A Men’s Guide to Dressing for a Christening

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It’s not everyday your best friend has a baby and even rarer when you’re asked to step in (and step up) as Godfather. I traveled home to Stuttgart, Germany for the Christening of baby Leon Elias Sandner.

A Christening is generally a formal and traditional affair, similar to a religious wedding. If the parents haven’t specified a dress code, you should assume that for men it means a blazer and proper trousers. A tie is optional these days with many men under forty opting to forgo the silk knot. A suit isn’t always necessary but at this Christening and others you’ll find many men who choose one by default.

Navy and grey are good colors for a suit or blazer – leave the black suit for more formal (or somber) occasions. Wear dress shoes: oxfords, derbies or heeled loafers are all acceptable options. Keep accessories and shoes muted to be respectful and avoid side eye looks from the baby’s great aunt. 

I chose a navy double breasted suit and a white shirt with the top two buttons undone. I was originally planning to wear suede shoes but it was raining the day of the Christening so instead opted for a pair of dark brown leather laceups without socks to keep things modern.

Typically after Christenings, there is some sort of reception. My friends had a traditional German BBQ at the grandparents’ farm where we feasted on grilled meats and later watched the first German European Cup game. The suit jacket can come off after you leave the church ceremony – feel free to roll up your sleeves and grab a plate of bratwurst.
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