What to Wear to Jury Duty

Most people in the United States would rather not have to serve on a jury. Few individuals look forward to missing out on a day of work or leisure to debate with a bunch of strangers in a stuffy courtroom.

The process of getting ready for jury service can cause more anxiety than actually appearing in court. Having court guards watching your every move can make an already tense scenario even tenser if you are not used to court procedures. Deciding what to dress is a crucial part of this process.

If you are having issues deciding what to wear, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on what to wear and what you should avoid.

Tips when choosing what to wear to Jury Duty

1. Take the time to prepare in advance. Worrying over what to wear to jury service at the last minute is a stressful situation that you should avoid at all costs. It’s not ideal to enter the courtroom feeling harried and anxious, especially if you don’t often dress in professional or business casual wear. Preparing in advance will help you get calmer and more relaxed, enabling you to make better outfit decisions.
2. Don’t complicate things. Making a good impression when you appear for jury duty is essential. To do this, go for a classic, unobtrusive style. For jury service, wearing a well-fitting suit in darker, neutral hues with clean lines and no unnecessary accessories is best.
3. Make a good first impression. Most visitors to the courtroom will be dressed formally or in business casual. More than a few people will be wearing suits, mostly both men and women. Put some effort into your appearance if you want to stand out.
4. Ensure the outfit fits. You shouldn’t waste money or time wearing clothes that don’t fit properly. You shouldn’t buy them if the sizing is off. If you want to appear your best, avoid wearing clothes that are either too tiny or too big. The appearance of elegance and sophistication is diminished when clothing is too loose. Plus, nobody likes to wear excessively tight garments. Get rid of the clothes that don’t fit and wear the ones that do. Don’t risk looking sloppy and unattractive by wearing outfits that don’t fit properly. You could make yourself uncomfortable when you do so.

Here are some suggestions about what to wear if you’ve been selected for jury duty.

Dress Requirements for the Jury

When deciding what to wear to serve on a jury, most courts have a dress code that you must adhere to. If you know the name of the court you will appear in, you can typically locate the specific dress requirements for that court by searching for “jury duty dress regulations” online.

Although the rules of procedure in each court may vary slightly, in most cases, the standards are uniform. Members of the jury are expected to dress formally. You may not be the focus of attention during the trial because you are not a defendant or a witness, but you are present at a serious legal proceeding. Dress for the solemnity of the event at hand.

Generally, shorts and miniskirts are not allowed under most dress codes. You can’t wear something too casual, like a tank top, shorts, or sandals. Head coverings and caps are likewise not permitted in court. You may, however, keep on your hat or other head covering if doing so is a part of your religious practice.

Why your outfit is important

You will be sent home in many jurisdictions if you do not arrive at court wearing acceptable attire. Don’t try to get out of jury duty by dressing too casually, though. In most cases, you will be given a new court date and asked to go through the same motions again.

Dressing the part is much more crucial if you want to be on the jury or in a position of authority. It would be best if you conveyed that you are serious about this process and willing to listen to all arguments.

Consequences of inappropriate attire might be unpleasant even if they do not result in expulsion. You may feel uncomfortable and out of place if you are the only juror not dressed professionally like the others. If you wear something overly revealing to court, you may feel out of place or draw too much attention to yourself.

Related: Jury Duty Attire Ideas to Look Court-Ready!

Male Outfits for Jury Duty

Male jurors should adhere to the standard of business casual outfits. Consider the following suggestions when choosing what to wear.

1. Shirts. Wearing a polo or button-down shirt to your jury duty appearance shows that you take your responsibilities seriously. Some jurors wear T-shirts and sweatshirts. But check their quality and make sure they don’t have any flashy logos or slogans. A shirt limits the need for a jacket. No need also to dress in a tie, it may be a bit too formal.
2. Bottoms. You are not required to wear a suit and tie to jury duty, though you are welcome to if that is how you feel most at ease with them. Khakis or chinos in a more refined cut are appropriate. Some jurors choose to wear jeans; if you’re one of them, make sure yours are a dark wash, in good condition, and free of rips. It doesn’t matter whether hot it is outside, you should never wear shorts.
3. Footwear. Sandals and flip-flops are not acceptable footwear for court appearances in most jurisdictions. You might wear leather shoes, casual oxfords, or Chelsea boots. It is not required that you dress formally. Sneakers are occasionally acceptable attire, provided they are not flashy in color or design.
4. Other Outfit Tips. The air conditioning in courtrooms tends to be very strong, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers (a sweater and a light jacket, for example) to stay comfortable. In addition, you can expect a lengthy day, so dress in clothes that are easy to sit in for long periods. To impress potential jurors, it’s best to hide any apparent tattoos or body piercings.

Women’s Suggestions for Dressing Appropriately for Jury Duty

Women should follow the standard practice of dressing formally for jury duty. Here are the suggestions you can dress up for jury duty.

