Why no Dress Code in Irish Churches?

Clareboy

Recently, there was First Holy Communion in our local church and I must admit that I was amazed at the skimpy outfits worn by some of the females in the congregation. The outfits worn would have been considered risque even for a nightclub.

Last year I visited Malta and in that country, there are very strict rules as regards what one may wear when entering a church - no tiny shorts, no mini skirts or short dresses and no bare arms or shoulders. They even have skirts and shawls to loan to visitors who arrive at a church inappropriately dressed Many churches in Italy and Spain also have a dress code.

I cannot understand why the clergy here in Ireland do not insist on people being appropriately dressed when entering the House of God.

lazygal

Why are you so concerned with what the women are wearing? Did Jesus have a dress code for those who came to hear him speak?

homer911

lazygal wrote: »

Why are you so concerned with what the women are wearing? Did Jesus have a dress code for those who came to hear him speak?

I am quite sure the Priests and Pharisees had a dress code, and I'm pretty sure the women were segregated. Jesus didnt speak to too many while in the synagogue or temple..

That being said, perhaps they have been watching too much "Big Fat Gypsy Wedding"

My kids have attended International Christian events that have a stipulated dress code (ie unacceptable dress), and the Vatican certainly has a dress code..

If the OP is concerned, he is obviously distracted, and clearly nothing should distract us from the reason for being in church. There are certain Christian churches where women must cover their hair in church (as stipulated in the Bible), to prevent distracting others.

lazygal

homer911 wrote: »

I am quite sure the Priests and Pharisees had a dress code, and I'm pretty sure the women were segregated. Jesus didnt speak to too many while in the synagogue..

The OP's post is all about what women were wearing. Surely his time is better spent focusing on whatever service he was attending and ignoring the clothing of others. Of course, if the women are so tempting as to distract the faithful, they should be covered up. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Clareboy

lazygal wrote: »

Why are you so concerned with what the women are wearing? Did Jesus have a dress code for those who came to hear him speak?

There is such a thing as respect for the House of God. I am no prude, but the outfits worn were totally inappropriate for a religious service.

Cushie Butterfield

Clareboy wrote: »

I cannot understand why the clergy here in Ireland do not insist on people being appropriately dressed when entering the House of God.

After so many scandals & coverups they are lucky to have anyone entering, so they can't afford to be fussy about what those that do wear.

Solair

They're probably a little more concerned about putting more people off attending. If they implemented a dress code, I'm pretty sure you'd see attendance levels plummet as it would all suddenly become a whole lot of hassle.

I'm also not sure why covering up / dressing like a Victorian prude equates to 'respect'.

lazygal

Clareboy wrote: »

There is such a thing as respect for the House of God. I am no prude, but the outfits worn were totally inappropriate for a religious service.

Why were they inappropriate? Would Jesus cast them out of church for them?

What do you mean by 'respect for the house of God? You're not coming across as very Christian by being so judgmental of what women wear.

gramar

I'm not much of a church-goer and I'm fairly easy going about most things but I was at a confirmation not long ago in Spain and I was surprised at some of the dresses worn by the girls making their confirmation! They were about 16-17 most of them and one was in black cocktail style dress showing off plenty of leg and cleavage.
I think she must have thought it was a wedding she was going to.
In my opinion it was completely inappropiate.

Clareboy

I have no problem about what women wear, but lets face it, there is a time and a place for belly tops, micro mini-skirts, backless dresses etc. and a church service is not the time and place.

I could not see Muslims, Jews or Protestants allowing people into their places of worship who were not appropriately dressed.

Even schools and workplaces have dress codes - why not churches?

lazygal

Clareboy wrote: »

I have no problem about what women wear, but lets face it, there is a time and a place for belly tops, micro mini-skirts, backless dresses etc. and a church service is not the time and place.

I could not see Muslims, Jews or Protestants allowing people into their places of worship who were not appropriately dressed.

Even schools and workplaces have dress codes - why not churches?

Why is a church not the time or place? Are there clothes men shouldn't wear, like sports jerseys, jeans and shorts, or do only women need to be told how to dress? How did you come to notice how women were dressed, were you not focused on the service?

aSligoDub

judge not, lest ye be judged.

it seems the whole point a the Slut Marches has gone over your head op. It is of absolutely no concern of your what others wear.

As an aside, where is the line where sleeves should stop? what do you find offensive about arms that you do not find offensive about hands or faces?


