Dress Code

At Cardinal Gibbons, our dress code is designed to promote a respectful, focused, and inclusive learning environment. We believe that attire should reflect our school’s values while allowing students to feel comfortable and confident as they participate in daily academic and extracurricular activities.

These guidelines balance tradition with modern needs and offer clear, practical expectations to support student success and well-being.

We honor the inherent dignity of every person as taught by the Catholic tradition. In keeping with these values, students are encouraged to dress modestly—choosing clothing that covers the midriff, chest, shoulders, and back—to foster an environment of respect, reverence, and community. This commitment to modesty not only reflects personal integrity but also upholds our shared mission of nurturing a compassionate, faith-inspired community.

Dress code accommodations

If any student requires accommodations to the dress code due to injury or related circumstances, please contact a Dean of Students for assistance.

Approved vendors & shopping options

Gibbons partners with Tommy Hilfiger and Lands’ End to offer families affordable, high-quality school uniform options.

Branded polo shirts are also available for purchase at Gibbons Goods, our on-campus school store.

Tommy Hilfiger store

Lands End store

Grades 9, 10, & 11

Families are welcome to purchase clothing from any vendor; however, for Grades 9–11 we strongly recommend using our approved vendor options.

These vendors have carefully selected items to ensure they meet our expectations. Purchasing from our partner vendors is convenient and reduces the risk of inadvertently selecting garments that do not comply with our dress code.

Tops

Bottoms

Students may choose to wear khaki pants, shorts, or skirts.
Shorts and skirts should fall no shorter than 5” above the back of the knee. For ease of measurement, this is about the length of a smartphone. Undergarments should never be visible.
Cardinal Gibbons strongly recommends that families purchase shorts and skirts through an approved vendor. Gibbons Goods stocks approved shorts and skirts. If skirts and shorts are purchased from an alternative vendor, they should be similar in style to these offerings.
Bottoms made of athletic materials are not allowed, including tan athletic shorts, sweatpants, joggers, tennis skirts, or leggings.

Footwear

Headwear

Outerwear

Outerwear worn during the school day must be approved Cardinal Gibbons-branded sweatshirts or jackets. No other outerwear is permitted.
Outerwear should be worn as designed and not modified or distressed. Ripped, cut, frayed, or dyed items are not approved.
A dress code-approved polo is required under outerwear.

Note: Weather-appropriate non-Gibbons outerwear may be worn when traveling from the parking lot to the building. However, to maintain the integrity of our dress code, these items should be removed once inside the building.

Seniors

The Senior Dress Code is intended to prepare our graduating students for the professional environments they will encounter beyond high school.

Emphasizing a modern business casual style, these guidelines encourage seniors to present themselves with maturity and confidence while honoring the traditions of Cardinal Gibbons. Our goal is to support a dignified and respectful appearance that reflects both personal achievement and the school’s commitment to excellence.

Tops

Collared and sleeved golf/polo shirt of any color.
Collared and sleeved button down shirt of any color.
A sweater or blouse.
Solid color t-shirt. Small brand logos are allowed. (graphic/screen printed tees are not approved.)
Students’ shoulders should be covered. Sleeveless tops and dresses are only permitted if a sweater or jacket is worn over the top.
Tops and dresses should have modest necklines and appropriate coverage. They may not have any sheer sections, cutouts, or be cropped to a length that exposes a student’s midsection.

Bottoms

Non-athletic pants of any color.
Non-athletic shorts, skirts, and dresses of any color, no shorter than 5” above the back of the knee. For ease of measurement, this is about the length of a smartphone.
Denim is permitted, but should be a dark wash, structured jean. Jean skirts and skorts should be no shorter than 5” above the back of the knee. Any denim with rips, tears, or frayed edges is not acceptable.

Footwear

Headwear

Outerwear

Course-specific

These dress codes support the unique needs of classes like PE, dance, science labs, and flex periods. These guidelines ensure students dress in ways that reflect our values while promoting safety, comfort, and full participation in each learning environment.

PE class

Students enrolled in health/PE classes including men’s fitness, women’s fitness, and strength and conditioning will receive one PE uniform (green athletic shorts & gray Gibbons dry-fit tee shirt) on their Welcome Day. Additional uniform sets may be purchased at the School Store.
Students should wear their issued uniform shorts OR solid black athletic shorts, black leggings, or black sweatpants purchased from any vendor. Small brand logos are permitted.
Shorts should be a length that allows students to participate in all activities without exposing undergarments.
Proper athletic footwear
Students are expected to change back into normal uniform attire before leaving the class space.

