Step 4: Dress Professionally—And in Layers

This is Part 4 of our Trial Prep Series for Business Owners. Missed the overview? Read the full article here.

When you walk into a courtroom, the judge and jury begin forming impressions of you immediately—before you’ve said a single word.

That’s why how you present yourself—your clothing, grooming, posture, and demeanor—is not just a detail. It’s part of your case.

If you own a business, you already know how important first impressions are. Court is no different. In fact, it’s amplified. A judge or jury will scrutinize everything. And while they’re instructed to decide the case based on the facts and the law, they are human. The impression you make can color how your testimony is received and how credible you seem.

Here’s how to make that impression count:

Wear a Suit—If You Can

You don’t need to spend a fortune, but if you own a suit, wear it. A well-fitting suit signals respect for the court, seriousness about your case, and professionalism.
If a suit is not available, dress like you’re meeting with your biggest client or pitching your business to a key investor. Think: tailored, neutral, pressed, and conservative. Avoid casual fabrics like denim, loud colors, flashy accessories, or anything you’d wear on a weekend.

Downplay Jewelry and Tattoos

Minimize jewelry to the basics—wedding ring, small studs, a watch. Avoid anything noisy or oversized.
If you have visible tattoos, cover them if possible. While we understand tattoos are personal and meaningful, they can still carry unintended connotations in a courtroom. This isn’t about hiding who you are—it’s about maximizing your credibility with people who don’t know you.

No Logos, Slogans, or Flash

Absolutely no T-shirts, graphic prints, or clothing with messages, brand names, or controversial imagery. Even something humorous or casual can undercut the seriousness of your appearance.

Dress in Layers

Courtrooms are notoriously inconsistent when it comes to temperature. One minute you’ll be freezing under an air vent, the next you’ll be sweating under the lights. Wear layers you can quietly adjust without distraction—like a blazer or cardigan over a breathable shirt.

Bottom Line: If you want the court to take your case seriously, you need to look like you’re taking it seriously. Your appearance is part of your courtroom strategy. When you sit next to your attorney, the judge and jury should see someone who looks like they belong there—professional, respectful, and ready.

Let’s make sure the first thing they see supports the case we’ve worked so hard to build.