My own daughter was wearing shorts to mass the other day, and my mother in law was agasp to see her. I simply asked her if she truly believed in the word of god, then why would she comment on someone else? I honestly cant resolve the two in my own head.

homer911

OP, I completely agree with you - I caution about the posts from others who have a history of pro-atheist and anti-Christian posts, so take their comments with a pinch of salt..

Christians are called to live in the world (obviously) but to live apart or different from the world. Those who would support skimpy dress in church would probably also support many other things the church is opposed to, and they are the first to wonder why the moral fabric of society is in such decline.

I think all places of worship should have a minimum dress code, but even if they did, I cant see anyone being too keen to police it..

Clareboy

lazygal wrote: »

Why is a church not the time or place? Are there clothes men shouldn't wear, like sports jerseys, jeans and shorts, or do only women need to be told how to dress? How did you come to notice how women were dressed, were you not focused on the service?

Would you wear the same style of clothing going to church as you would wear going to a nightclub?

As you probably know, First Holy Communion is a very big event in Ireland and after the actual religious service, the congregation spills out from the church to the surrounding area for photos etc., so everyone can see what everyone is wearing.

gramar

It's not just about wearing inappropriate clothes to mass. It's about generally wearing what is appropiate in a particular place or situaiton? Would you wear a boiler suit to an interview with an accountants? Would you wear a tracksuit and house slippers to a funeral?

As for it only being women, it's generally more obvious but I don't think a man wearing say a sleeveless vest or cycliong shorts would be appropiate in a church.
It's just my opinion and believe me, I'm a fairly casual dresser but when the occasion calls for it I'll wear what's right.

Paramite Pie

homer911 wrote: »

Those who would support skimpy dress in church would probably also support many other things the church is opposed to, and they are the first to wonder why the moral fabric of society is in such decline.

While I don't think it's appropriate to go to a place of worship in clothing fit for a night club, I don't think the moral fabric of society is in such rapid decline as people claim. But that's a whole other subject.

homer911 wrote: »

There are certain Christian churches where women must cover their hair in church (as stipulated in the Bible), to prevent distracting others.

Why is a woman's hair distracting? Why is it rude for a man to cover his head inside a church (wearing a hat/cap) but women were expected to cover up?

Surely it's us men who are to blame if we are distracted by hair? Is it not a man's obligation to pay attention? And what if a man has long hair? Should he cover his up then?

Benny_Cake

Mod note: I've deleted a whole lot of trollish posts here, and one user has been banned. If this goes on, I'll be closing the thread. The OP has asked an innocuous enough question. Agree or disagree, but do so politely, and if you can't, don't bother posting. Cracks about paedophilia, or derogatory remarks directed at any ethnic or religious minority don't meet the standards here.

hfallada

I have gone to Catholic churches in Germany and was often the youngest one there by 50 years. I think churches will be grateful for whoever turns up and could careless about what they are wearing. I think the OP seems to thinks dressing in a certain way equals loose morals which isnt the case in 2013

LordSutch

Clareboy wrote: »

I have no problem about what women wear, but lets face it, there is a time and a place for belly tops, micro mini-skirts, backless dresses etc. and a church service is not the time and place.

I could not see Muslims, Jews or Protestants allowing people into their places of worship who were not appropriately dressed.

Even schools and workplaces have dress codes - why not churches?

There is no written dress code in Protestant Churches, but rather a learned understanding that 'sensible' dress
is required when entering the Lords house. Somehow people seem to know where to draw the line.

SonOfAdam

I was recently in Istanbul and no-one, man or woman, was allowed enter mosques without covering up. Head scarves for women and the same used as sarongs for men if they were wearing shorts. Funnily enough,the only person I saw during my stay showing any amount of flesh was a teenager from Dublin.
I overheard an American comment on her attire, wondering what kind of father would allow his daughter out dressed so inappropriately. I have to admit I agreed with him, she was dressed for a beach not a city in a muslim (albeit secular) country. Time and place and all that, some people have no concept of either.

martinedwards

Society generally wears less nowadays!

My daughter is 8, but when tshes older she will be staying in, rather than going out dressed like .... a professional......

same applies to church.

it can be a problem, especially when distributing the elements for communion, when the ladies wear a low cut top, and you can't help but glance down.

