The purpose of Mercersburg’s dress code is to foster a sense of appropriateness of dress in different settings and on different occasions. All students are expected to abide by the spirit as well as the letter of the dress code.

All clothing and footwear should be neat, clean, hemmed, and in good repair. Hats must be removed upon entrance to any campus building other than the gymnasium, the lounge in Ford Hall, or dormitories. Students should always be mindful of modesty, good taste, and the sensibilities of others.

Casual dress is suitable before 8 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. on school days (except at certain evening meals), on weekends, and when announced (e.g., during final exam periods).

Students may wear any of the clothing listed for semiformal or standard dress, or more relaxed dress, including athletic garb or athletic shoes; blue jeans and cutoffs; sweatshirts, T-shirts, undershirts, tank tops, tube or halter tops, or tops with spaghetti straps; leotards; and flip-flops or other casual sandals. Footwear must always be worn in buildings other than the dormitories.

Standard dress is a minimal expectation of dress during the academic day (8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.) and at evening meals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, in all buildings except the gymnasium, the lounge in Ford Hall, and the dormitories. These expectations also apply when students are on campus between academic appointments or meals.

In addition to clothing appropriate for semiformal dress, standard dress for boys and girls includes collared shirts, sweaters, noncollared shirts with buttons; noncollared blouses or tops other than those suitable for casual dress; slacks (other than blue jeans) or dress shorts; and footwear that is designed to be worn both indoors and outdoors.

Semiformal dress is expected for all Monday evening meals, the first evening meal of the school year, end-of-term dinners, banquets, and other special occasions as announced.

Semiformal dress for boys consists of a suit, or slacks with sport coat or blazer; dress shirt worn with a necktie or bow tie; turtleneck; dress pants other than corduroys; socks; and dress shoes. Semiformal dress for girls consists of a dressy dress, suit, or pantsuit; dressy skirt with dressy blouse or dress top; and dress shoes or dress sandals. As an alternative, international students may wear the festive attire of their native countries.

For both semiformal and standard dress, boys’ shirts must be completely tucked in. For girls, shirts and blouses must be completely tucked in unless they are clearly tailored and designed not to be tucked in. Further¬more, a student’s midriff must not be showing. Students should remove outerwear other than sweaters or blazers during classes and in the dining room. Dresses, skirts, or shorts must be fingertip length or longer.

The dress code may be temporarily altered with permission from the dean of students. These occasions may include "jeans days" for certain fundraising causes, special activities for athletics and arts groups, or club and organizational events. Throughout the year, Fridays are designated as school-spirit days to show school unity. On these days the dress code remains standard but may include a specially designated Mercersburg T-shirt or sweatshirt.