What should I wear to court?

If you are facing criminal charges and are out on bail, you will need to go to court to finish your case. When you go to the courtroom, what you wear is very important.

You not only will be setting the tone for how the judge and jury see you but also you are showing your respect for the legal system. Your attire and appearance can influence your case, so it is essential to know what to wear.

Courtroom dress codes

Most courts will have a dress code. You can often contact them or look on their website to see what it is. Generally, though, all courts follow the same basic rules.

Rules for court attire

Ideally, the best possible way to dress for court is in business attire. That would include a suit, dress, skirt, or dress pants with a button-up shirt and nice shoes. However, not everyone has these types of clothing available. In that case, you need to make sure you wear clothing that is clean and without holes, vulgar language or too much skin showing. You should never wear a tank top or cut-off shirt, halter tops or shorts. Regardless, your hair should be done neatly, and you should have good hygiene.

Keep in mind the judge could continue your case due to how you dress. It could cause delays and will not leave a good impression on the court. The bottom line is that you need to dress appropriately and respectfully. If you would not wear something to a business interview, then do not wear it to court.