Dress Guidelines
Outward appearance is important when serving in international settings. Because of the language barrier, and the fact that you automatically stand out as different, people may judge you solely on your appearance, often by standards that are unknown to you and based on local norms. It is with this in mind that we came up with the following guidelines to help you dress in a way that is as practical and comfortable as possible, while not inadvertently causing offense in the culture of the country where you will be working. Some of them are also just based on basic modesty.
Ladies
Pants, capris, and casual skirts are all acceptable. Capris and skirts should come to the knee. No leggings, yoga pants, or other styles that are tight or extremely form fitting. No shorts.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine.
You will want sturdy tennis shoes or hiking sandals. Flip-flops are fine for some activities, but for walking around in the jungle, those hiking sandals really work better.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your swimsuit. Due to the type of water in which you will be swimming (active current rather than normal pool or beach conditions), make sure that the top of your swimsuit is secure. Loose fitting swim tops (spaghetti straps, etc.) can result in some embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
Be prepared for projects like painting in which your clothes could get dirty.
Pants, capris, and casual skirts are all acceptable. Capris and skirts should come at least to the knee. Shorts are only acceptable at the coast and must reach at least to your fingertips when standing. Leggings can be worn with longer shirts that come at least to the top of the thigh.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine, but you will want some warmer footwear for the mountains.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Pants, capris, and casual skirts are all acceptable. Capris and skirts should come at least to the knee. Shorts are only acceptable at the coast and must reach at least to your fingertips when standing. Leggings can be worn with longer shirts that come at least to the top of the thigh.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine, but you will want some warmer footwear for the mountains.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
The Indians really appreciate it when we wear Indian clothing and it’s inexpensive to purchase there. However, while Indian outfits can be fun to wear and help us build bridges between cultures, they are not particularly cool or comfortable (surprisingly). We recommend getting an outfit or two. Budget about $15 per outfit. The majority of the time you will probably want American clothes, so what follows are guidelines for American clothing that will be acceptable in India.
Loose-fitting pants and capris are acceptable. Capris must come below the knee. Skirts are also an option. You can either wear ankle-length skirts or knee-length skirts with leggings. Sports leggings with wicking material work the best. Ankle-length and calf-length leggings are both OK.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Flip-flops are pretty much all you need.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Ankle-length skirts or dresses that are not excessively form fitting or tight OR knee length skirts/dresses with leggings. We recommend light-weight sports leggings with good wicking.
Nice shirts with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. You may need a scarf to cover your head at some churches.
Sandals or flip-flops.
Jewelry is fine. Take a lightweight scarf that you can use to cover up a little more if needed. It can be draped around the shoulders or over the head for a quick outfit upgrade. In some religious buildings women are expected to cover their heads. A scarf tucked in your purse can be a lifesaver.
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Pants, capris, skirts, and shorts are fine for most activities. Don’t wear styles that are excessively tight. Shorts should be at least fingertip length when standing. Skirts should be at least to the top of the knee. Leggings can be worn with longer tops that come at least to the top of the thigh.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine in Romania most of the time. However, some churches consider it inappropriate. If you are attending church or running a children’s program in a church setting, be sure to ask if that church prefers no jewelry.
For many years Christians considered make-up inappropriate. That attitude has relaxed quite a bit recently. It’s fine to wear it most of the time, as long as it’s not excessive. However, if attending church, make sure you find out ahead of time if make-up is permitted.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Pants, capris, and casual skirts are all acceptable. Capris and skirts should come to the knee. No leggings, yoga pants, or other styles that are tight or extremely form fitting. No shorts.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine.
You will want sturdy tennis shoes or hiking sandals. Flip-flops are fine for some activities, but for walking around in the jungle, those hiking sandals really work better.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your swimsuit. Due to the type of water in which you will be swimming (active current rather than normal pool or beach conditions), make sure that the top of your swimsuit is secure. Loose fitting swim tops (spaghetti straps, etc.) can result in some embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
Be prepared for projects like painting in which your clothes could get dirty.
Pants, capris, and casual skirts are all acceptable. Capris and skirts should come to at least mid-knee. Skirts may be more comfortable than pants in the heat. No shorts. No leggings. One exception to this: you can wear leggings on the flights if paired with a longer shirt that comes to at least the top of the thigh.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Flip-flops are pretty much all you need.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Sandals or flip-flops.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Pants, capris, skirts, and shorts are fine for most activities at camp. Don’t wear styles that are excessively tight. Shorts should be at least fingertip length. Skirts should be at least to the top of the knee. Leggings can be worn with longer tops that come at least to the top of the thigh. Shorts should not be worn away from camp.