I've preached on appropriate clothing....

basically, put on a 16" chain. hold it out in front of your chin & drop. if it hits skin, then go and get dressed.

I Heart Internet

I think as a society we've lost some sense of occasion. You're right OP - there is a time and place for legs and cleavage and it's not in churches. Ditto - shirt and pants for men should be a minimum.

But my biggest crib of all. Something that gets me fuming is men wearing hats in christian churches.

I've only seen it occasionally, once in a large cathedral in northern europe and once in a city centre church in Ireland. Men, from the look of them, western men, wearing a cowboy hat and baseball cap.

In my view there are two reasons for this - woeful ignorance or dissrespect. I find it hard to believe that a person can grow up in Europe or America and not know that a man should remove a hat inside a church. Baffling.

martinedwards

while the Bible says that women should WEAR a hat....

and Bishops all wear thier Mitres, right?

(I do agree though!)

car.kar

If you've ever watched My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, you'll know that the outfits travelling girls wear to church and religious occassions are so skimmpy an auld granny would probably go blind from shock just by looking at them. They wear micro minis and bikini tops and think they look fab.

I don't agree at all. But it's certainly not my place to judge what is appropriate. And if you've watched the show, you'll know that the travelling community are among the most dedicated when it comes to religion, and take Catholicism extremely seriously.

What someone wears makes no difference to how they practice their religion, and it's not your place to tell them otherwise. Would you rather have a dedicated Catholic in a mini skirt in church, or someone who doesn't give a cr*p but is wearing a long sleeved jumper?

I suppose there are also those who don't give a cr*p and are wearing a micro mini ... but that's life. People dress in different ways, you just need to get on with it and mind your own business.

juneg

I have been to a few communions lately and I have seen none of this! I thought everyone at our sacraments had taken great care with their appearance and looked their best. Some of us looked even more fabulous than usual! Can a woman be blamed if she scrubs up well???

I would see Communion/ Confirmation /Wedding as an all embracing family occasion of welcome to the Church. Different attire is worn on that day as it is a big day. I think it is perfectly OK to dress differently for this one day.
Its not like its the norm. The families would have been coming to Mass all year in normal clothes and I think it is ok to push the envelope on one big occasion of celebration.

As a child and teenager, I remember hating with a passion any emphasis on what you were wearing. The good coat, the sensible shoes, the long skirt. What has that got to do with anything? I think a teenager should be welcome to worship as they are, regardless of their clothes/ hair/ make up etc. If they are not welcome they wont ever come back.

My children just have to be clean going to Mass. I don't fuss about what they wear and I don't intend to. When they are older I hope that they will feel that they can go to Mass anytime anywhere regardless of their clothes / appearance and just be welcomed for who they are inside.

homer911

I think what someone said earlier sums it up pretty well - there is a time and a place

On the beach - wear your swimming togs/bikini
On a construction site - wear a hard hat and boots
In an office - wear a suit or business attire
In a church - dress to reflect the solemnity of the occasion

Dont wear a hard hat in the office or a bikini on a construction site..

If people cant recognise the difference, then quite frankly they deserve to have this pointed out. It doesnt take more than one or two visits to realise whats appropriate..

Ash.J.Williams

Clareboy wrote: »

Recently, there was First Holy Communion in our local church and I must admit that I was amazed at the skimpy outfits worn by some of the females in the congregation. The outfits worn would have been considered risque even for a nightclub.

Last year I visited Malta and in that country, there are very strict rules as regards what one may wear when entering a church - no tiny shorts, no mini skirts or short dresses and no bare arms or shoulders. They even have skirts and shawls to loan to visitors who arrive at a church inappropriately dressed Many churches in Italy and Spain also have a dress code.

I cannot understand why the clergy here in Ireland do not insist on people being appropriately dressed when entering the House of God.

this isn't rural afghanistan

ahnowbrowncow

homer911 wrote: »

I think what someone said earlier sums it up pretty well - there is a time and a place

On the beach - wear your swimming togs/bikini
On a construction site - wear a hard hat and boots
In an office - wear a suit or business attire
In a church - dress to reflect the solemnity of the occasion

Dont wear a hard hat in the office or a bikini on a construction site..

If people cant recognise the difference, then quite frankly they deserve to have this pointed out. It doesnt take more than one or two visits to realise whats appropriate..

So who decides what's appropriate? You?

