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(Over)dressing the part?

Elexir

Registered User
I honestly don't know. But I believe you might be allowed to enter the building, but not join the masonic work in temple.
But before visit ingen a lodge, I assume you'd coordinate with the corresponding ceremonial master. We recently had some Swedish brothers visit. In Sweden coattails aren't required, but I believe they wore it none the less.

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We can wear just suit but many wear tails out of respect.
We can also wear top hat from III wich we dont use in Sweden.
 

tldubb

Premium Member
Here in PA you would be slightly overdressed, as we do everything differently than anyone else and we wear a BLACK tie with Tails - Sartorially scandalous, but it is how we do things nevertheless. Elected officers are expected to dress in tails, black vest, black tie, appointed officers should, but rarely do and most PMs do, but mostly because once you have this kit, where else can you wear it? Typical sideline dress is dark suit and necktie.

Also, it is discouraged to wear any emblem, pin, etc that is not Blue Lodge related and in that case only one should be worn at a time. This is not enforced at all from what I have seen. One man in our lodge has so many pins on his lapels he looks like the old photos of Idi Amin!

Same on Prince Hall side in Pennsylvania, tails only required at Grand Lodge session for all GL officers. It’s in our constitution Black, or Dark suit, white dress shirt, black tie and black shoes for all communications. Usually, PM’s wear neckties and typically bow ties for the rest, but it only says Neckties in our constitution.

Yes, it’s been told to me by our DDGM, I had my shrine pin on while visiting a lodge(raising)in my jurisdiction and was told politely by him to remove shrine lapel pin.


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Cootr68

Registered User
I didn't even own a suit before I became a MM. The lodges in my area are 90% farmers, factory workers, truck drivers and construction workers. All we ask is not filthy dirty or smelly also no a/c and we don't go dark during the summer months so it's pretty casual as long as you're dressed nice enough to go out in the public that's good enough. (Very few wear shorts though) If we are having degree work or other special engagements most wear dress shirt, slacks and dress shoes.

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hanzosbm

Premium Member
From our installation last night. I wanted to get a group picture of all of the officers, but between the various congratulations, attending to wives, and brothers wanting to get home after a long night, it was like herding cats.
Also, my apologies for my shirt showing above my trousers. We have just finished running around removing the furniture and I hadn't noticed. I shall have to sack my valet for allowing such an oversight.
enhance
 

Bloke

Premium Member
From our installation last night. I wanted to get a group picture of all of the officers, but between the various congratulations, attending to wives, and brothers wanting to get home after a long night, it was like herding cats.
Also, my apologies for my shirt showing above my trousers. We have just finished running around removing the furniture and I hadn't noticed. I shall have to sack my valet for allowing such an oversight.
enhance
I have column envy....

The best way to get a photo is to ask the WM to announce it from the Chair and that all brothers are to come back after closing for a group photo.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Lolol, good one. That a Freudian theory?
LOL... no, just one of our past tenant lodges owned our column and took them when they vacated - and I would like another two.. if I wanted one, it might be Freudian, but wanting two is a whole new level !
 

hanzosbm

Premium Member
LOL... no, just one of our past tenant lodges owned our column and took them when they vacated - and I would like another two.. if I wanted one, it might be Freudian, but wanting two is a whole new level !
I don't know if I should go with the joke about you wanting two columns (giggity!) or the Masonic pun about a new level.
 

Keith C

Registered User
We're laid back in our lodge... Anything from Suits to Overalls...

Come as You are.....(just no shorts/Tanks)

Honestly, that just boggles my brain. Even though I am a "young Mason" I am still very old school and wouldn't consider going to Lodge, Church, a business dinner, a wedding, or a funeral in anything other than a suit and tie.

I am not criticizing, just speaking from the perspective of how I was brought up. And if you think I came from a 'hoity toidy" background, my Dad was an auto mechanic and he is the one that drilled that into me. He would always say "Make some effort, show respect and dress like it matters to you."
 

David612

Registered User
Honestly, that just boggles my brain. Even though I am a "young Mason" I am still very old school and wouldn't consider going to Lodge, Church, a business dinner, a wedding, or a funeral in anything other than a suit and tie.

I am not criticizing, just speaking from the perspective of how I was brought up. And if you think I came from a 'hoity toidy" background, my Dad was an auto mechanic and he is the one that drilled that into me. He would always say "Make some effort, show respect and dress like it matters to you."
A lot of people then argue that they would rather have the brethren there in the wrong attire than not have them there at all.
Personally I feel that attitude is incorrect.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
The main argument you're going to get is A. What if just got off work and cant change? B. I have medical issues and cant wear anything other than certain comfortable shoes, ie diabetic shoes or tennis shoes etc.

Answer, you can nearly always change when you arrive. If you cant on a regular basis you may be taking on more than you can handle. They make comfortable, medical "dress shoes". But even then, anything medical is excusable to me.

Thats a much stronger argument then I just dont want to. Suits are not that uncomfortable. Its not like a straight jacket and if it is, may be time to get it tailored. Cost, you can get full suit under 100 bucks. Good investment. I think alm this ties into retention and gaining new members.
 

David612

Registered User
Honestly I bought my tux at the local Salvation Army;
A) money goes to help the needy in my area
B) your money typically buys you a better quality suit.
C) you can buy several and rotate them.
D) you can discard them when they get trashed.

I understand some may not fit an off the rack suit well but as someone who wears a 40L well I take advantage.
 
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