Within the Smarta tradition, there is no single, universally mandated form of attire for worship; rather, there is a shared ethos that emphasizes ritual purity, modesty, and respect. Cleanliness is central: devotees are expected to wear freshly washed clothes and to avoid garments associated with sleep or impure activities. The body should be covered in a dignified manner so that attention remains on the act of worship rather than on personal display. This flexibility allows for regional, familial, and individual variation, while still preserving a recognizable sense of decorum in the sacred setting.

Traditional Indian clothing is widely favored as an expression of this reverence. Men commonly wear a dhoti, sometimes in a specific style for ritual use, with or without an upper garment such as a kurta, shirt, or simple upper cloth. Those who have undergone the sacred thread ceremony typically keep the thread over the left shoulder during worship. Women usually wear a sari or, in many places, a salwar kameez, chosen for modesty and cleanliness rather than fashion. In both cases, the garments are expected to be simple and not overly tight, flashy, or distracting.

Certain color preferences also reflect the inner mood of worship. White and other light, auspicious colors are often chosen, especially for daily rites, as they are associated with purity and a calm, sattvic disposition. Black and very dark shades are sometimes avoided during auspicious observances, though this can vary by region and family custom. For more elaborate rituals and festivals, brighter yet dignified colors and finer fabrics, such as silk, may be used, particularly in households that maintain more formal ritual standards.

Practical observances reinforce these general principles. Footwear is removed before entering the worship area, and many households prefer that clothes worn for worship not be the same as those used for ordinary outdoor activities. In some contexts, simple, unstitched garments are preferred for more elaborate rites, reflecting an ideal of ritual simplicity and purity. Across these variations, the underlying thread is that the worth of worship does not rest on a rigid uniform, but on clean, modest attire that supports a focused and reverent state of mind.