SHRINER'S DRESS CODE
In order to establish uniformity among the Nobility and constituent Temples, the Imperial Council has adopted the following dress code:
Temple Meetings – Informal dress – Coat and tie preferred but not mandatory. The Illustrious Potentate may establish a local dress code for his Temple.
Summer Formal Dress – Summer formal dress for wear at social events will be worn during the spring and summer months. (May 1 – September 30). In certain areas the Imperial Deputy of the Desert may define the exceptions when the summer dress may be worn year-round, for example in tropical climates such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, etc. Summer formal dress will consist of:
o White dinner jacket (the jacket will be all white and may be trimmed in white satin). Under no circumstances will the jacket be trimmed in black or any other color.
o Black tuxedo trousers
o White semi-formal or formal shirt
o Black vest or Black cummerbund
o Black bow tie
o Black shoes and black socks
o Fez
o Shrine collar, when authorized
o White gloves
• The summer dress will be worn at the following events:
o Jubilee Day Service
o Opening Ceremony of the Imperial Council Session
o Imperial Potentate’s Ball
o Temple Illustrious Potentate/Commandress Balls (when held between May 1 and September 30)
Winter Formal Dress – Winter formal dress, for wear at social events, will be worn during the fall and winter months (October 1 – April 30). In certain areas the Imperial Deputy of the Desert may define the exceptions when the period the winter dress will be worn may be extended, for example, in extreme cold climates such as
Alaska, Canada, some European Countries etc. Winter formal dress will consist of:
o Black tuxedo jacket (the jacket will be all black and may be trimmed in black satin). Under no circumstances will the jacket be trimmed in white or any other color.
o (2)Black tuxedo trousers
o White semi-formal or formal shirt
o Black vest or black cummerbund
o Black bow tie
o Black shoes and black socks
o Fez
o Shrine Collar, when authorized
o White Gloves
o White accessories, bow tie and vest, shall be substituted for wear at formal balls when full dress black tails are worn.
The Illustrious Potentate and Nobles of the host Temple may wear appropriate Egyptian or Arabic costumes when being introduced at Illustrious Potentate Balls. The Imperial Deputy of the Oasis must issue a dispensation for the wear of the Egyptian or Arabic dress. The Imperial Deputy of the Oasis is responsible for inspecting the costume(s) to ensure it is in good taste. The Egyptian or Arabic costumes must be in good taste and appropriate for the occasion. Egyptian or Arabic costumes will not be worn at joint Illustrious Potentate/Commandress Balls.
White Full Dress Tails – The wearing of white tails is at the discretion of the Imperial Potentate and will be worn only on approval, by special dispensation issued by the Imperial Potentate. The wearing of white tails is normally restricted to Illustrious Potentates, Appointed and Elected Imperial Council officers.
Shrine Services Dress – Dress to be worn by the Nobility at the Shrine Services for a deceased Noble are as follows:
o Black or dark suit
o White shirt
o Black bow or four in hand tie
o Black shoes and socks
o Fez
o Shrine Collar, when authorized
o White gloves
Commercial Items: Commercial lapel pins, medallions, baseball caps, tie tacs/clasps, cuff links, etc. may be worn as accessories as desired. Good judgment should be used so as not to bring embarrassment to the wearer or the Imperial Council. The commercial earring may be worn with official shrine dress, but will not be worn at Memorial Services, Jubilee Day Services and Banquets.
Shrine Casual Wear: Shrine walking suits, jumpsuits, jackets, sweat/t-shirts may be worn as casual wear at Shrine functions when casual wear is permitted. The Fez and Collar will not be worn with t-shirts, shorts, cutoffs, or other inappropriate dress. Nobles should use good judgment and wear attire appropriate for the occasion.
Baseball Caps: Under no circumstances will baseball caps be worn in Temple Meetings.