Christening outfit traditions
Modern trends

Christening outfit traditions

Traditionally a christening robe or gown was a dress, worn by both boys and girls, with short sleeves and a long skirt. The expanse of the skirt allowed for the quality of the fine cotton, linen, silk or intricate embroidery to be shown off in a display of wealth and status. The dress was almost always white to symbolise purity and innocence and was usually accompanied by a bonnet and shawl.

Many families preserve a christening robe and hand it down through the generations as each member of the family is christened.

An Irish custom is that a bride carries a “Magic Hanky” on her wedding day which can be converted to a bonnet for her first child’s christening. The bonnet can then be converted back to a hanky for the new bride when it is time for the firstborn child to marry.

In later years it became fashionable for boys to wear silk or satin sailor suits or rompers, complete with sailor hat.

See our Traditional Outfits Gallery for beautifully intricate gowns and rompers in lavish silks or fine Irish linen. Browse our Traditional Accessories Gallery for shawls, silk bibs, bonnets and bootees.

Modern trends

Historically, children were christened very early on in their lives – sometimes only a few weeks or even days old. With the fall in infant mortality rates, the age at which children are now christened has risen dramatically and some parents may feel that a long dress is no longer appropriate for their baby. Practically, some children may be too big or butch to fit into that beautiful heirloom gown!

The desire to dress a child in their smartest clothes still pervades and more contemporary outfits might consist of a pretty white or pink summer dress for a girl and a light linen shirt and trouser set for a boy.

Take a look at our Girls and Boys Contemporary Outfits Galleries for ideas for your child’s outfit. Check out the fabulous shoes and other accessories in the Contemporary Accessories Gallery.