Women’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.

Casual Dress

Appropriate for on or off-campus activities and games.

Acceptable

  • Athletic pants (wind pants, sweats), loose-fitting slacks, jeans, or capris.
  • Loose-fitting shirts (must have sleeves unless it is part of a uniform).

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.
  • Pajama pants are not appropriate for Casual Dress.
  • Tank tops are not permitted as outerwear.
  • 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, chapel, final exams, matinee performances, Midweek Church services, and recitals.

Acceptable

  • Loose-fitting skirts, khaki and denim skirts, dressier tops, and dresses.
  • Dressier casual shoes.
  • Jackets and zip-up jackets (logos must be smaller than your hand unless official University gear).

Not Acceptable

  • Hoodies
  • T-shirts/sweatshirts with writing [SL 6/21]
  • Tennis/athletic shoes, athletic sandals/slides, flip-flops, Crocs, and slippers
  • Capris

Notes

  • Untucked tops must be long enough to cover skin at all times – no matter what the activity.
  • Non-casual, professional attire should be worn to class for significant presentations including speeches, capstone presentations, music/drama performances, etc. Faculty will note this requirement when applicable.
  • Modified Class Dress (to classes only, January 15-Spring Break): loose-fitting dress pants or pants that are similar to khakis. Pants must be 2 inches above the ankle or longer. Denim pants of any color, casual pants, or capris are not acceptable for modified class dress [SL 1/24].
  • For final exams, ladies may wear Modified Class Dress.

Church Dress

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

Acceptable

  • Dresses, skirts, etc.
  • Dress shoes/sandals.

Notes

  • Church dress is dressier than Class dress.
  • Denim skirts are not permitted for Sunday services but may be worn for midweek services.
  • Casual khaki skirts (with patch pockets, etc.) are not permitted.
  • Sweatshirts and sweatshirt “hoodies” are not permitted.
  • Music performers or others participating in platform events in church or chapel must wear skirts or dresses to the bottom of the knee and have outfits approved by Residence Supervisor.

Semi-formal and Formal Dress

Required for banquets, artist series, and when announced.

Acceptable

  • Floor or tea-length dresses of formal fabric.
  • Dressy church dress.
  • Dress shoes.

Notes

  • Necklines lower than 3 fingers from the collarbone in front or 5 fingers from the base of the neck in the back are not appropriate.
  • Costumes and Historical Period dress are not appropriate.

Clothing

  • To ensure that clothing is not form-fitting/tight, dresses, skirts, pants, and shirts must have a minimum of one inch of fabric that can be pinched on both sides of the garment without stretching the fabric.
  • Necklines may not be lower than 3 fingers from the collarbone in front and 5 fingers from the base of the neck in back. Cleavage should never be visible.
  • All hemlines (including kick-pleats and slits) must be no shorter than the top of the kneecap when standing, walking, or sitting.
  • Clothing of sheer or revealing material may be worn only when the garment underneath conforms to normal dress guidelines.
  • Tops must have a strap of at least four fingers width of material. Sleeveless tops must be close-cut under the arm. No undergarments should be visible at any time [SL 7/20].
  • All clothing and T-shirt logos must be in good taste.
  • Hoodies are defined as pullover sweatshirts with a hood.
  • All clothing should be in good condition, should be without holes or frays, and should not have noticeable fading that draws inappropriate attention to specific areas of the body.
  • Clothing with wording, logos, or pictures that are inappropriately placed to draw attention to specific areas of the body is not permitted.
  • Only the Student Health Center nurse or a dean can approve level of dress changes due to physical injury.
  • Adhere to the level of dress called by meeting organizers.

Pants/Shorts

  • Knee-length, loose-fitting shorts (knee-length is defined as coming to the top of the kneecap when standing) are appropriate for sports participation, P.E. classes, and off-campus.

Skirts/Dresses

  • Hemlines, kick pleats, and slits, may not be shorter than the top of the knee when standing, sitting, or walking.
  • Skirts should be in good condition, should be without holes or frays, and should not have noticeable fading that draws inappropriate attention to specific areas of the body.

Shirts/Tops

  • Untucked blouses and tops must always be long enough to cover skin at all times—no matter what the activity.

Hair, Makeup, and Jewelry

  • Hair should be cut in a feminine style. Any coloring should appear natural.
  • Tattoos, body piercing, and excessive (or unnatural) makeup, and jewelry are not permitted.
  • If a student gets a body piercing prior to coming to Maranatha, she will be required to remove the body piercing, visible or not.
  • If a student gets a tattoo prior to coming to Maranatha, she 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].
  • A maximum of three earrings may be worn in each ear: 2 earrings in each lobe and one cartilage piercing in each ear.

Swim Wear

  • When swimming has been approved, swimwear must be a modest one-piece suit or tankini (no midriff showing).

NOTE: Due to the blatant endorsement of nudity, promiscuity, and immoral lifestyle of Abercrombie and 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, Hollister Co., and Victoria’s Secret outerwear may not be worn.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]