What to Wear to Jury Duty 2026: Courthouse Style Guide

Understanding Courthouse Dress Codes in 2026

Receiving a jury duty summons can trigger immediate wardrobe anxiety. What exactly constitutes "appropriate courthouse attire"? In 2026, courtrooms maintain traditional standards of decorum while acknowledging evolving professional dress norms. Understanding these expectations ensures you make the right impression while staying comfortable during what could be hours—or even days—of service.

"The courtroom is a place of civic duty and respect," notes fashion consultant Sarah Mitchell, who has advised legal professionals for over 15 years. "Your clothing should reflect that you take the process seriously, even if you're not a legal professional yourself."

Most courthouses operate under a business casual to business professional dress code. While specific requirements may vary by jurisdiction, the universal principle remains: dress as you would for a professional office environment or important meeting. This isn't the time to test fashion boundaries or make personal statements through clothing.

What Women Should Wear to Jury Duty

Professional Outfit Options

Women have numerous appropriate choices for jury duty that balance professionalism with comfort:

Recommended Pieces:

• Tailored pants or knee-length skirts
• Button-down blouses or professional tops
• Cardigans, blazers, or structured jackets
• Modest dresses (knee-length or longer)
• Closed-toe flats, loafers, or low heels
• Professional ankle boots (in cooler months)

Winning Combinations:

• Dark dress pants paired with a silk blouse and cardigan
• A sheath dress with a blazer and ballet flats
• Ponte knit pants with a structured top and loafers
• A midi skirt with a tucked-in blouse and low block heels

According to Vogue's workplace style guidelines, the key is creating a polished silhouette that doesn't distract. "Think of courthouse dressing as elevated business casual," suggests the publication. "You want to blend in, not stand out."

What to Avoid

Certain clothing items can get you turned away at courthouse security or earn disapproving looks from court officers:

• Shorts, mini skirts, or anything above mid-thigh
• Tank tops, spaghetti straps, or revealing necklines
• Ripped jeans or distressed denim
• Athletic wear, yoga pants, or leggings as pants
• Flip-flops, sandals, or overly casual footwear
• Clothing with political slogans, offensive graphics, or controversial messages
• Excessively tight or form-fitting clothing
• See-through or sheer fabrics without appropriate layering

What Men Should Wear to Jury Duty

Professional Outfit Options

Men's jury duty attire follows similar business casual principles with equally comfortable options:

Recommended Pieces:

• Dress slacks or chinos
• Collared shirts (button-downs or polos)
• Sweaters or cardigan
• Sport coats or blazers (optional but impressive)
• Leather dress shoes, loafers, or clean sneakers in neutral colors
• Belt that matches your shoes

Winning Combinations:

• Navy chinos with a light blue oxford shirt and brown leather shoes
• Gray dress pants with a white button-down and dark blazer
• Khakis with a polo shirt and a lightweight sweater
• Dark jeans (if neat and unworn) with a button-down shirt and loafers

GQ magazine's office dress code guide emphasizes that "smart casual has evolved, but courtrooms remain conservative environments. When in doubt, dress up rather than down."

What to Avoid

Men should steer clear of these items:

• Shorts or cargo pants
• T-shirts, especially graphic tees
• Athletic wear or gym clothes
• Torn or excessively faded jeans
• Sandals, flip-flops, or worn sneakers
• Hats or caps inside the courthouse
• Overly casual hoodies
• Clothing with offensive language or imagery

Seasonal Considerations for Jury Duty Attire

Summer Courthouse Dressing

Summer jury duty presents unique challenges. Courtrooms typically maintain aggressive air conditioning, while the journey there may involve sweltering heat.

Smart Summer Strategies:

• Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen blends, or moisture-wicking materials
• Bring a cardigan or blazer for frigid courtrooms
• Opt for sleeveless tops with a cardigan rather than sweating through long sleeves outdoors
• Choose looser silhouettes that allow air circulation
• Select moisture-wicking undergarments
• Wear closed-toe shoes that won't cause blisters during long days

Winter Courthouse Dressing

Cold weather jury duty allows for more layering options:

Winter Outfit Ideas:

• Wool trousers with a turtleneck and blazer
• A sweater dress with tights and ankle boots
• Layered looks with cardigans over blouses
• Professional knit fabrics that maintain shape
• Warmer fabrics like wool blends, ponte knit, or heavier cotton

Remember that courthouses have coat checks or areas to store outerwear. You don't need to sit in your heavy winter coat all day.

The Comfort Factor: Surviving Long Days

Jury duty often means extended sitting, unpredictable schedules, and long days. Elle magazine's comfort dressing guide recommends "prioritizing pieces that move with you and don't require constant adjustment."

Comfort Without Sacrificing Professionalism

Key Comfort Strategies:

• Choose fabrics with stretch: ponte knit, performance fabrics, or blended materials
• Avoid restrictive waistbands; elastic or adjustable waists work well
• Select breathable, natural fabrics when possible
• Wear broken-in shoes with adequate support
• Bring a small sweater or wrap for temperature fluctuations
• Consider compression socks for long sitting periods
• Wear layers you can easily add or remove

"I always recommend the 'sit test,'" says wardrobe stylist James Chen. "Before leaving for jury duty, sit in your outfit for 15 minutes. If anything pinches, rides up, or feels uncomfortable, change it. You might be sitting for hours."

