You just opened the mailbox and there it is. The dreaded summons. Whether you view jury duty as a profound civic honor or a massive logistical headache, your first thought—after "how do I get out of this?"—is usually "what on earth am I going to wear?" It’s a valid concern. You're going to be sitting on a hard wooden bench or a slightly-too-stiff plastic chair for eight hours. Naturally, you reach for your favorite Lululemons. But then you pause. Can I wear leggings to jury duty without getting a lecture from a bailiff?
The short answer is: maybe, but you probably shouldn’t.
Courtrooms are weird places. They are stuck in a time warp where "business casual" still reigns supreme, even as the rest of the world has embraced the "Zoom shirt and sweatpants" lifestyle. Most courts don't have a specific "no leggings" rule written in stone, but they do have broad policies against "inappropriate" or "unduly suggestive" attire. That’s where the trouble starts. Leggings exist in a gray area. To you, they are pants. To a 70-year-old judge in a black robe, they might look like gym clothes or pajamas.
Why the Courtroom Dress Code Actually Matters
It feels superficial. Why should your pants affect your ability to determine if someone breached a contract? Honestly, it shouldn't. But the legal system is built on the concept of "decorum." When you walk into a courthouse, the environment is designed to feel serious, heavy, and respectful. Judges argue that if jurors show up in flip-flops and yoga pants, it diminishes the gravity of the proceedings.
Take it from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Their guidelines specifically request that jurors dress in a manner "respectful of the Court." While they don't explicitly ban Lycra, they do list "shorts, tank tops, and halter tops" as no-gos. Leggings often fall into that "too casual" bucket. If you show up in neon-patterned workout leggings, there is a non-zero chance the jury commissioner will send you home to change, which just drags out your service even longer.
You've also got to think about the temperature. Courthouses are notoriously freezing. They are high-ceilinged stone buildings with HVAC systems that seem to have two settings: "Arctic Blast" and "Off." If you wear thin leggings, you are going to spend the entire day shivering.
Deciphering the "Business Casual" Trap
Most summons tell you to dress in business casual. But what does that even mean in 2026? For some, it’s a blazer and slacks. For others, it’s a clean pair of jeans and a polo.
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If you are absolutely dead-set on wearing leggings because of a medical condition, pregnancy, or just sheer spite for hard waistbands, you have to be smart about it. You can't just wear them like you’re heading to a Barre class. You have to "disguise" them.
Think about a long tunic or a sweater dress. If the leggings are acting more like thick tights under a professional top that covers your hips, you’ll likely fly under the radar. Black is your friend here. Stay away from the "buttery soft" leggings that show every seam. You want something structured, thick, and opaque. Basically, if they look like skinny trousers, you're fine. If they look like you’re about to do a downward dog, you’re risking a stern look from a court officer.
What Other Jurors Are Actually Wearing
I’ve spent time in various jurisdictions, from the high-rise federal courts in Chicago to small-town county seats in Georgia. The reality on the ground is often more relaxed than the handbook suggests. You will see people in hoodies. You will see people in work boots.
However, being "the person in the leggings" can have weird social consequences in the jury room. You are part of a group of strangers trying to reach a consensus. If you look like you just rolled out of bed, some of your fellow jurors might—fairly or not—take your opinions less seriously. It’s that old-school psychological bias.
- Federal Court: Extremely strict. Stick to slacks or a skirt.
- Civil Court: Slightly more relaxed, but still professional.
- Traffic/Local Court: Usually the "wild west" of fashion, but don't push it.
The "Send Me Home" Strategy (And Why It Fails)
There is a persistent urban legend that if you dress like a total slob—or wear something offensive—the judge will dismiss you immediately. People ask, "Can I wear leggings to jury duty to get kicked out?"
Don't do this.
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First off, most judges have seen every trick in the book. If you show up in something wildly inappropriate, they are more likely to make you sit in the back of the room all day or reschedule your service for a different date, rather than letting you off the hook. In extreme cases, a judge can actually hold you in contempt of court for violating dress codes, though that's rare for something as simple as leggings. Usually, they’ll just make you feel like a teenager getting sent to the principal's office. It's embarrassing. It's not worth the "freedom" of wearing spandex.
Comfort vs. Compliance: The Middle Ground
If the idea of wearing stiff slacks makes you want to cry, there are better alternatives than basic leggings.
Look into "ponte pants." They are the secret weapon of the professional world. They feel like leggings—stretchy, comfortable, no-pinch waist—but they are made of a thicker, double-knit fabric that looks like a dress pant. They have structure. They have weight. Most people (and most judges) can’t tell the difference between ponte pants and expensive trousers.
Another option? Wide-leg knit trousers. They are essentially pajamas disguised as high fashion. You get the comfort of your loungewear with the silhouette of a professional outfit.
Real-World Advice from Court Clerks
I once chatted with a clerk in a busy California court who said they only intervene when someone’s outfit is "distracting." This included a guy in a "legalize it" t-shirt and a woman in a very short sequined cocktail dress. Leggings usually don't rise to the level of "distracting" unless they are sheer.
"We just want you to be here on time," the clerk told me. "But if you look like you’re going to the beach, the judge is going to notice. And you don't want the judge noticing you for the wrong reasons."
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Let's Talk About Footwear
If you do decide to risk the leggings, please, for the love of all that is holy, don't pair them with Uggs or flip-flops. That is the "I'm at home" uniform. If you wear leggings with a nice pair of loafers, Chelsea boots, or even clean, minimalist leather sneakers, you elevate the whole look. It signals that you made an effort.
The goal isn't to look like a lawyer. The goal is to look like someone who respects the process.
- Check the Summons: Some specific courts (like those in certain parts of Texas or Virginia) actually list "leggings" in their prohibited items. Always read the fine print.
- The "Sit Test": Sit down in front of a mirror before you leave. Do the leggings become see-through? Does the waistband roll down? You'll be sitting for hours; comfort is key, but so is coverage.
- Layers: Bring a blazer or a long cardigan. It covers your backside (making leggings look more like pants) and keeps you warm in the courthouse tundra.
The Verdict on Leggings in Court
So, can you wear them? Yes, technically, in most places, you won't be arrested or barred from entry. But you are walking a fine line.
If your leggings are thick, dark, and paired with a professional top that covers your hip area, you will likely be fine. If you’re talking about thin, athletic-style leggings with a sports logo on the calf, you should probably leave those for the gym.
Jury duty is a long, often boring day. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to be invisible. You don't want to be "the legging person" that the attorneys keep eyeing during voir dire.
Actionable Next Steps
- Examine your summons: Look for keywords like "professional attire" or "business casual." If those words are there, skip the basic leggings.
- The 20% Rule: Aim to be 20% more dressed up than you think you need to be. It’s always better to be the best-dressed person in the jury pool than the worst.
- Pack a "Survival Kit": Regardless of what you wear, bring a heavy sweater, a book (phones aren't always allowed), and a snack. The dress code is only half the battle.
- Select "Court-Approved" Leggings: If you must wear them, opt for a pair of black ponte knit pants. They offer the stretch you want with the "real pants" look the court demands.
- Check the specific court's website: Most local jurisdictions have a "Juror Information" page that goes into more detail than the paper summons.
Ultimately, the courtroom is a stage. You’ve been cast in a role. Dressing the part—even if it's just by swapping leggings for a pair of stretchy slacks—makes the whole process go a lot smoother. You'll feel more confident, you'll avoid any awkward interactions with court staff, and you can focus on the actual task at hand: deciding the fate of your fellow citizens. Or, more likely, waiting in a room for six hours before being told you're not needed. Either way, you'll be doing it with your dignity (and your dress code) intact.