Why Are Texas Jurors Still Told How To Dress

Texas courtrooms don’t mess around—and that includes what you wear. If you’re called for jury duty or summoned to court, you’re expected to dress a certain way. But why?

The Problem With Courtroom Dress Codes

I was recently called in for jury duty. Let’s just say it’s not exactly a bucket list item for me. I’ll do my civic duty when called, but one thing continues to bug me every time I’m summoned: the dress code.

What I don’t understand is why I, or anyone else, has to follow a forced sense of decorum in a place we didn’t ask to be. Should you really be expected to dress up like it’s picture day just because someone else says so?

Personally, I shave my head—best decision I ever made. No more wild hair, no more product, just a splash of water and out the door. But the Texas sun (and sometimes the cold) makes a hat absolutely necessary. It’s functional, not a fashion statement.

During a recent visit to court, I was reminded several times to remove my hat. Not because it was offensive. Not because I refused. Just because… that’s the rule. And while I complied every time and even apologized, the question still nags at me:

Why do I need to change the way I dress just to sit in a place I didn’t ask to be in?

It's Not About Respect—It's About Control

There’s nothing disrespectful about wearing a hat or dressing for the weather—especially in Texas, where temperatures can swing wildly. Shorts in summer? Reasonable. A hoodie in January? Also reasonable. These aren’t style statements; they’re survival tactics.

But the courtroom isn’t about comfort. It’s about tradition. And tradition, more often than not, means following outdated rules just because someone powerful enough said so.

Sure, you could try to argue your point—but you’d be arguing with a judge. And even if there’s no specific law banning hats or shorts, judges have wide authority over what flies in their courtroom. The short answer to, “Why can’t I wear a hat in court?” is simple: Because the judge said so.

Time for Courtroom Rules to Evolve?

If the goal is to have engaged, respectful participants in courtrooms, maybe we should start by making people feel welcome—not like they’re walking into a country club.

Forcing people into rigid, formal dress codes when they’re already showing up under obligation feels outdated—and frankly, a little insulting.

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But take this as your warning: show up in a T-shirt, hat, or shorts, and Texas courtrooms will absolutely let you know you’re out of line—even if you're just there to do your duty.