A post by social media user @mnizaaa has ignited a heated discussion among Malaysians about wedding dress etiquette, after she questioned whether it is appropriate for men to attend weddings wearing football jerseys.
In her post, she expressed disbelief at seeing men turn up to receptions in casual round-neck T-shirts or jerseys, asking whether basic effort and respect for the occasion have been forgotten. The thread quickly went viral, with netizens weighing in on what constitutes acceptable attire for formal events.
Many agreed that weddings deserve a certain level of decorum. User zaidimahathawa commented, “Men, please get used to wearing a shirt when attending someone’s event. At least look presentable.” Another, yusri.yusuf, added, “Don’t wear jerseys and round-neck shirts. At least wear a collared shirt, or better yet, a Baju Melayu. It’s not haram to wear that, but it’s about respecting the event. Give some effort.”
Some suggested practical alternatives. 5ivefeet2wo recommended, “At least a kurta would look presentable if wearing a full set of Baju Melayu feels too troublesome.” Nabilah.hmzh emphasised the importance of consideration for the hosts, stating, “It’s not that you can’t, but it’s just completely disrespectful. They’ve spent RM60k on the wedding, and some people turn up with a ‘RM5 single meal’ mindset.”
Wanzalzal_ highlighted footwear etiquette, saying, “Yes, it should be formal. At least wear proper shoes or a collared shirt. Even in a village wedding, wear a kurta with shoes to look polite.”
Offering a light-hearted solution, abangzahid suggested, “If you’re unsure, call the host and ask if you can wear a jersey. If they say yes, then wear it. Men, invest a little — wrinkle-free kurtas online cost RM15 to RM20. You’ll look much smarter.”
The discussion has since divided opinion online, but for many Malaysians, dressing appropriately for weddings remains a matter of courtesy and respect.
