Dress Code Guide
Dress Guide

Please be aware that the people in Mexico are much more conservative and traditional than in the U.S.A.  Therefore, please don’t wear
extreme type clothes, or dress in a way that would cause undue attention to you.  (Earrings for guys, dyed hair and etc.)  To be effective
in ministry, we must respect our Mexican brothers and sisters while in their country.  The first and most important mission principle to
understand about missions is that, 'We must set aside our dress and customs and adopt those of the country in which we are serving.  

Keep in mind that you will be involved in a variety of activities: church, work, travel, and etc.  The weather can be somewhat warm during
the day and cooler at night (during winter and spring).  During the construction times, it's not wise to wear sandals or open-toed shoes,
however, it can be helpful to have a pair of sandals, or slip-ons for going to the showers or night trips to the bathroom.

Here are some helpful guidelines to make your ministry most effective:

For Everyone

  • Avoid a sloppy appearance.
  • Be governed by a sense of modesty.
  • No extreme clothing. (It is very offensive to Mexican people)
  • No body piercing jewelry
  • No extreme T-shirts or hats
  • No extreme hair color allowed.

Ladies

  • No suggestive clothing (i.e. tight or form fitting shirts blouses or dresses, short shorts, half-shirts or anything that shows the
    tummy).
  • A dress or skirt/blouse is a must for church (no sleeveless tops).
  • Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS.
  • No shorts may be worn to any outreach.
  • No excessive jewelry.
  • Sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings.
  • No low cut necklines on dresses or shirt.
  • No strap-type shirts allowed.

Gentlemen

  • No excessively baggy clothing.
  • Jeans may be worn to church
  • Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS's.
  • If your ears are pierced, leave the earring(s) at home.
  • A sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings (during spring and winter months).
  • No tank top T-shirts are allowed.

Please understand that we don't ask these things to be legalistic or to deprive you of your individuality.  It's just that particular
appearances don't say the same thing in Mexico as they might in the U.S.  The people we are serving are looking at us from their
cultural lens and point of view.  We must not damage our impact by allowing material things to get in the way.

Suggested Clothes to Bring

    Work Clothes (For both Men and Women)

  • Old Jeans
  • Old shirts
  • Work gloves
  • Work shoes
  • Hat

    Dress for V.B.S.

  • Men – Unless your work clothes are extremely dirty they can be worn to V.B.S.  You will be playing and interacting with
    children in a fairly dusty environment so changing is not really necessary.

  • Women – Pants are fine, no sleeveless tops, dress modestly.  Keep in mind V.B.S time is outdoors and somewhat dirty.  
    Don’t wear your best stuff.  It’s also a good idea not to wear your jewelry to V.B.S. as the children will want you to give it to
    them or be distracted by it.

    Dress for Church & Visitation/Prayer Ministry

  • Men – Nice jeans and casual shirts
  • Women – Dress or skirt that goes below the knees when seated.

    Note for the ladies -   Please do not wear open sleeve tops to any events that involves being around your Mexican
    brothers and sisters in Christ.  They dress much more modestly that those in the states.