Tops must have a modest neckline. They should not be thin, tight, or clingy. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back. T-shirts are fine. You may wear sleeveless shirts, but not camis (except as a layering piece under something else). The part of the shirt that covers your shoulder should be at least 2 inches wide.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine.
Avoid clothing with statements, graphics, or advertisements that could be considered offensive, keeping in mind that things don’t always translate well.
Bring a modest swimsuit (no bare midriff or plunging neckline). Swim shorts must be worn with your suit.
Skirts or dresses that come to the knee or below when sitting. If it’s form fitting or tight, it should not be worn. No slits that come above the knee.
Nice shirts or sweaters with a modest neckline. Tops should not be thin, tight, or clingy. No sleeveless tops. Do not wear styles that expose your midriff or lower back.
Dress shoes, nice slip-ons, or nice sandals.
Jewelry is fine, but please avoid items that would draw unwelcome attention (i.e. expensive jewelry, excessive bling).
Keep your make-up natural looking.
No excessive body piercings. A couple of tasteful earrings or one small nose stud piercing is acceptable. Other piercings must be removed or covered during the trip.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same general guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Guys
Casual pants – baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Jeans and shorts are acceptable.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
You will want sturdy tennis shoes or hiking sandals. Flip-flops are fine for some activities, but for walking around in the jungle, those hiking sandals really work better.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
Work pants, jeans, and shorts are fine.
Work t-shirts. No tank tops.
Tennis shoes or sandals
Casual pants – baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Jeans and shorts are acceptable.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine, but you will want some warmer footwear for the mountains.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
Casual pants – baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Jeans and shorts are acceptable.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine, but you will want some warmer footwear for the mountains.
Bring swim trunks
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Indian men usually wear slacks. You may want to get some of those super light, quick dry pants from places like REI rather than wearing traditional slacks. Casual styles (cargo pants, even jeans) are fine for children’s ministry and team activities, but remember that it’s hot! Sorry, but no shorts.
Typical Indian dress is far more formal than American styles. Surprisingly, you will usually see the men in lightweight dress shirts no matter how hot it is. You are welcome to wear t-shirts, but take one or two lightweight dress shirts or collared shirts in case they are needed.
Flip-flops are pretty much all you need.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
Sandals or flip-flops are fine. You can wear dress shoes if you want, but it’s really hot!
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Casual pants – excessively baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Jeans are fine. Shorts are also appropriate for most of the things your team has on the schedule.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Casual pants – baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Jeans and shorts are acceptable.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
You will want sturdy tennis shoes or hiking sandals. Flip-flops are fine for some activities, but for walking around in the jungle, those hiking sandals really work better.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
Work pants, jeans, and shorts are fine.
Work t-shirts. No tank tops.
Tennis shoes or sandals
Casual pants – excessively baggy or tight styles are not to be worn. Shorts are fine for casual activities, but you may need pants for some teaching opportunities.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
Flip-flops are pretty much all you need.
Bring swim trunks
Slacks or nice casual pants
Dress shirt
Ties are optional
Sandals or flip-flops are fine. You can wear dress shoes if you want, but it’s really hot!
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.
Casual pants – avoid excessively baggy or tight styles. Jeans are acceptable. Shorts are fine at camp and helpful during the day when it can get hot. Have some pants to use away from camp and on cold mornings/evenings.
T-shirts are great. No ripped shirts, please! No tank tops. Have one or two collared shirts for some activities (church, some ministry locations). Avoid clothing with statements or graphics that could be considered offensive.
Tennis shoes, slip-ons, sandals, and flip-flops are all fine.
Bring swim trunks
We may have an opportunity to visit a church. Zimbabweans typically dress up for church, so take something on the nicer end (casual slacks, nice shirt), but you don’t need to go all out with dress shoes and tie.
You can take dress shoes if you want, but they take up a lot of room in your suitcase and casual shoes are fine.
Hair should be in a short, clean-cut style.
If you have a beard or mustache, it must be kept neat and trimmed
No earrings or body-piercing.
Any visible tattoos must not be offensive (not only by American standards, but also by the standards of the country where you are working).
Same guidelines as previously stated.
We don’t have any projects on the schedule which would require work clothes, but it’s a good idea to have one outfit that you don’t mind getting dirty, just in case.