The so called catholics in here should practice their religion and concentrate on themselves and not judge others. Are you going to mass to just to gawk at what others are wearing?

LordSutch

ahnowbrowncow wrote: »

So who decides what's appropriate? You?

The so called catholics in here should practice their religion and concentrate on themselves and not judge others.
Are you going to mass to just to gawk at what others are wearing?

For goodness sake, you can't honestly say that people can wear what they like in Mass/Church and not be gawked at!

I agree with homer911, there is a time and a place for Micro skirts, belly tops & hot pants, but Church is not the place for them.

Clareboy

juneg wrote: »

I have been to a few communions lately and I have seen none of this! I thought everyone at our sacraments had taken great care with their appearance and looked their best. Some of us looked even more fabulous than usual! Can a woman be blamed if she scrubs up well???

I would see Communion/ Confirmation /Wedding as an all embracing family occasion of welcome to the Church. Different attire is worn on that day as it is a big day. I think it is perfectly OK to dress differently for this one day.
Its not like its the norm. The families would have been coming to Mass all year in normal clothes and I think it is ok to push the envelope on one big occasion of celebration.

As a child and teenager, I remember hating with a passion any emphasis on what you were wearing. The good coat, the sensible shoes, the long skirt. What has that got to do with anything? I think a teenager should be welcome to worship as they are, regardless of their clothes/ hair/ make up etc. If they are not welcome they wont ever come back.

My children just have to be clean going to Mass. I don't fuss about what they wear and I don't intend to. When they are older I hope that they will feel that they can go to Mass anytime anywhere regardless of their clothes / appearance and just be welcomed for who they are inside.

I am not talking about people who dress well when they go church, I am talking about a certain group in society who do not follow the accepted norms when it comes church going behavior and attire.

Ash.J.Williams

I doubt you will see those people in a church again anyway so there's no issue. Perhaps banning non church goers from making communion/confirmation would be the way to go.

martinedwards

you can't take communion because I don't like your clothes........

hmmmm.

Ash.J.Williams

martinedwards wrote: »

you can't take communion because I don't like your clothes........

hmmmm.

and i can't stop looking at your chest while giving you communion

Popular Hardback

Round here Catholics always went to mass scruffy, often not even washed or with clean clothes, where as even the most penniless Protestant always took time to dress smartly on a Sunday, including having their car clean. I respected them for that. Hence the saying "That's better, that's a bit more Protestant looking". It's about showing respect for yourself, and respect for others around you, and respect for the place you're vising, whether that be the workplace or the Church. Anyone who still has Sunday off work is lucky in this day and age of doing away with workers family and personal time, so I consider it a privilege to be able to dress smartly on a Sunday.

I make the effort to look as smart as possible when going to any Church, not matter who's it is. I don't care what other people wear, just stating the facts. As far as I'm concerned they are letting themselves down, not anyone else.

Ash.J.Williams

Popular Hardback wrote: »

Round here Catholics always went to mass scruffy, often not even washed or with clean clothes, where as even the most penniless Protestant always took time to dress smartly on a Sunday, including having their car clean. I respected them for that. Hence the saying "That's better, that's a bit more Protestant looking". It's about showing respect for yourself, and respect for others around you, and respect for the place you're vising, whether that be the workplace or the Church. Anyone who still has Sunday off work is lucky in this day and age of doing away with workers family and personal time, so I consider it a privilege to be able to dress smartly on a Sunday.

I make the effort to look as smart as possible when going to any Church, not matter who's it is. I don't care what other people wear, just stating the facts. As far as I'm concerned they are letting themselves down, not anyone else.

I take it you are talking in the past tense...Catholics in this country experienced famine in their family trees and protestants did not. ...and that's just for starters...in fact many catholics broke their balls to have something decent to wear to mass...protestants were users of contraception and advocates of family planning and therefore only had enough kids that they could support hence had nicer clothes....protestants were generally better educated and as a result of this had better clothes...perhaps some of you should go and join the bloody protestants!!

Popular Hardback

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

I take it you are talking in the past tense...Catholics in this country experienced famine in their family trees and protestants did not. ...and that's just for starters...in fact many catholics broke their balls to have something decent to wear to mass...protestants were users of contraception and advocates of family planning and therefore only had enough kids that they could support hence had nicer clothes....protestants were generally better educated and as a result of this had better clothes...perhaps some of you should go and join the bloody protestants!!

