Here is simple, tradition‑true guidance for laypeople (shravaks/shravikas).

Core principles for any sect

• Wear clean, simple, modest, loose cotton clothes.
• Prefer plain white or very light, sober colors.
• Avoid leather, silk, wool, fur, and flashy designs.
• Remove shoes, belts, watches with leather, heavy jewelry, perfume.
• Keep a clean handkerchief/muhapatti ready; keep a small asan (cloth mat).

Shvetambar practice (common lay tradition)

• Color: Plain white is ideal.
• Men: Simple white kurta–pyjama, or shirt–trouser; if possible keep a small uparna/odhna (upper cloth) for samayik/pratikraman.
• Women: Plain white sari (or simple salwar‑kurta/ghaghra‑choli without prints). Cover head if that is your local maryada.
• Accessories: Carry muhapatti and pothi (book). Keep a small rajoharan (soft whisk) only if your local maryada allows lay use.

Digambar practice (common lay tradition)

• Color: White or very light, unpatterned cloth.
• Men: Clean white dhoti or simple pyjama; upper cloth may be kept plain or removed per local maryada during key kriyas.
• Women: Simple, modest sari or salwar‑kurta in white/light color; avoid borders and ornaments.
• Accessories: Gomukhi (cloth for rosary) if used in your sangh; no leather items.

If you cannot wear white (work/school/travel)

• Choose the plainest, lightest, clean cotton available.
• Remove leather items and ornaments.
• Sit on a clean cloth and maintain inner restraint; sincerity is more important than form when circumstances constrain you.

Do’s

• Bathe or at least wash hands/feet and mouth before starting.
• Tie hair back; keep nails trimmed and clean.
• Keep a separate “puja/pratikraman” set of clothes if possible.
• Sit on a clean asan that is used only for dharma.

Don’ts

• No see‑through, tight, or shiny clothes.
• No silk, leather, fur, or wool.
• No strong scents, makeup glitter, or noisy bangles.
• Don’t bring phones or metal keychains on the asan; keep them aside on silent.

Note

• Exact dress codes can vary by gacch/sangh/mandal. Follow your local maryada while honoring the principles above: shuddhi (cleanliness), saralata (simplicity), and ahimsa (least harm).