so choose shoes you can stand in without pain.

Keep jewelry minimal and professional. A watch, simple earrings, and a wedding ring are appropriate. Avoid large dangling earrings, multiple piercings visible on your face, or heavy chains that jingle or distract. Tattoos do not need to be covered unless they contain offensive language or images — most courts do not require this, though some older judges may have personal preferences.

Seasonal and weather considerations

Dress for the weather outside, but remember that courtrooms are often cold. Bring a blazer, cardigan, or light jacket even if it is warm outside. You cannot control the courthouse temperature, and being cold for eight hours makes it hard to focus on testimony.

In winter, wear a professional coat to the courthouse, but remove it before entering the courtroom. Wear layers underneath so you can adjust if the room is cold. In summer, lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen in neutral colors work well, but avoid anything sleeveless or too thin.

What different types of cases might expect

Criminal cases, especially serious ones, tend to have slightly more formal atmospheres. If you are summoned for a felony trial, business formal clothing — a suit, dress pants with a blazer, or a professional dress — is a good choice. Civil cases (disputes between people or businesses) are often less formal, and business casual is usually sufficient.

Small claims court and traffic court are the most casual, but you should still avoid jeans and t-shirts. Dress as though you are going to a professional appointment. If your summons mentions the type of case, you can use that as a guide, but when in doubt, dress more formally rather than less.

What to do if you are unsure about your courthouse

The jury summons you receive should list a phone number for the jury office or courthouse. Call that number a day or two before your date and ask what the dress code expectations are. Some courthouses have specific rules posted on their websites, and the jury office staff can tell you what other jurors typically wear.

If you have a medical condition, disability, or religious requirement that affects what you can wear, mention it when you call. Courts are required to make reasonable accommodations, and the jury office can tell you what is possible in your specific courthouse.

What happens if you show up in inappropriate clothing

If a judge thinks your clothing is too casual or distracting, they may ask you to go home and change before jury selection begins. This delays the trial and frustrates everyone involved. In rare cases, repeated refusal to dress appropriately can result in being held in contempt of court, though this is uncommon.

More often, you will simply be sent home, told to return the next day in appropriate clothing, and the trial will be delayed. It is not worth the inconvenience. Spending an extra ten minutes choosing professional clothing prevents hours of wasted time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a suit with a t-shirt instead of a dress shirt?

No. A t-shirt under a suit jacket still reads as too casual. Wear a collared button-up shirt, a blouse, or a turtleneck under your jacket. The point is to show you dressed intentionally for a formal setting, and a t-shirt signals you did not.

What if I have a religious head covering or dress requirement?

Courts must accommodate religious dress and head coverings. Wear what your faith requires. Call the jury office before your date to let them know, so there are no surprises when you arrive. Judges and court staff are trained to respect religious practice.

Are there any colors I should avoid?

Neutral colors like black, gray, navy, brown, and white are safest. Bright neon colors or very bold patterns can be distracting. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns, and avoid anything that draws attention to itself rather than to the case.

Can I wear pants if I am a woman, or a skirt if I am a man?

Yes. Wear whatever professional clothing makes you comfortable. Gender-specific dress codes in courtrooms are outdated. A woman in dress pants and a blazer or a man in a skirt and professional top are both appropriate, as long as the overall appearance is business casual or formal.

What if jury duty is on a day I have work and I cannot change clothes?

Wear your work clothes if they are business casual or formal. If your job requires you to wear a uniform, athletic wear, or very casual clothing, call the jury office and explain. They may be able to reschedule you for a day when you can dress appropriately, or they may accept your work uniform depending on what it is.