Accessories and Grooming Guidelines

Appropriate Accessories

Keep accessories minimal and professional:

Do:

• Simple watches
• Conservative jewelry
• Professional bags or briefcases
• Quiet, neutral-colored scarves
• Classic belts

Don't:

• Excessive jewelry that jangles or distracts
• Large or flashy statement pieces
• Bags with political or controversial messages
• Strong fragrances (many courthouses are scent-sensitive environments)

Grooming Standards

Personal grooming matters in courthouse settings:

• Hair should be clean and neatly styled
• Facial hair should be groomed and trimmed
• Makeup (if worn) should be professional and understated
• Nails should be clean and not excessively long or decorated
• Overall hygiene is essential in close quarters

Special Circumstances and Considerations

Religious Attire

Religious garments and head coverings are generally permitted and protected. If you have questions about specific religious attire, contact the court clerk's office in advance.

Disability Accommodations

If you require specific clothing for medical reasons or disability accommodations, courts must make reasonable allowances. Contact the jury commissioner's office before your service date to discuss any concerns.

Temperature Sensitivity

Many people find courtrooms uncomfortably cold. Layers are your friend. Even in summer, bring a cardigan, blazer, or light wrap. You can always remove layers if the room is warm, but you can't add clothing you didn't bring.

Building a Jury Duty Capsule Wardrobe

If you're selected for extended service, having a small collection of mix-and-match pieces prevents wardrobe fatigue:

Essential Pieces (Women):

• 2 pairs of dress pants or skirts in neutral colors
• 3-4 tops that coordinate
• 2 cardigans or blazers
• 2 pairs of comfortable professional shoes

Essential Pieces (Men):

• 2 pairs of dress pants or chinos
• 3-4 collared shirts
• 1-2 sweaters or blazers
• 2 pairs of comfortable dress shoes

According to Forbes' work wardrobe advice, "A well-planned capsule wardrobe eliminates decision fatigue and ensures you always look appropriate without overthinking."

Where to Find Jury Duty Appropriate Clothing

Shopping for jury duty doesn't require a complete wardrobe overhaul. At LOOQS, you'll find carefully curated selections of professional, comfortable clothing perfect for courthouse appearances. From business casual basics to polished separates that work for jury duty and beyond, LOOQS offers quality pieces that help you look professional without sacrificing comfort during long days of civic service.

Regional Variations in Courthouse Dress Codes

While general principles apply nationwide, regional differences exist:

Urban vs. Rural Courts:

Urban courthouses in major metropolitan areas may expect more formal business attire, while rural or small-town courts might be slightly more casual. When in doubt, dress more formally.

Climate Considerations:

Southern and tropical climate courthouses may be more understanding of lightweight fabrics and breathable clothing, while northern courts expect seasonal appropriate professional wear.

Federal vs. State Courts:

Federal courthouses typically maintain stricter dress codes than state or local courts. Research your specific venue's expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jury Duty Attire

Can I wear jeans to jury duty?

It depends on the courthouse. Some jurisdictions explicitly prohibit jeans, while others allow neat, dark denim without distressing or tears. When in doubt, choose dress pants instead. If you must wear jeans, select dark, unworn styles paired with a button-down shirt or blouse to elevate the look.

Are sneakers acceptable for jury duty?

Clean, neutral-colored sneakers in leather or similar materials may be acceptable in some casual courthouses, but traditional dress shoes are always the safer choice. Athletic sneakers, running shoes, or brightly colored casual sneakers are generally inappropriate. If you need comfortable footwear for medical reasons, speak with the court clerk.

What happens if I'm not dressed appropriately?

Consequences vary by courthouse. You might receive a warning, be asked to change, be sent home to change clothing (potentially forfeiting that day's service payment), or in extreme cases, face contempt charges. Some courthouses keep emergency clothing on hand for inappropriately dressed jurors. It's simply not worth the risk or embarrassment.

Can I wear business casual instead of a suit?

Yes! Business casual is perfectly appropriate for jury duty in most jurisdictions. You don't need a full suit unless you're serving in a particularly formal federal court or prefer to dress up. Business casual hits the right balance of respect and comfort.

Should I dress differently for jury selection versus actual jury service?

Dress professionally for both. Some potential jurors mistakenly believe dressing too nicely or too casually will affect their selection. While attorneys do notice appearance, your clothing shouldn't be a strategic tool. Dress appropriately and honestly answer questions during voir dire. Your attire is about respecting the process, not gaming the selection.

Final Thoughts: Dressing for Civic Duty

Jury duty represents one of our most important civic responsibilities. Your clothing choice demonstrates respect for the legal system, your fellow citizens, and the serious nature of the proceedings. By dressing professionally and comfortably, you signal that you take this duty seriously while ensuring you can focus on the case rather than wardrobe discomfort.

Remember that courthouse dress codes exist for good reasons: maintaining decorum, minimizing distractions, and creating an environment where justice can be properly served. When you receive that jury summons, take a moment to plan your outfit thoughtfully. Choose pieces that make you feel confident, professional, and comfortable.

As style expert Patricia Williams notes, "Appropriate jury duty attire isn't about fashion—it's about respect. Dress in a way that honors the importance of your role in the justice system."

With these guidelines, you'll walk into the courthouse confident, comfortable, and appropriately dressed for your important civic duty in 2026 and beyond.