Dress in business casual or business formal clothing

Wear clothes that show respect for the court. Business casual — slacks or a skirt with a button-up shirt or blouse — is the safest choice. Business formal — a suit, dress pants with a blazer, or a dress — works equally well. The goal is to look like you take the proceeding seriously, not to impress anyone or stand out.

Avoid anything that draws attention to itself. That means no graphic t-shirts, no athletic wear, no ripped or heavily faded jeans, and no clothing with slogans or images. Judges and attorneys notice what jurors wear, and they form impressions based on it. You want them focused on your judgment, not your outfit.

Key Takeaways

  • Wear business casual or business formal clothing — slacks with a button-up shirt, a skirt with a blouse, or a suit — to show respect for the court.
  • Avoid jeans, athletic wear, graphic t-shirts, and anything with holes, stains, or heavy fading, as these can make you appear disrespectful or inattentive.
  • Keep jewelry minimal and quiet — no large dangling earrings, multiple piercings on display, or anything that jingles or clinks when you move.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes that are clean and in good condition; flip-flops, sandals, and heavily worn shoes undermine your appearance of respect.
  • Check your local court's website or your summons letter, as some courts post specific dress codes or restrictions for jurors.

Avoid clothing that signals you are not paying attention

Do not wear anything that suggests you did not prepare for the day or that you view jury duty as casual. This includes sweatpants, hoodies, tank tops, and anything with visible stains or damage. Judges interpret these choices as a lack of respect for the process, and attorneys may use your appearance as a reason to dismiss you during jury selection.

Similarly, avoid clothes that are too tight, too loose, or too revealing. The courtroom is a formal space, and your clothing should reflect that. If you would not wear it to a job interview, do not wear it to jury duty.

Keep jewelry and accessories minimal

Wear little to no jewelry. Large dangling earrings, multiple visible piercings, heavy chains, or bracelets that make noise when you move can distract from what you are saying and doing. A straightforward watch, a wedding ring, or small stud earrings are fine. The point is to keep attention on your words and your reasoning, not on what you are wearing.

Do not bring a large purse or backpack into the courtroom. Most courts allow a small bag or none at all. Check your summons letter or the court's website for specific rules about what you can bring. Security screening is common, and bulky bags slow down the process for everyone.

Wear closed-toe shoes in good condition

Closed-toe shoes are standard for jury duty. Wear shoes that are clean, in good repair, and appropriate for a formal setting — leather dress shoes, loafers, flats, or professional pumps. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, and athletic shoes unless the court specifically permits them.

Your shoes matter because you will be walking through the courthouse, sitting in the jury box, and possibly standing during the trial. Worn-out or casual footwear undermines the impression you make. If your shoes are scuffed or dirty, clean them the night before or wear a different pair.

Dress for the season and the courtroom temperature

Courtrooms are often cold, so bring a light jacket or cardigan even if it is warm outside. You can remove it if you get too warm, but you cannot add layers if you are cold and uncomfortable. A blazer or cardigan also adds to a professional appearance.

In winter, wear warm clothing but keep it professional. A wool coat is fine for travel to the courthouse, but you will remove it before entering the courtroom. Avoid heavy parkas or athletic jackets inside the building.

Check your specific court's dress code

Some courts post dress codes on their websites or include them in the summons letter you receive. Federal courts, state courts, and local courts may have different expectations. A few courts are more relaxed about casual clothing; most are not. Reading your summons carefully takes five minutes and can prevent you from showing up underdressed.

If you cannot find a dress code listed, call the court's jury office and ask. They hear this question regularly and will give you a straight answer. It is better to ask than to guess and arrive in the wrong clothes.

What to do if you have a legitimate reason to dress differently

If you have a medical condition, a religious requirement, or a disability that affects what you can wear, tell the court before your jury duty date. Call the jury office listed on your summons and explain your situation. Courts make accommodations for legitimate needs, but they need to know in advance.

For example, if you cannot wear closed-toe shoes due to a foot condition, or if your religion requires specific head covering or clothing, the court will work with you. Do not show up in non-compliant clothing and hope for the best — communicate beforehand instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear jeans to jury duty?

No. Jeans, even dark or new-looking ones, are considered too casual for jury duty. Wear dress pants, khakis, or a skirt instead. The courtroom is a formal setting, and your clothing should reflect that respect.

What if I show up underdressed and the judge notices?

The judge or an attorney may comment on your appearance during jury selection, or you may straightforward be dismissed from the jury pool. Either way, it reflects poorly on you. Dressing appropriately from the start avoids this problem entirely.

Do I need to wear a suit?

No. A suit is appropriate but not required. Business casual — dress pants or a skirt with a button-up shirt or blouse — is perfectly acceptable and is what most jurors wear. The key is looking neat, professional, and respectful.

Can I wear sneakers if they are clean and new?

No. Even clean, new sneakers are athletic wear and are not appropriate for jury duty. Wear leather dress shoes, loafers, flats, or professional pumps instead. The courtroom expects formal footwear.

What should I wear if I work and have to go to jury duty straight from my job?

If your work clothes meet the business casual or business formal standard, you can wear them directly to court. If your job requires uniforms or casual clothing, change before you arrive at the courthouse. Most courts are in downtown areas with parking or public transit, so plan time to change if needed.