Most of us know how to dress for a wedding, but would you know what to wear to a christening?

It’s not always clear what christening attire means; unless you’ve been to one, you may not know where to start.

Whether you’re a godparent, family member or guest, these tips and advice will ensure you look stylish and respectful in your christening attire.

What Should Men Wear to a Christening?

Christenings aren’t just religious ceremonies; they’re celebrations that require respectful and considerate attire. But finding the right balance between tradition and personality can be tricky.

For a christening, men typically wear smart-casual or semi-formal clothing. While men’s suits are entirely acceptable, a classic blazer and dress pants combo is also common, depending on the event’s formality.

But dressing for a wedding is more than following a dress code, it’s about respecting the occasion. If you turn up in denim or ripped jeans, it may suggest a lack of effort on your part. On the flip side, christenings rarely match the formality of a black-tie event, so an elegant tuxedo will probably be too much. Therefore, we need to find that middle ground that ticks all the men’s christening attire boxes.

Let’s dig deeper into the key elements and nuances that create the ideal christening outfit, covering traditional choices and modern trends.

Should You Wear a Suit to a Christening?

Though not mandatory, suits are perfectly acceptable at a christening. If you’re attending a church christening as part of a religious ceremony, a suit of often the preferred choice for men.

If you’re the Godparent or parent of the child being baptised, you have a big part to play in the christening ceremony itself. Therefore, we recommend wearing a traditional suit so you’ll match the formality of the occasion and also look your best for the post-ceremony photos. 

For less formal christenings, you can lose the jacket and tie and still look on-trend. Ultimately, choose a suit or semi-formal outfit that won’t ruin the solemnity of the occasion, so modest and neutral colours or pastel shades are highly recommended

Do the Seasons Affect Men’s Christening Wear?

The weather, formality and time of year the christening is taking place will have a big influence on your choice of outfit. That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to the seasons when choosing your christening attire.

Whether it’s a classic navy-blue suit for a winter ceremony or a light summer suit for warmer days, you’re guaranteed to look your best.

What to Wear to a Spring Christening

Spring and autumn are considered transitional seasons where versatility is key when selecting a men’s christening outfit.

Light-coloured suits in beige, light grey or pastel blue are popular when paired with a crisp cotton shirt and smart loafers. If the event is more casual, tailored chinos and a blazer offer the ideal balance between spring style and functionality.

What to Wear to a Summer Christening

In warmer weather, a smart summer suit is an excellent choice when it comes to men’s christening attire. Lightweight fabrics like linen that keep you cool on sunny days come to the fore and are very much on-trend.

Go for outfits in pastel shades like sky blue to match the summer vibe. For more casual dress codes, a pair of light chinos paired with a short-sleeve shirt is an ideal summer christening ensemble.

What to Wear to an Autumn Christening

Smart and seasonal outfits are great for autumn christenings. For example, autumn suits come in a range of fabrics and styles to reflect this time of the year and the cooler weather.

A well-tailored blazer is another popular option, especially in earthy toes like navy, charcoal or deep brown. To complete the autumn christening look, pair with a white shirt and maybe add a knitted tie or scarf for added warmth.

What to Wear to a Winter Christening

In the colder winter months, layering is vital when dressing for a christening. For formal occasions, winter suits in heavier fabrics like classic tweed suits or woollen blends are popular options. Similarly, darker shades like charcoal grey suits are also winter-appropriate.

The important thing is to layer up on the day itself. That also means a well-designed jacket or overcoat that aligns with the formality, enhances the overall aesthetic, and provides some much-needed warmth in the chilly conditions.

Can You Wear Any Colour to a Christening?

Essentially, men can wear any colour to a christening if it aligns with the dress code and matches the general theme. However, it’s best to stick with soft, pastel, or neutral shades that reflect the formal yet joyous atmosphere of the occasion.

White is one of the most popular tones to wear to a christening and to a wedding as it’s considered to be a ‘happy’ colour that fits the celebrations. While bold colours aren’t strictly off-limits, you should avoid overly dark or flashy tones and ensure your choice of outfit is both respectful and appropriate.

What Colours Shouldn’t You Wear to a Christening?

The general rule is to avoid black if you can. Though extremely versatile, black is usually reserved for sombre occasions like funerals rather than joyous celebrations like a christening.

When it comes to what colours to wear to a wedding, navy, grey or white are much safer options. The important thing is to find the right balance by incorporating lighter colours, pastel shades, and statement accessories into your outfit. Whether it’s a bright pocket square or vivid tie, these colourful accents will liven up your christening attire.

Can You Wear Jeans to a Christening?

Jeans are a cornerstone of smart-casual styling, but they’re probably too relaxed for christenings. After all, christening dress codes gravitate towards semi-formal, calling for something a little smarter.

Here, it’s better to elevate your look with men’s dress trousers paired with a smart shirt that aligns with the special occasion.

Similarly, a pair of classic chinos strikes a similar style note, and they also look great when matched with a sharp blazer with their variety of fabrics, cuts and designs.

Christening Attire for Men: What Not to Wear

Just as there are strict rules for what men should wear to a christening, it also pays to know what you shouldn’t wear on the day. These include:

• Overly casual attire: Ripped jeans, hoodies, baggy t-shirts, sport tracksuits and flip-flops are an absolute no-no. Anything that screams ultra-casual should be avoided.
• Revealing clothing: Nobody wants to see your bare skin on display during a christening, so keep those shirts buttoned up and those shorts in the drawer.
• Flashy outfits: Loud prints, dazzling patterns and blinding neon colours will only distract the christening party.
• Too many accessories: Jewellery and accessories should be understated for a christening. Too much bling won’t go down well.
• All-black outfits: While not totally forbidden, black attire is commonly associated with funerals. If you have to wear a black suit or jacket, make sure you add pops of colour or pair with lighter garments that match the celebration theme.

Still Unsure What to Wear to a Christening as a Male? 

Our advice to all males who can’t make up their mind about what to wear to a christening; if in doubt, wear a smart outfit. That covers everything from a men’s formal suit to dress trousers and a shirt if you decide to mix and match. For more information, contact us today.