1. Tops. Dressy tops suitable for the office are acceptable attire for jury duty. For court, a beautiful blouse or collared shirt is appropriate attire. However, sleeveless tops aren’t allowed in some courts. A sophisticated cowl-neck top would be ideal because it is not only flattering but practical in a courtroom’s air conditioning. Bring a sweater or blazer to throw on if you’re not sure what the weather will be like.
2. Pants. Regarding pants, women have a wider variety of options than men do. Pants or dark jeans are acceptable attire. A formal skirt is good as well. Your skirt should, however, end at or slightly above the knee. You can also wear a pencil skirt. This outfit would look lovely and appropriate with a ruffled shirt in subdued tones.
3. Dresses. Dresses are ideal for formal occasions or days when you don’t feel like coordinating your outfit. Dressing professionally for jury service can be in a wrap dress, shift dress, or any other business casual attire. Remember to wear a sweater if your outfit reveals your shoulders while maintaining a knee-length hemline. While most courts do not have a specific policy against wearing patterns or bright colors, it is still best to wear something more subdued so as not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself. Putting too much jewelry is discouraged for the same reasons and to avoid delays at security.
4. Footwear. Closed-toe shoes are required, so choose from loafers, flats, or maybe even low heels. Low heels, stilettos, boots, or ballet-style flats are all great options for practical and comfy footwear. It’s not suitable to wear flip-flops or sandals.
5. Other Outfits. Putting together an all-black and white ensemble is one of the best outfit styles. And a stylish turtleneck is a foolproof way for any lady to upgrade her appearance instantly. Wearing a watch (that isn’t doubled up as a phone) is also recommended during jury service, as there will be occasions when you aren’t allowed to carry your phone.

General Recommendations for Jury Duty

Deciding what to wear to jury service shouldn’t be too taxing. Since you are not the accused, please do not feel you are on trial. If you don’t want to be sent home, be sure you’re following all court rules and standards of proper behavior.

While the required attire for jurors can vary from court to court, most courts request that jurors dress in business attire. Dress appropriately, for example, by donning trousers or dark denim, a dress shirt, a button-down shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Whatever your gender, you should avoid wearing inappropriate apparel and accessories such as flip-flops, low-cut tops, and shirts with blatantly sexist or homophobic messages.

When deciding what to wear, it’s essential to consider both the level of formality and your level of comfort. Long hours of sitting are part of jury duty, so it’s necessary to wear loose, movable clothes that don’t irritate your skin. Wear layers or closed-toe shoes with comfy, breathable socks because courtrooms are sometimes cold.

Although serving on a jury is no one’s notion of a fun time, it need not be the end of the universe. Considering comfort and deference to the judicial process, the preceding principles should help you select an appropriate attire.

No hats, caps, tank tops, shorts, or miniskirts are permitted in the jury room. Wearing a sweater or light jacket to court is a good idea because the temperature can drop significantly. Those who fail to arrive at jury selection dressed appropriately may be sent home and given another date to report for jury duty.

Common Questions About Appropriate Attire for Jury Duty

Even though the court’s attire is crystal apparent, potential jurors still wonder if they’ve made the appropriate choice in what to wear. Here are the common questions people ask.

Are jeans acceptable attire for jury duty?

Denim is OK in many jurisdictions, though you should avoid holes and scuffs if you have jury service. If you wear jeans, pick a pair with a looser fit than usual because you will be sitting for a prolonged period and don’t want any discomfort to dampen your spirits.

However, before showing up to jury duty in your favorite pair of jeans, you might want to double-check with the courthouse to be sure that such attire is acceptable.

Is it acceptable to wear sneakers to jury duty?

When reporting for jury duty, it is acceptable to wear sneakers. Those long-lasting sneakers that never go out of style may be a great addition to your outfit. If you must wear sneakers, ensure they are presentable and well-kept. However, you should still confirm with the court to ensure they are allowed.

What shade of clothing is appropriate for jurors?

Choosing the right color is almost as crucial as picking the right style. Since a court is a professional and formal environment, neutral, darker colors (black, dark gray, or navy) are appropriate. You’re free to use some brighter shades, but you must stay away from attention-grabbing patterns and unconventional hues.

Wearing all black can make you appear excessively serious and authoritative. Black, however, can be combined with a wide range of other hues and styles to seem more casual.

Bottom Line

You could be holding someone else’s fate in your hands when you report for jury service. If you were sitting in the defendant’s chair (which, God willing, you’ll never have to do), wouldn’t you desire to see jurors who act as if they took their appointed position more seriously than they would go shopping just at the mall?

Juries should dress and act appropriately for a court trial. Formal business clothing is highly recommended. No neckties are needed in this setting. Generally speaking, it’s essential to dress conservatively and respectfully when in court. We’d prefer that the judge and the other jurors pay attention to the evidence, not what you wore to jury duty.