Dress Code

As a general rule, dress at all times should reflect a spirit of modesty that is consistent with Benedictine, Catholic and traditional culture here at Portsmouth Abbey School. Clothing should be neat and in good repair. Faculty members are the final judges of what constitutes appropriate dress. 

Dress Code is worn on every class day from 8:15 a.m. until the end of the academic day, in all academic and administrative buildings, and the Church.

Warm Weather Dress

Warm Weather Dress begins on the first day of classes. We will change to School Dress later in the Fall Term at the discretion of the Head of School. We resume Warm Weather Dress during the Spring Term at the discretion of the Head of School. 

School Dress

We begin the school year in Warm Weather Dress. School Dress begins later in the Fall Term at the discretion of the Head of School. School Dress is always worn to Mass on Sunday mornings. 

Spring Warm Weather Dress

Spring Warm Weather Dress begins during the Spring Term at the discretion of the Head of School and mirrors Warm Weather Dress with the exception that polo shirts may be worn. Boys’ shirts must be tucked in and girls’ shirts must be neat and modest. 

Exam Dress

Exam Dress is Spring Warm Weather Dress.

Casual Dress

Casual Dress is permitted at lunch on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, after the academic day on all other days, on the weekends and other free time, and for Dress Down Days. Casual Dress includes relaxed wear, sportswear or athletic wear that is modest and in good taste. Midriff and cleavage must be covered. No pajamas or slippers. Clothing may not have inappropriate or offensive images or innuendos, and may not depict or refer to drugs or alcohol. Students must dress respectably in the dining hall at all times which includes covering the chest, midriff and cleavage.  

Please note the following definitions and clarifications:

• Blazer – This includes blazers and sports coats of any color. 
• Varsity Sweater – Varsity sweaters may be purchased through the Athletic Office only. Varsity jackets are not considered sweaters. Varsity sweaters are never permitted at Sunday morning School Mass.
• Dress pants – Dress pants include cotton, poly/cotton blends, wool, or wool blends. Pants that are denim (any color) or have extra pockets (cargo style) are NOT permitted.  Leggings/Jeggings and tights are NOT considered dress pants. 
• Collared Dress Shirt – Dress shirts must button down the front and have a collar. Flannel or denim shirts are not permitted. Boys’ shirts must be tucked in and girls’ shirts must be neat, modest and buttoned appropriately.
• Leather Dress Shoes – Shoes must be leather and do not include sneakers, slippers or moccasins. If shoes have laces, they must be tied. Sneakers are defined by a tape of foxing of any color, separate from the sole and upper, that secures the joint where the upper and sole meet. 
• Skirt – Skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee when standing straight. No denim.
• Dress – Dresses must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee when standing straight. Dresses must be modest and completely cover the shoulders, midriff, back and cleavage. T-shirts may not be worn with dresses. Spaghetti strap and sleeveless dresses must be worn with a sweater or blazer at all times. No denim.
• Sweaters – Sweaters may be worn as layers for added warmth, but may not take the place of a required dress code item. For example, a quarter zip sweater may be worn over a collared dress shirt, turtleneck or blouse, but it may not take the place of any required dress code item.
• Sweatshirts – Sweatshirts are NOT part of Warm Weather Dress, School Dress or Spring Warm Weather Dress. They are only permitted as Casual Dress. 
• Midriff, Chest and Cleavage – Midriff, chest and cleavage must be covered at all times while in Warm Weather Dress, School Dress, Spring Warm Weather Dress and Casual Dress.
• Grooming and Personal Adornments – Boys must be clean-shaven. Piercings for boys and girls in visible areas other than the ears are not allowed. 
• Hats – Hats may be worn outside and in Houses, athletic buildings and the Student Center only.

Etiquette Notes

Headphones/earbuds – Personal listening devices should not be used outside of the Houses. We encourage all students to keep their eyes up and be open to interactions with others.  

Personal listening devices may never be used in the Dining Hall, and they may only be used in an academic building if required for a class. 

Cell phones – Cell phones may never be used in assemblies, Church, academic buildings, Dining Hall, or in the Administration Building. Cell phones may be used in the Science Building Commons and Student Center.