Important Style Tips for Aspiring Missionaries

When preparing to serve as a missionary, thoughtful consideration should be given to your personal style and appearance. Proper dress, grooming, and packing strategies can help you be culturally sensitive and maximize your effectiveness in your mission field. Follow these important style tips as an aspiring missionary.

Dressing Appropriately for Your Mission Field

When preparing to serve as a missionary, one of the most important things to consider is how you will dress. Your style should be appropriate and modest for the culture where you’ll be serving. For example, Mormon missionaries would wear high-quality missionary attire like plain dress pants and a white shirt and tie. 

Research common fashions and social norms regarding dress. Both men and women should opt for conservative styles that show respect. Avoid anything too tight, revealing, or trendy. Stick to simple, functional clothing in solid colors and natural fabrics. Dress practically for the climate if you are heading overseas. 

Focus on cleanliness and neatness. Represent your faith well through your simple, humble style.

Adapting Your Look for Cultural Sensitivity

Be thoughtful about how your clothing, hair, accessories, and grooming habits will be perceived in your mission field. Avoid offending local sensibilities or drawing too much attention to yourself. For example, in some areas pants or make-up on women may be frowned upon. Tattoos and piercings should be covered or removed. Facial hair on men may need to be shaved or shortened for cleanliness. 

Ask mentors and missionaries who have served in your target area for guidance on adapting your look appropriately. Research local norms. Make necessary adjustments to your wardrobe and grooming practices out of respect for the culture.

Packing Light But Well

You’ll want to pack lightly for missions but be strategic. Bring versatile basics that mix and match well. Stick to 2-3 neutral colors. For bottoms, pack jeans, khakis, and modest skirts/dresses for women. Choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Solid button-down shirts and sweaters also provide flexibility. Bring layers you can add or remove as needed. Limit shoes to a sturdy, comfortable pair of sneakers, sandals, and dress shoes. Accessorize simply with belts, scarves, and jewelry that won’t draw too much attention. 

Maintaining Your Look Abroad

Living conditions abroad may make personal grooming and laundry more challenging. Focus on staying neat, clean, and tidy. For hair, choose low-maintenance styles that don’t require frequent cuts or styling. Keep facial hair well-trimmed. Travel with small, electricity-free grooming tools. When washing clothing, scrub stains promptly, wash in cold water and air dry. For wrinkled clothes with limited ironing options, hang items in the bathroom during hot showers. Learn to hand wash delicates. Pack enough socks and undergarments to last between laundry days. Adapt to your environment while maintaining basic standards of cleanliness and modesty.

Letting Your Inner Light Shine

While your outward appearance matters when serving as a missionary, even more important is having an inward spirit of humility, respect and grace. Don’t let dress and style become sources of vanity or superficial focus. Maintain a pure heart and selfless attitude.