Men’s Dress Code

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Maranatha’s dress code is guided by the principles of modesty, appropriateness, gender distinction and preparation for leadership in the ministry/workforce. The following explanations provide the baseline standard for what is expected in each dress category. Students are encouraged to strive for the ideal rather than be content with the standard (example: what technically works for class dress might not be advantageous for a job interview).

Casual Dress

Appropriate for on or off-campus activities and games.

Acceptable

  • Jeans, cargo pants, wind pants, etc.
  • Athletic shoes, sandals, etc.
  • T-shirts.
  • Sleeveless shirts and jersey tank top shirts are appropriate for sports participation or working out. Sleeves may be cut off, but the shirt may not be split below the sleeve.

Notes

  • Some activities (like sit-ups and leg lifts) are not appropriate to do in shorts when the opposite sex is present.
  • Spandex may not be worn as an outer garment.
  • Tank top undershirts are not permitted.
  • Pajama pants are not appropriate for Casual Dress.
  • Ripped, patched, torn, inappropriately faded, worn-out jeans are not permitted.
  • Untucked shirts, sweaters, or sweatshirts must be long enough to cover the skin at all times no matter the activity.
  • Knee-length, loose-fitting shorts (knee-length is defined as coming to the top of the kneecap when standing) are appropriate for viewing or participating in outdoor sports on campus, P.E. classes, and off-campus.

Class Dress – Considered “business casual”

Classes, final exams, matinee performances, mid-week Church services, recitals, and chapel.

Acceptable

  • Nice-looking, clean, casual slacks and khakis.
  • Nice-looking collared shirts (polo/golf shirts) or dress shirts.
  • Sweaters and quarter-zips, when worn, should be worn over a collared shirt.
  • Leather, non-athletic shoes.

Not Acceptable

  • Jeans and cargo pants.
  • Shoes with bright colors.
  • Hoodies.
  • T-shirts/sweatshirts with writing. [SL 6/21]
  • Tennis shoes, athletic sandals/slides, flip-flops, Crocs, and slippers.

Notes

  • All shirts should remain tucked in.
  • Canvas shoes are permitted only with Dorm Supervisor approval.
  • Ties should be worn to class for significant presentations including speeches, capstone presentations, music/drama performances, etc. Faculty will note this requirement when applicable.
  • Generally, crew-length dress socks (not athletic or white socks).

Church Dress – business work attire

Required for Sunday services; university plays, concerts, dress rehearsals, special meetings, baccalaureate, graduation, and when announced.

Acceptable

  • Suits or sports coats with coordinating dress pants.
  • Dress shirts and ties.
  • Leather, non-athletic shoes.
  • Sunday evening only – option to wear dress shirt and tie OR dress shirt and suit coat [SL 7/23]

Not Acceptable

  • Failure to respect and follow local church leadership or platform standards higher than the minimum expectations stated here [SL 7/23]

Notes

  • Church dress is dressier than Class dress.
  • Denim is not appropriate.
  • Canvas shoes are permitted with Dorm Supervisor approval but are generally not considered professional.
  • Professional dress shoes are appropriate for suits.
  • Sweatshirts and sweatshirt “hoodies” are not permitted.
  • Generally, crew-length dress socks (not athletic or white socks).

Semi-formal and Formal Dress

Required for banquets, artist series, and when announced.

Acceptable

  • Suits or tuxedos.
  • Dress shirts.
  • Ties or bow ties.
  • Dress shoes and socks.

Notes

  • Costumes and Historical Period dress are not appropriate.

Hair updated [6/21]

  • Hair must be tapered and above the collar, off the ears, and above the eyebrows.
  • Grooves, shelf cuts, extreme faddish styles, etc. are not permitted. Hair must be blended without obvious lines.
  • Hairstyles may not exceed more than 2” from the scalp and may not be pulled back in a bun, ponytail, etc.
  • Men may not bleach, color, or highlight their hair.
  • Sideburns below the bottom of the ear are not permitted.
  • Men should be clean-shaven or have a beard.
    • Facial hair must be fully established prior to the semester. This means that there should not be patches in growth or sparse coverage. Those who are not yet able to grow fully established facial hair should remain clean shaven.
    • Facial hair style must be traditional (mustache, goatee, full goatee or full beard). Examples of styles not permissible under this policy include chin curtain, soul patch, pencil beard, or muttonchops.
    • Facial hair should be well-maintained and neatly groomed, meaning:
      • A clear cheek line and neckline must be established and maintained. The neck must be clean-shaven below the neckline. No neckbeards. There must be a trimmed, intentional border to the beard.
      • Neatly trimmed and never longer than 1/2” in length.
      • Beard should be fully grown in. It should not exhibit the unkempt appearance of stubble or a “5 o’clock shadow.”
    • Existing expectations regarding hair length must be maintained. [SL 6/21]

Clothing- Coats, Pants, Shirts, Jackets, Hoodies, Hats, etc.

  • Pants should cover your undergarment no matter the activity.
  • All clothing and T-shirt logos must be in good taste.
  • Clothing with wording, logos, or pictures that are inappropriately placed to draw attention to specific areas of the body is not permitted.
  • Clothing (jeans, pants, shirts, etc.) should be in good condition, should not have holes or frays, and should not have noticeable fading that draws attention to specific areas of the body.
  • All clothing should be loose-fitting.
  • Skinny jeans/pants are not acceptable for any category.
  • Hoodies are defined as pullover sweatshirts with a hood.
  • Shirt collars are to be down and not “flipped” up.
  • When a tie is required, the top shirt button should be buttoned. Neckties should be pulled up covering the top button of the shirt.
  • Hats may not be worn in buildings (with the exception of the gymnasium during sporting events).
  • Only the Student Health Center Nurse or a dean can approve changes to a level of dress due to physical injury.
  • Adhere to the level of dress called by meeting organizers.

Jewelry and Tattoos

  • Tattoos, body piercing, and body branding are not permitted.
  • If a student gets a body piercing prior to coming to Maranatha, he will be required to remove the body piercing, visible or not. 
  • If a student gets a tattoo prior to coming to Maranatha, he will be required to cover the tattoo unless permitted to do otherwise by the Dean of Students. Note: a student granted that permission may still be required to cover the tattoo while representing the university through music groups or an athletic team. [SL 6/23] 
  • Earrings are not permitted. Necklaces can be worn tucked under the shirt. [SL 7/20] 
  • Bracelets are permitted.

NOTE: Due to the blatant endorsement of nudity, promiscuity, and immoral lifestyle of Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co.—as evidenced by their catalog and general advertising—the University deems it necessary and appropriate to ban any clothing that bears their name, trademarks, or other visible evidence of association with Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]