
Should You Wear Christian Clothing?
I currently own over 40 Christian T-shirts and wear one almost every day. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact they have on my witness for Christ. Yet while the general response from other believers is positive, many still struggle with the idea of wearing them. Some feel embarrassed, thinking it could come off as forced or preachy, while others doubt its effectiveness altogether. Let’s dive right in and explore whether you, as a Christian, should have some Christian clothing in your wardrobe.
The Purposes of Christian Clothing
Firstly, we'll explore the three main purposes of Christian clothing. From there, we'll have a much better vantage point as we consider how effective it is as a tool for the Kingdom.
1. Put your faith on display
Christians aren’t easy to spot. Every so often, you might come across someone who is unusually joyful or kind, and recognise the work of the Spirit in their life. But apart from that, there’s no standard 'Christian outfit' that gives us away. This is where Christian clothing comes in: without having to wait for the opportunity to arise, those around us can see that we believe in Jesus, which is step one of most faith-based conversations! This makes it a lot easier to naturally open up about our faith everywhere we go.
2. Reach beyond speech
Our impact for Christ usually begins when we speak. And that's no problem. Conversation is a wonderful (possibly the best) way to share the gospel! However, the wonderful thing about Christian apparel is that it maximises our gospel impact at all times, whether or not we are in conversation. We have a voice even before we speak and can inspire spiritual thoughts and conversations effortlessly. Who wouldn't want that? And since faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17), a short Bible quote could even lead to salvation!
3. Encourage believers
Christian clothing isn't only for outreach! On countless occasions, I've been built up in the faith and filled with joy through another believer's Christian T-shirt or hoodie. And it doesn't end there, the wearer is also motivated to be a fearless witness for Christ! As a young Christian, I was super nervous walking into school with a bold Christian message for all to see. But through time, as my faith in Jesus became more and more evident to other students, doors opened. And all of this has helped me to be unashamed of Jesus Christ and His good news (at least more than before by God's grace)!
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The Impact of Christian Clothing
Let's move on to honestly weighing up how effective Christian clothing can be. We'll consider three common objections to its impact in the real world:
1. Aren't we called to speak up for Jesus?
100%! Christian clothing is in no way to be used as a cop-out for initiating gospel conversations. It is a tool to make it even easier to naturally open up about your faith! If your faith is already on full display, it's a lot easier to bring it up, and much more likely that others will show interest and ask questions too. Plus, you'll also be able to share your faith with the countless passers by who you'd never have the chance to speak to otherwise (as long as the design is clear enough). A good example of this is Billboard Chris who amplifies his message by wearing a billboard. Countless heads are turned and thoughts provoked while he converses with individuals, maximising his impact by wearing his message while sharing it!
2. Isn't it better to blend in and be 'all things to all men'?
While blending in can be wise (in appearance not behaviour), we're primarily called to be set apart. If Christian clothing had the effect of repelling and annoying unbelievers, it might be wise to avoid it. Yet, not all designs and messages do this. Wearing a T-shirt that says "Turn or Burn" might be a little extreme! But compare that to one that says "Saved By Grace" or showcases an illustration of the empty tomb – they're bold enough to show your faith without being overly preachy or heavy. So, it's important to be wise. But Christian T-shirts don't bite! It's very rare that they'll hinder as much as they help!
3. Will people even notice?
If the design is clear enough, most definitely! Take a look at the three people below and consider what would stand out to you if you met them:
...Ok, you can hardly see anything other than the T-shirt in the central picture, but you get the idea! 😁
The majority of people opt for plain, neutral or understated clothing, hoping to blend in. According to Woven Insights, black clothing is by far the most popular choice. There are many reasons for this, but one is that it avoids the attention-grabbing effect of brighter colours. Since most of us want to blend in, we avoid wearing clothing that screams "Look at me!". This makes clothing with bold designs and messages stand out in a crowd. Again, it comes back to how eye-catching the design really is, but if you choose well, people will notice!
In short, Christian clothing helps us to speak up, stand out and point people to Jesus. It certainly does maximise our impact for God's glory and carries far more benefits than anything else!
Is Christian Clothing For Me?
It's time to make this about you and your wardrobe. We'll walk through three questions to help you weigh up the pros and cons, and make your own mind up.
1. What does the Bible have to say about Christian clothing?
The Bible has a lot to say about clothing, especially when it comes to modesty, but doesn't have much to say about its design. Yet, we do have biblical insights that give clues about God's heart for Christian apparel. Notice how God calls us to the radical proclamation of His Word because God brings faith and salvation through it:
First, we see again and again the call to publish His Word without reservation:
- God's people were commanded to publish the Word everywhere: 'You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.' (Deuteronomy 6:8-9)
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Jesus told His disciples, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27) Here is a clear call to spread the message loud and clear! He isn't literally telling them to stand on roofs with megaphones, but we are to get the word out - our main concern is that Christ is preached (Philippians 1:18) and disciples are made (Matthew 28:19-20).
Then we see the reason, and it isn't that a particular method is powerful but the message and the word itself. Notice these verses:
- 'For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.' (Romans 1:16)
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'So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.' (Romans 10:17)
Piecing this all together, it is evident that God's Word is powerful and that we are to proclaim it with every opportunity. Now that printed clothing is so easily accessible, we have a choice: do we wear a Nike tick or Adidas stripes, or the Word of God?
While it is no way essential for Christians to wear Christian clothing, there are strong biblical reasons to consider it as a way of honouring God in all things (including our wardrobes)!
2. Is it your style?
This may seem irrelevant to some Christians. They believe we are to disregard appearance as we seek to honour God. Yet, God is the Designer. And if we are to take clues from His creation, it seems that He cares very much about appearance. That isn't to say it is number one. You would be right to view outward appearance as meaningless in comparison to more weighty matters, such as pleasing God. Yet if we are to represent Jesus, we should represent Him well. And that means Christian clothing designers like myself have a responsibility to do our very best, pursuing excellence with every design!
So, what if you feel Christian clothing isn't for you because it's not your style? First, I'd encourage you to look again. Take my Christian clothing brand, 3rd Day, as a random example (😁). There are currently over 700 items of Christian clothing to choose from... with many more to come! It's highly likely you'll find something that suits you! It's worth a look around at the various other Christian brands such as Elevated Faith, Kerusso and Stay Lit Apparel. Having said that, if you still don't find your style, maybe it isn't for you. You don't need faith-based apparel to honour God with your life.
3. Are you bold enough to show your faith?
The answer is yes! I was shy when I started wearing Christian clothing. I wondered how I might look and didn't want to interrupt others with a spiritual message. To this day, when wearing big & bold messages like 'Jesus > Religion', I'm a little wary of offending religious muslims in my area. Yet, to be bold is a decision. And the more you wear Christian clothing, the more your courage will grow. It won't take long before it's second nature to wear a Christian tee!
Where should you begin?
I'd recommend starting with something like this 'Good News (Cross)' T-Shirt. It's gospel-centred without being preachy and could inspire faith-based conversations among friends, family and colleagues.
Wherever you get your Christian clothing, I pray it helps you grow in faith, courage and your impact for the Kingdom, everywhere you go!