Proper Attire for Jury Duty: What to Actually Wear So You Don't Get Sent Home

You just got that summons in the mail. It’s official. You’re heading to the courthouse, and suddenly, your closet feels like an enemy. Most people panic. They think they need a three-piece suit or, on the flip side, they assume they can roll up in gym shorts because "it’s a civic duty, not a fashion show." Both of those extremes are probably wrong. Finding the right proper attire for jury duty is less about looking like a high-powered litigator and more about respecting the gravity of the room without freezing to death in the aggressive courthouse air conditioning.

Courts are weird places. They are formal by nature, yet they are also high-traffic government buildings where people from every walk of life collide. If you show up looking like you’re headed to a beach party, the bailiff might give you a look that could melt steel. Worse, the judge might actually find you in contempt or just send you home to change, which—honestly—just delays the inevitable and wastes your entire Tuesday.

Why the Dress Code Actually Matters

It isn't just about "looking nice." Jurors represent the community. When you sit in that box, you are part of the judicial branch of government. It’s heavy stuff. Judges like the Honorable Robert J. Shelby of the District of Utah have noted in various court orientations that the way jurors dress impacts the perceived solemnity of the proceedings. If the jury looks like they don't care, it sends a signal to the defendants and the victims that the process isn't being taken seriously.

Then there’s the practical side. Courthouses are notoriously drafty. Or they are stiflingly hot because the boiler from 1954 is acting up again. You’ll be sitting for hours. Sometimes you’re sitting in a crowded assembly room, and other times you’re in a jury box where everyone—the lawyers, the judge, the gallery—is looking right at you. Comfort is king, but "business casual" is the gold standard you should aim for.

Most courts, like the Los Angeles County Superior Court or the Southern District of New York, explicitly forbid things like tank tops, halter tops, and flip-flops. They want you to look professional. Not "boardroom" professional, but "brunch with your grandmother" professional.

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Breaking Down the "Business Casual" Myth

What does business casual even mean in 2026? It’s a vague term that drives people crazy. For jury duty, think of it as a sliding scale.

On the "safe" end, you’ve got slacks or chinos. Pair those with a polo or a button-down shirt. You don't need a tie. Seriously, leave the tie at home unless you just really like how it looks. For women, a nice pair of trousers, a modest skirt, or a simple dress works perfectly. Avoid anything too short. If you have to tug at it when you sit down, don't wear it.

Jeans are a gray area. Some rural courts don't mind a clean, dark pair of denim. However, if you're in a federal building, you might want to skip the Levi's. If you absolutely must wear jeans, make sure they aren't ripped. No "distressed" look. No holes. No weird washes. Just plain, dark blue or black jeans that look almost like dress pants from a distance.

The Footwear Situation

Your feet will thank you for being smart here. You might be walking through security lines, climbing stairs, or pacing around a deliberation room. Wear closed-toe shoes. Loafers, flats, or even clean, minimalist sneakers are usually fine these days. Leave the 5-inch heels at home. You’ll be miserable by 2:00 PM. Flip-flops are almost universally banned in courtrooms across the United States. They make a "slap-slap" sound that drives judges insane when you walk across a marble floor.

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The Stealth Enemy: Courthouse Temperature

If there is one thing you take away from this, let it be the power of layers. Courthouses are thermal anomalies. The jury assembly room might be 75 degrees, but the courtroom itself could feel like a meat locker.

Bring a cardigan. A light blazer. A zip-up hoodie (as long as it’s plain and not covered in huge logos). Being cold makes it impossible to focus on the evidence being presented. If you're shivering, you aren't listening to the witness; you're just thinking about your heater at home.

Graphics and Slogans

This is where people get into actual trouble. Do not wear a shirt with a political slogan. Do not wear a shirt that says "Guilty" or "Innocent." Avoid anything controversial. The goal of proper attire for jury duty is to be a "blank slate." You want the attorneys to see you as an impartial person, not as a walking billboard for a cause. If your shirt has a giant beer logo or a vulgar joke on it, expect to be sent home immediately.

Specific Items to Avoid at All Costs

• Hats: You’ll have to take it off the second you enter the courtroom anyway. It’s a respect thing. Except for religious headwear, obviously.
• Athletic Wear: Yoga pants are great for the gym, but they are a no-go for the courthouse. Same goes for sweatpants and basketball shorts.
• Revealing Clothing: Avoid low-cut tops or anything sheer. You want the focus on the law, not your outfit.
• Excessive Jewelry: Remember, you have to go through a metal detector. Every piece of jewelry you wear is one more thing you have to take off and put in a plastic bin while a line of thirty annoyed people waits behind you. Keep it simple.

The "Professional" vs. "Approachable" Balance

Attorneys are trained to read people. During voir dire (the jury selection process), they are looking at you. If you show up in a tuxedo, they might think you’re too rigid or elitist. If you show up in a stained t-shirt, they might think you’re irresponsible. The "middle ground" makes you look like a reasonable, stable person who can weigh facts fairly.

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It's sorta like a first date. You want to look like you put in effort, but you don't want to look like you're trying too hard. A nice sweater and some khakis? Perfect. A simple blouse and some navy blue slacks? You’re golden.

Final Practical Logistics

Before you leave the house, check the specific website for your local jurisdiction. For example, the U.S. Courts website provides a general guideline, but your specific county might have stricter rules because of a particular judge. Some judges are old-school and demand jackets. Others are chill.

Also, consider your pockets. You’ll be sitting for long stretches. If you wear tight pants with bulky pockets, you’re going to be uncomfortable. Wear something with a bit of "give."

Actionable Steps for Your Jury Morning

1. Check the Weather and the Building: Expect the interior to be 10 degrees colder than the exterior.
2. Lay Out Your Clothes the Night Before: Don't find out at 7:00 AM that your only pair of slacks has a coffee stain.
3. The "Jump Test": Sit down in front of a mirror in your chosen outfit. Does the shirt gap? Does the skirt ride up too high? If it stays put, it’s a winner.
4. Footwear Check: Ensure your shoes are comfortable for standing in security lines but look polished enough for a professional environment.
5. Simplify Your Accessories: Minimize metal to breeze through the magnetometers. Leave the heavy belts and clunky watches in your car if you can.

Choosing proper attire for jury duty isn't about winning a fashion award. It’s about blending in, staying comfortable, and showing the court that you understand the importance of the job you've been called to do. Stick to the "business casual" baseline, layer up for the AC, and avoid any clothing that makes a loud statement. Doing this ensures your day in court is focused on justice, rather than a wardrobe malfunction.