Georgia 4-H Dress Guidance

Georgia 4-H Dress Guidance

The Georgia 4-H Dress Guidance is designed to foster a positive learning environment and ensure clothing is appropriate for the designated activity.

General Guidelines

General Appearance: Clothing should be neat, clean, and free of holes including jeans and pants.
Coverage: Clothing must provide full coverage of the torso, midriff, and backside at all times. Both tops and bottoms must be worn to ensure that bare skin is not exposed in these areas and that all undergarments are completely concealed.
Length & Movement: Shorts, skirts, skorts, and dresses must be at least mid-thigh length. These garments must provide consistent, full coverage through all ranges of motion, including standing, sitting, and bending
Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times.
At 4-H Camp: Shoes with backstraps are required.
Headwear: Hats and headwear are permitted when appropriate for the specific activity or venue.

Prohibited Items:

• Clothing advertising alcohol/tobacco or anything violating the 4-H Code of Conduct.
• Pajamas outside of sleeping areas.
• Tube tops or backless tops
• Spaghetti straps, halter tops, or strapless
• Formal Exception: Spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are only permitted during formal banquet events.

Dress Categories

Casual

• T-shirts, shirts without collars or sleeves
• Shorts, skirts, skorts
• Jeans/pants
• Tennis shoes or sandals

Example of Casual Dress:A group of five smiling young men standing in a row on a grassy field at a 4-H camp, demonstrating a casual dress code. They are wearing T-shirts, athletic shorts, and sneakers.

Business Casual

• Bottoms: Slacks, pants, capris, skirts, or clean/pressed denim.
• Tops: Polos or shirts with collars and sleeves.
• Footwear: Flats, low-heeled shoes, boots, or appropriate tennis shoes.
• Not Allowed: Shorts, T-shirts, flip-flops, or baseball caps.

Example of Business Casual Dress:A group of youth and adults pose for a group photo indoors. The group is dressed in casual business clothes, predominantly in green, black, and white. Many individuals are wearing green 4-H branded polo shirts, blazers, or cardigans paired with khaki or dark trousers and skirts.

Professional

• Attire: Suit Jackets, dress pants, skirts, dresses, and collared/dress shirts or blouses. Ties are optional.
• Footwear: Dress shoes or appropriate sandals.
• Not Allowed: Denim, tennis shoes, flip-flops, or hats.

Examples of Professional Dress:
Two young men pose together outdoors, representing professional attire. One individual on the left wears a maroon suit jacket with a crisp white dress shirt and a solid black tie. The individual on the right wears a navy-blue suit jacket with a white dress shirt and a green and blue striped bowtie featuring 4-H clover patterns.

Three women standing in front of a stone wall, illustrating professional attire for an awards setting. The 4-H member in the center holds a "2025 Georgia 4-H Achievement Scholarship" certificate and wears a floral dress.

Formal

• Attire: Suits with ties; formal dresses or gowns.
• Dresses: Strapless, halter, or spaghetti straps are acceptable for formal/banquet attire only. Dresses may not be backless, low-cut, or have exposed midriffs or high slits.
• Footwear: Dress shoes or appropriate sandals.

Example of Formal Dress:A group of ten individuals stands in a row for a group photo in front of a dark blue or black draped curtain, demonstrating formal evening attire. The young women are wearing various floor-length formal gowns, including a lace-topped emerald green dress, a black velvet gown, a sleeveless bright orange dress, and a vibrant pink floral patterned dress with a ruffled waist. The young men are dressed in formal suits and tuxedos, featuring a grey three-piece suit with a vest, a white suit jacket with a black tie, and a classic dark suit paired with a black bowtie.

Event Administration

• Event-Specific Rules: Many major events (Summer Camp, State Council, State Congress) have specific dress codes; participants should review those unique guidelines prior to the event.
• Final Authority: Event leaders have the final decision in determining if apparel is appropriate.
• Modifications: Leaders may require individuals to modify their clothing selection if these guidelines are not met.

Quick Tips for Success

• Check the Event: Major events like State Congress or Summer Camp often have their own specific lists. Check your registration packet!
• When in Doubt: Bring a “backup” outfit. If a leader asks you to modify your clothing, you’ll be ready.
• Formal Exception: Spaghetti straps and strapless dresses are only permitted during formal banquet events.

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