How to Dress Modestly: A Biblical Blueprint

Hey ladies! Welcome to our quick guide on how to dress modestly according to the Bible. With fashion trends constantly changing, how can we make sure we're sticking to God's standards? The Good News is that God never changes. This guide will address heart issues about modesty and provide a visual blueprint that fits every style.

Embracing Modesty as a Command

Modesty is more than a fashion style, it's a virtue, a high moral standard, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

The word gentleness in Greek is prautes which also means humility. A synonym of humility is modesty. The condition of our hearts is more important than making the outside look holy. For you to truly embrace a modest appearance, you must embrace being humble about your looks and your life.

First, realize that modesty doesn't make you better or less than another person. Neither does it make you more righteous in God's eyes. Modesty is a self-discipline and a command from God but it can never make you right if your heart is filled with pride.

We talk more about this in our FREE Modesty Playbook, a quick introduction to the benefits of modesty with visuals.

What is Considered Modest Clothing?

Technically, there aren't any clothing pieces that are prohibited in the Bible in the New Testament. However, if we look at biblical truth about modesty, purity, and holiness, we can follow a blueprint about what to wear and what not to wear. Let's look at some points taken from 1 Timothy 2:9 below.

"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and discreetly in proper clothing, not with [elaborately] braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothes,"

• Dress Modestly: To dress modestly is to dress with humility. It means you’re not choosing clothes that show off too much body and too much wealth. Your heart has to be in the right place to dress modestly. If your heart is humble, you’ll dress in a way that isn’t eye-grabbing and distracting from the Lord. 

• Dress Properly: To dress properly is to dress correctly and appropriately for your body type and different settings. Dress in clothes that fit your style and body structure and are appropriate for certain settings like church, school, or even working out. 

• Dress Decently: To dress decently is to be well put together. It means you’re dressed in a way that avoids immodesty and obscenity. The way you dress isn’t going to offend someone. Even the quotes on your shirt are appropriate and respectful.

• Dress Discreetly: To dress discreetly is to cover your private parts. It means to hide what’s sexually arousing and the parts your husband would enjoy. If it's not for their eyes you cover it. 

Modest Fashion Examples

Here are some modest outfit examples to give you an idea of what would fit the guidelines above. 

Flowy Dresses and Skirts

When shopping for dresses and skirts, choose flowy styles like pleated, flared, maxi, asymmetrical, etc. These styles provide breathing room and allow you to move around freely.

Avoid these types of skirts and dresses: body con, pencil, mini, tube, etc. They hug the body too tightly, provide less breathing room, and reveal panty lines and outlines of intimate areas.

Mindful Necklines

When selecting tops, opt for styles with modest necklines such as crew necks, scoop necks, or V-necks. Avoid plunging necklines that reach the cleavage. For examples of tops to wear, see the women above. Here's an example of the tops to avoid: bustier, back out, cutouts, belly out, halter tops, etc.

Off the shoulders are okay within reasonable lengths.

P.S. If you have shirts that reveal too much cleavage, order a Modesty Panel from our sister-in-Christ, Leah.

Modest Pants and Jeans

This might ruffle some feathers, as I know many women believe that women shouldn't wear pants (I was raised in a church that believes this). Nothing prohibits women from wearing women's pants besides the personal conviction of a few believers. Here are pants that fit biblical standards.

These pants aren't too tight and if you have pants that fit pretty snugly, adding a cardigan or a flyaway would be cute and more appropriate.

Avoid sheer pants, ripped jeans with rips too high on the thighs, mini shorts, Daisy Dukes, leggings without coverage, etc.

Christians With Expensive Tastes

It is not a sin for Christians to purchase expensive items. If you live a life of humility and generosity and earn an honest living, why not? It is something to thank God for. What makes purchasing expensive brands sinful is the heart of the person. 1 Timothy 2:9 says to dress modestly and appropriately, and also don't draw attention to yourself with elaborate hairstyles, expensive jewelry, and clothing.

Sometimes we are only dressing to impress people rather than dressing to please our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you know you're prone to impressing others, it's best to leave your name brands in the closet or sell them.

And when it comes to your hair, sometimes you can tell how much wealth someone has by their hairstyles, especially in those biblical days.

Modesty Accessories

What accessories can you add to your modest fashion? The same accessories anyone would choose like scarves, hijabs, jewelry (without being flashy), jackets and cardigans, hats and beanies, and whatever pairs well.

What you should avoid, is anything that gives off a sensual tone like fishnet stockings, stilettos, lace, g-strings, and the like. If you'd wear it to please your husband, you shouldn't wear it in public.

Closing Thoughts

Dressing modestly can seem like a challenge in a world that glorifies sensuality and sexiness. But anyone with a fear of God and a desire to please Him will seek the truth in scripture and apply it to their daily lives. I hope this is what we accomplished on this topic. For more truth about modesty and to keep these points handy, download our free Modesty Playbook with visuals to help you when you shop!

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