refrain from wearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refrain from wearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising or instructing someone to avoid wearing something specific, often in formal or polite contexts. Example: "Please refrain from wearing casual attire during the business meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Do obey the signs and refrain from wearing Rollerblades here!

The New York Times

A group of Muslim clerics in Kashmir recently demanded that female tourists refrain from wearing shorts.

The New York Times

(Note: Some shops ask that tasters refrain from wearing cologne or perfume).

The New York Times

Tom Osborne, Nebraska's athletic director, has asked his team's usually decked-out fans to refrain from wearing Nebraska's trademark red.

The New York Times

This Society bound its members to refrain from wearing ornaments jewelry, and costly clothing, from eating cake and other sweetmeats, and from drinking tea and coffee.

The New Yorker

Royer refrained from using the word "whore" or any of its synonyms in her viral Pinterest infographic this week advising that women refrain from wearing miniskirts, Tom's shoes and strapless dresses.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mr. Severs refrained from wearing period costumes.

The New York Times

In traditional Hindu culture, when a woman loses her husband, she refrains from wearing color.

The New York Times

Queen Victoria was so aware of the advantage taken of Duleep, she refrained from wearing the Koh-i-Noor untacitlytacitly gave her permission.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I see that there are a lot of people who have refrained from wearing Wahoo much more than in previous opening days, but I also see that there are a lot more people who have come out with the most bigoted Wahoo that they could find".

The Guardian

They include not wearing new clothes and refraining from wearing leather.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "refrain from wearing" when providing polite or formal instructions about attire, especially in settings where respect for rules or customs is important. For example, a sign at a museum might say, "Please refrain from wearing backpacks inside the exhibit hall."

Common error

Avoid using "refrain from wearing" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "don't wear" or "avoid wearing" are more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "refrain from wearing" functions as a verb phrase used to issue a directive or recommendation to avoid a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Sports

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "refrain from wearing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for advising or instructing someone to avoid wearing something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for formal and polite contexts. While alternatives like "avoid wearing" or "do not wear" exist, "refrain from wearing" carries a more formal tone. It's commonly encountered in news articles, encyclopedias, and wikis. When writing, it's essential to use "refrain from wearing" in the appropriate context, avoiding it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives are more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Avoid wearing

A more direct and less formal alternative.

Do not wear

A simple and straightforward command.

Abstain from wearing

A more formal and emphatic way to express avoidance.

Keep from wearing

Suggests a conscious effort to avoid.

Desist from wearing

A formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

Refuse to wear

Emphasizes a deliberate choice not to wear something.

Forgo wearing

Implies a voluntary sacrifice or omission.

Hold back from wearing

Suggests restraint in wearing something.

Eschew wearing

A formal term meaning to deliberately avoid using.

Neglect to wear

Indicates a failure or omission in wearing something, possibly unintentional.

FAQs

What does "refrain from wearing" mean?

The phrase "refrain from wearing" means to abstain or avoid wearing something. It's a polite or formal way of asking someone not to wear a particular item.

When is it appropriate to use "refrain from wearing"?

It is appropriate to use "refrain from wearing" in formal settings or when giving polite instructions. For example, you might see this phrase in dress codes or posted rules.

What can I say instead of "refrain from wearing"?

You can use alternatives like "avoid wearing", "do not wear", or "abstain from wearing" depending on the context.

Is "refrain from wearing" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "refrain from wearing" can sound too formal for everyday conversation. In casual settings, it's better to use simpler phrases like "don't wear" or "avoid wearing".