What people wear has nothing to do with contraception or the famine. Smart and clean has nothing to do with expensive. Penny's and Dunnes do very smart new clothes for very reasonable prices that can be worn to many other things. I've a very modest income, I own a second hand bible, and I buy almost new, sometimes unworn suits in a charity shops for €25 a time, and I always have a wash before I go to Church or Work. It's not really that hard to do.

martinedwards

good grief, not the old, "I'm a scruffy oik because of the potato famine 150 odd years ago" argument!!!!

MagicMarker

Which church is this OP? I might pop on over.... Who knows, if Jesus is a miracle worker I might get lucky.

Ash.J.Williams

martinedwards wrote: »

good grief, not the old, "I'm a scruffy oik because of the potato famine 150 odd years ago" argument!!!!

He asked why is it that protestants are awesome and catholics are scruff balls, have you a better theory?

Popular Hardback

martinedwards wrote: »

good grief, not the old, "I'm a scruffy oik because of the potato famine 150 odd years ago" argument!!!!

apparently it's all down to contraception as well :rolleyes:

daithi1970

homer911 wrote: »

OP, I completely agree with you - I caution about the posts from others who have a history of pro-atheist and anti-Christian posts, so take their comments with a pinch of salt..

Christians are called to live in the world (obviously) but to live apart or different from the world. Those who would support skimpy dress in church would probably also support many other things the church is opposed to, and they are the first to wonder why the moral fabric of society is in such decline.

I think all places of worship should have a minimum dress code, but even if they did, I cant see anyone being too keen to police it..

I dont think anyone "supports" skimpy dress in church per se, maybe its just a matter of what some people feel most comfortable wearing..its a bit of a stretch to assume what peoples beliefs might be based solely on their dress sense..and as for cautioning about people's posts,they have as much a right to their opinions as anyone else.. the words Motes and Beams spring to mind...

daithi

SoulandForm

Popular Hardback wrote: »

Round here Catholics always went to mass scruffy, often not even washed or with clean clothes, where as even the most penniless Protestant always took time to dress smartly on a Sunday, including having their car clean. I respected them for that. Hence the saying "That's better, that's a bit more Protestant looking". It's about showing respect for yourself, and respect for others around you, and respect for the place you're vising, whether that be the workplace or the Church. Anyone who still has Sunday off work is lucky in this day and age of doing away with workers family and personal time, so I consider it a privilege to be able to dress smartly on a Sunday.

I make the effort to look as smart as possible when going to any Church, not matter who's it is. I don't care what other people wear, just stating the facts. As far as I'm concerned they are letting themselves down, not anyone else.

This is generally true. Protestants/members of Reformed Churches really do tend to "dress up" a lot more for Church than either Catholics or the Eastern Orthodox not just in Ireland but across Europe both in the eastern and western parts. I wonder what the reason is behind it?

intellectual dosser

I think the title of this thread should be changed. I've come across it twice and my immediate thought is that the OP is looking to ban poor people from church because they cant afford decent clothing - I take it that's not what they're promoting.

J C

Popular Hardback wrote: »

Round here Catholics always went to mass scruffy, often not even washed or with clean clothes, where as even the most penniless Protestant always took time to dress smartly on a Sunday, including having their car clean. I respected them for that.

Twenty years ago both Roman Catholics and Protestants wore their 'sunday best' clothes on a Sunday ... and 'sunday best' did mean their actual best clothes.
We shouldn't forget that there was considerable poverty in Ireland right into the 1960's and some people simply couldn't afford a new suit as often as might be desirable ... but the 'Sunday Suit' was kept for going to church by members of both congregations, as far as I ever saw.

More casual attire now is the norm in society ... and this is probably now reflected in both congregations TBH - and there is no harm in that IMO.

Appropriate and respectful clothing is what is required ... but churches should not become some kind of 'cat-walk' with a prize for the best dressed lady and gent being handed out by popular acclaim every Sunday!!!
We go to church to pray to our God ... and not to praise or indeed to criticise, our fellow man!!

murraykil

Genesis 1:27

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

People should not be ashamed of their bodies or be made to feel ashamed by others.

People should not be required to wear what they would not otherwise wear because some people have made judgements on what they think is appropriate.

As long as people are complying with well established social, legal and local moral standards when it's comes to indecent exposure in public, their attire is their business and people should try not to judge them.

