Dress Code

At Cardinal Gibbons, our dress code supports a respectful, inclusive, and focused learning environment. We aim for attire that reflects our values while helping students feel comfortable and confident throughout their academic and extracurricular activities.

Rooted in Catholic tradition, we affirm the dignity of every person. Students are encouraged to dress modestly—covering the midriff, chest, shoulders, and back—to promote a culture of respect and community. Modesty reflects personal integrity and supports our faith-inspired mission.

Families may purchase clothing from any vendor, but for Grades 9–11, we recommend using our approved vendors. Their selections align with our dress code and help ensure compliance with ease and convenience.

Grades 9, 10, & 11

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.

Coming soon! Approved vendors & shopping options

We're excited to make your experience as smooth as possible! Information about our preferred vendors and recommended shopping options is coming soon. Please check back shortly as we finalize the details to help you make informed and convenient choices

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.

Students must arrive dressed for school and should be in dress code during their Flex Period.

Students will be made aware of any dress code violations via a message from the Dean of Students at the end of the day. Most infractions are easily addressed and will not require a student to leave campus to change. Students out of the dress code may be given appropriate attire to borrow for the remainder of the day.

The goal is for students to be present for learning and not miss instructional time. Please contact the Deans of Students with questions about this process. Our attendance office can provide the specific dress code infraction if a parent requests it.

1st violation: notification at the end of the school day
2nd violation: notification at the end of the school day
3rd violation: notification at the end of the school day and email to parents
4th violation: notification at the end of the school day and after school detention

Any further violations will require a meeting with the Dean of Students and may lead to further disciplinary action.