Dance class

Appropriate black leggings or yoga pants. No shorts.
Gibbons t-shirt or tank top. Undergarments should never be seen. Clothing should not be oversized. Your dance educator will provide options for Gibbons Dance attire for purchase.
Limit jewelry.
Hair must be completely pulled back for the duration of the class period; choosing not to do so will negatively impact participation grades.
These items prohibited and will negatively impact participation grades:
- Hoodies
- Shorts
- Crop tops
- Open-back shirts
- Baggy clothing

Lab-based classes

Flex

Special occasions

Mass Dress

The Mass Dress Code is designed to reflect the sacredness and communal spirit of our religious celebrations. On Mass Days, students are expected to wear clothing that demonstrates reverence, unity, and respect for our shared faith.

These guidelines help ensure that all members of our school community present themselves in a manner that is dignified and aligned with the solemn nature of the occasion.

On game or performance days, groups may choose to adopt the Mass Dress Code. If a group opts in, all members are expected to participate fully.

Boys

Collared button-down shirt in any color (must be tucked in).
Tie required (bow tie or standard tie).
A jacket or sport coat is optional.
Pants in black, khaki, navy, or gray (no shorts; jeans are not permitted).
Belt required.

Girls

Button-down shirt, blouse, or sweater with appropriate coverage (shoulders must be covered).
Pants (no shorts) or a midi/maxi-length skirt (must fall below the knee).
White, black, or solid-colored denim pants are allowed (no rips, tears, or distressing; blue jeans are not permitted).
Modest midi or maxi dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders and a modest neckline.
Clothing must not include sheer sections, cutouts (back or midsection), or expose undergarments.

Outerwear

Casual sweatshirts, including hoodies and crewnecks, are not approved.
Approved outerwear (in solid colors with small brand logos only; no text/images except the Gibbons logo):
- Quarter-zips
- Jackets/coats
- Sweaters

Shoes

Close-toed shoes such as sneakers, boots, or dress shoes.
No slides, Crocs, flip-flops, or slippers.

General expectations

Clothing must not be ripped, distressed, or torn.
Athleisure/athletic wear is not allowed, including:
- Sweatpants
- Leggings or flare leggings
- Athletic shorts
- Athletic skirts or dresses
Jewelry, hair, accessories, and makeup should be non-distracting to the learning environment.

Spirit Dress

All grades are welcome to participate on the first Friday of every month. Students who choose not to participate must follow the regular dress code for their grade level.

Gibbons-branded tops, including t-shirts and outerwear. Tank tops are not permitted.
Athletic bottoms are allowed, including leggings, sweatpants, and shorts.
Jeans are allowed for all grades
Bottoms should fall no shorter than 5” measured from the back of the knee.
Any footwear is acceptable.

Game/Performance Day Dress

Mass Dress

These guidelines help ensure that all members of our school community present themselves in a manner that is dignified and aligned with the solemn nature of the occasion.

On game or performance days, groups may choose to adopt the Mass Dress Code. If a group opts in, all members are expected to participate fully.

Boys

Collared button-down shirt in any color (must be tucked in).
Tie required (bow tie or standard tie).
A jacket or sport coat is optional.
Pants in black, khaki, navy, or gray (no shorts; jeans are not permitted).
Belt required.

Girls

Button-down shirt, blouse, or sweater with appropriate coverage (shoulders must be covered).
Pants (no shorts) or a midi/maxi-length skirt (must fall below the knee).
White, black, or solid-colored denim pants are allowed (no rips, tears, or distressing; blue jeans are not permitted).
Modest midi or maxi dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders and a modest neckline.
Clothing must not include sheer sections, cutouts (back or midsection), or expose undergarments.

Outerwear

Casual sweatshirts, including hoodies and crewnecks, are not approved.
Approved outerwear (in solid colors with small brand logos only; no text/images except the Gibbons logo):
- Quarter-zips
- Jackets/coats
- Sweaters

Shoes

Close-toed shoes such as sneakers, boots, or dress shoes.
No slides, Crocs, flip-flops, or slippers.

General expectations

Clothing must not be ripped, distressed, or torn.
Athleisure/athletic wear is not allowed, including:
- Sweatpants
- Leggings or flare leggings
- Athletic shorts
- Athletic skirts or dresses
Jewelry, hair, accessories, and makeup should be non-distracting to the learning environment.

Retreat Dress

Disciplinary process for dress code violations

Students who violate the dress code may be subject to disciplinary action. Cardinal Gibbons determines the appropriateness of clothing worn on campus and may ask a student or guest to change or leave campus. Questions about this policy or the appropriateness of an item of clothing should be directed to the Deans of Students.

Dress code violations

Students who are marked in violation of the dress code will receive an email at the end of the day notifying them of the infraction.
Dress Code Violations will also be visible in the PowerSchool portal.
Students with excessive dress code violations will be required to attend a conference with the Deans of Students.
Students who are egregiously out of dress code may be asked to change into clothing that meets the requirements before being admitted to class. Any tardies or absences due to students needing to change into dress code-compliant clothing will be coded as unexcused.