J C

murraykil wrote: »

Genesis 1:27



People should not be ashamed of their bodies or be made to feel ashamed by others.

People should not be required to wear what they would not otherwise wear because some people have made judgements on what they think is appropriate.

As long as people are complying with well established social, legal and local moral standards when it's comes to indecent exposure in public, their attire is their business and people should try not to judge them.

You are setting the bar very low if all that you require is for people to not to engage in 'indecent exposure'. I certainly wouldn't want somebody beside me in a restaurant with smelly bare feet and a sweaty hairy chest on show, as I tried to eat my dinner.
Private organisations have every right to set minimum standards of behaviour, including dress for their members. Employers have every right to do the same for their employees and churches also have the same right.
Of course, it should never come to this ... people should have enough 'cop-on' and respect for themselves and the people around them, to dress appropriately for the occasion.
For example, if I am attending a wedding, I wouldn't degrade myself and insult the people who invited me by turning up in the old jeans that I use when I'm digging my garden ... and the same standards should apply when I attend church to join my fellow Christians in praying to our God.
We shouldn't be expected to spend money on clothes that we cannot afford ... but neither should we turn up to church in expensive immodest clothing that barely prevents indecent exposure!!!

donegal_man

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

.........protestants are awesome ...................

This is all I have taken from this thread. Go Us!

I honestly don't think you'll see much difference in the way people of the various congregations dress. Some people still feel the need to put on the "Sunday Suit" whilst most of us don't.

murraykil

J C wrote: »

You are setting the bar very low if all that you require is for people to comply 'with well established social, legal and local moral standards when it's comes to indecent exposure in public'.

....

FYP

J C

murraykil wrote: »

FYP

It was your post and wherever you place the apostrophes it amounts to pretty much the same thing.

There are 'well established social, legal and local moral standards' that demand dress codes well above indecent exposure!!!
There are social dress standards in clubs, restaurants and churches ... legal standards in police, military and health professionals and local standards that vary with the local culture.

murraykil

J C wrote: »

You are setting the bar very low if all that you require is for people to not to engage in 'indecent exposure'. I certainly wouldn't want somebody beside me in a restaurant with smelly bare feet and a sweaty hairy chest on show, as I tried to eat my dinner.
Private organisations have every right to set minimum standards of behaviour, including dress for their members. Employers have every right to do the same for their employees and churches also have the same right.
Of course, it should never come to this ... people should have enough 'cop-on' and respect for themselves and the people around them, to dress appropriately for the occasion.
For example, if I am attending a wedding, I wouldn't degrade myself and insult the people who invited me by turning up in the old jeans that I use when I'm digging my garden ... and the same standards should apply when I attend church to join my fellow Christians in praying to our God.
We shouldn't be expected to spend money on clothes that we cannot afford ... but neither should we turn up to church in expensive immodest clothing that barely prevents indecent exposure!!!

I hear things like

"smelly bare feet and a sweaty hairy chest",
"respect for themselves and the people around them, to dress appropriately for the occasion",
"I wouldn't degrade myself and insult the people who invited me by turning up in the old jeans",
"the same standards should apply when I attend church to join my fellow Christians in praying to our God"

and I'm reminded of

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RLuwf38Ag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C91ygWW2u0U

J C

murraykil wrote: »

I hear things like

"smelly bare feet and a sweaty hairy chest",
"respect for themselves and the people around them, to dress appropriately for the occasion",
"I wouldn't degrade myself and insult the people who invited me by turning up in the old jeans",
"the same standards should apply when I attend church to join my fellow Christians in praying to our God"

and I'm reminded of

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RLuwf38Ag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C91ygWW2u0U

Like I've said, we shouldn't be expected to spend money on clothes that we cannot afford ... but neither should we turn up to church in expensive immodest clothing that barely prevents indecent exposure!!!

That being said, the bottom line is that ... Jesus will Save us, just as we are ... but for the sake of everyone else though, a good wash and some decent clothes isn't too much to ask for in church.
... and obviously, if somebody has no access to either, they should still come to church ... and the people in the church should help to provide such basic necessities to anybody unfortunate enough not to have them.

The OP was about maintaining basic standards of modest dress in church ... with the reasonable presumption that decent clothing is available to practically everybody at reasonable cost, if they are willing to buy and wear it.

There is also no suggestion in either of the linked videos that Jesus nor any of the people involved, were dressed inappropriately.