This will, of course, be oriented to what men should wear in court! Attorneys, witnesses, defendants, and jury hopefuls. Judges wear a uniform. *
It matters what you wear to court. Everyone in the courtroom will notice, even if it's subliminal (read First Impressions).
And it doesn't matter if it's the Supreme to Small Claims court; even Judge Judy (especially Judge Judy!).
Your mission is to present the best image you can to the court and to accomplish two things:
- Show your respect for the court and process.
- Prove that you are taking the matter seriously.
Be super polite and respectful to everyone around you. This includes courtroom staff, the security guards, and if it applies, your fellow jurors. And make sure you show up early!
A suit or sport jacket, white or light blue long sleeved dress shirt, a necktie (subtle blue or burgundy) and leather shoes are basic. Clothes should be modest, clean and fit you well.
Think job interview!
Court is not the place to show off your individuality or express yourself.
NO Distractions! I normally recommend pocket squares and tan shoes with most suit colors but NOT for this occasion. Allow any focus on you to be about your message, not about your appearance.
1. Clothing
DO
Conservative colors - navy, gray suits/ white, light blue shirts/ burgundy or navy neckties.
NEVER let them take you to court in an orange jumpsuit!
No bright colors
Hats or caps.
Jeans or Shorts
Sleeveless Athletic tee shirt or Muscle shirts
Exercise clothes
Consider leaving your prominent brand names at home.
Hoodies!
2. Clothing Fit
DO
Trousers worn on your waist and secured with belt or braces (never both)
DON'T
Loose, ill-fitting clothing
Your attorney may be helpful in advising you how to dress.
3. Shoes
DO
Leather shoes, polished
DON'T
Tennis, or sport shoes, sandals or flip-flops
4. Jewelry
DO
Minimal jewelry including cuff links, gold chains, no earrings
Bling says "I've got plenty of money"
DON'T
Sunglasses
5. Hygiene
DO
Make sure nails are neat and clean.
Brush your teeth and use mouthwash.
Men, shave before court and trim your mustache/beard.
Cologne and perfume. Use very little. Too much and everyone will wonder what you are trying to cover up!
Deodorant. You will be nervous, so be prepared.
DON'T
Look dirty or unshaven.
Cologne and perfume. Use very little. Too much and everyone will wonder what you are trying to cover up!
Smelling like cigarette smoke.
Smelling like pot. That's a totally different problem!
Smelling of alcohol. Again that's a totally different problem!
Nails - extremely long nails on both men and women, neon or bright nail polish.
6. Hair
DO
Conservative haircut
Short hair - nothing past the top of the ears
DON'T
Wet and messy.
Dirty.
Unnatural dye job.
Weird or unusual haircut.
Hide tattoos (if you can)!
7. Tattoos and Body Piercings
DO
Remove visible body piercings.
If tattoos are visible try to cover them.
Your future may be up to how you impress these guys!
* Why judges wear robes
Most countries have based their court system on England where robes became the standard uniform for judges during the reign of Edward II, (1327 -- 1377). Robes had been the standard dress for academics for over a century (caps and gowns!).
Black robes became popular in the middle of the 18th century. Before that, English judges typically wore a scarlet robe with a black scarf and a scarlet hood and white wigs when presiding over criminal cases. But for civil cases, they often wore black silk robes.
When the USA was established to show their "independence", the powdered wigs were discarded but the robes wear kept.
