what is the dress code for attending lodge meeting

Masonic attire worn during lodge meetings centers on the apron, which serves as the primary badge of a Mason. Two essential elements of the traditional apron are its pure white color, signifying purity, and its material of lambskin 1. In early American practice, candidates were required by lodge by-laws to furnish each member present with an apron and a pair of white gloves 1.

Lodge clothing and regalia were formally standardized following the Union of 1813 under the United Grand Lodge of England 1. In English Craft lodges, strict rules govern acceptable regalia: members may only wear jewels pertaining to Craft and Royal Arch Masonry—including Past Master, Grand and Provincial Lodge, Founders', and Charity jewels—while all non-Craft jewels are explicitly prohibited 1.

Regalia specifications differ across international jurisdictions:

In Scotland, Grand Lodge regalia uses thistle-green, but individual private lodges are permitted to choose their own colors and embellishments for aprons, which feature a circular flap rather than a triangular one 1.

In Ireland, brethren historically wore simple cotton aprons edged with blue for ordinary meetings and lambskin aprons with silver braid for annual festivals 1. Older Irish tradition even saw Worshipful Masters attired in a red cloak and top hat 1.

Various continental European jurisdictions prescribe specific border colors, sashes, rosettes, or embroidered emblems according to degree or office 1.

For formal public processions and special ceremonial gatherings, historical records show brethren wearing full dress uniforms, canonicals, or specific officer insignia alongside their Masonic clothing 21.