Since I began wearing skirts and dresses only in the Spring of 2012, I have had a lot of time to ponder my Why for what I do. If the rationale behind this lifestyle were not logically consistent, I probably would have dropped out long ago. The pressure to conform to society’s norms is strong and can come even from other Christians. I realized right from the begining that if I was going to be able to persevere in doing something as “radical” as wear skirts and dresses all the time, it was important for me to have some well-thought-out reasons for doing so.
Please let me share them with you, here. You don’t have to agree with me; just think about them and see if they don’t make sense. Then, share your thoughts at the end in the comment section.
(To make reading smoother, instead of saying, “skirts and dresses,” I’m only going to say, “dresses” — but I mean both things.)
Dresses still have meaning in today’s society
God wants us to maintain a distinction between male/female roles and between the clothing styles that reflect those roles:
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Deuteronomy 22:5
He wants men to look like men, and women to look like women. I think He wants more distinction, not less. What better way to distinguish our different natures than to have men wear the pants and women, the dresses?
We are so used to unisex styles (T-shirts and jeans, for example) that it might seem as if dresses have become obsolete; but no — the concept of dresses for women still has meaning in our society today.
I don’t know personally any man who would wear a dress. Why not? Because dresses are exclusively for women, not men. This is a powerful point! By wearing dresses, we women are claiming (or re-claiming) a clothing style that has traditionally, in Western Civilization, been branded “feminine.”
Western tradition has been influenced greatly by Christian values. These values have historically reflected a respect for the different roles of men and women, represented in part by our clothing styles. This changed with the women’s “rights” movement and the push for women to be like men. Even though there may be “feminine cuts” of pants, they are still pants and a result of Radical Feminism.
Instead of continuing the rebellious legacy of the Feminists, I would rather continue the gracious legacy of the old-fashioned housewives, content with their role at home. Wearing a dress (especially with an apron over it!) still reminds us of that role, even today.
Guidelines for modesty are given in the Bible
As Christians, we should be less concerned with society’s standards of dress — which are extremely low (even non-existent), let’s admit it — and more concerned with God’s standards of dress. What are they?
In the garden, Adam and Eve were naked and without shame, but once they sinned, they became aware of their nakedness and tried to cover themselves up with fig leaves. Their style of choice? Aprons. I don’t know about you, but when I think “apron,” I don’t immediately imagine something with a lot of coverage! The New Revised Standard version says, “loincloths.” Even worse.
“And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. . . . Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Genesis 3:7, 21
When God compassionately took Adam and Eve aside to mend their hasty efforts, what did He choose? Coats. A long coat would certainly cover much more of the body than an apron, or a loincloth, would. This was before there ever was a thing called, “culture.” We can’t say, “They dressed in coats (tunics) because that was the cultural norm for their time.” No; clothes hadn’t even existed before this, to be able to compare styles. It seems to me that since this happened before the arrival of culture, that it is therefore beyond culture; in other words, timeless.
The Hebrew word for coats in Genesis 3:21 is kathoneth. In various other passages of the Old Testament in the KJV it is translated 23 times as coat, five times as garment, and one time as robe. It means “tunic, under-garment; a long, shirt-like garment usually of linen.” The same word is used of Joseph’s coat of many colors and of Aaron and his sons’ priestly garments designed by God (the piece they wore a girdle/sash around, under the robe; in other words, a long tunic).
How will the saints be dressed in heaven? Long, flowing robes (Revelation 6:11; 7:9, 13-14). The word for this in Greek is stole. It means, “a loose outer garment for men extending to the feet, worn by kings, priests, and persons of rank.” Though the definition says this style was worn by men, in Revelation the group wearing this type of garment apparently includes all believers coming out of the great tribulation. In the KJV it is translated five times as robe, one time as long clothing, one time as long garment, and one time as long robe (in various New Testament passages). God dresses his saints in royal robes, like princes and princesses! Is this metaphorical, or will this be how the saints actually dress? My opinion is that it is both symbolic and literal. Why wouldn’t it be? This, too, is beyond the reach of culture and is what could be an indication of God’s unchanging standards.
So, when God tells women to dress with modesty (1 Timothy 2:9), He gives us certain guidelines that help us know what He considers “modest.” I don’t think it is just “what is modest for our particular culture.” Though perhaps the exact style of clothing may vary, it seems to me that the amount of coverage would remain consistent throughout the ages and in whatever culture we find ourselves in. As a result of my research, I believe that God wants us to cover the same amount of our bodies that a tunic would cover: at least from the shoulders to the knees, as a bare minimum (in my studies, I also found that most tunics worn by women in Bible times reached to the ankles; we will be talking more about length below).
Long dresses for women is mentioned in the Bible
In 1 Timothy 2:9, an interesting Greek word is used for the English word, “apparel.” It is katastole, and it refers to a style of garment which flows down, a dress. We already discussed what a stole is: the saints wear this in heaven. And kata– means downward. So a kata-stole, is a robe going downward. This seems to emphasize not only the type of garment (it couldn’t be translated as “breeches,” or “trousers,” for example, which are items of clothing only mentioned in connection with men, in the Bible), but the length of the garment, as well. The idea is for it to be of a modestly long length. This word is only used once in the New Testament.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10
First of all, notice that it is with “shamefacedness” that women are to adorn themselves. This makes me think of a woman who would be embarrassed to wear something that would show her body too much; it would bring a blush of shame to her face. She would feel uncomfortable in something inappropriate. She is not yet so hardhearted that she is past feeling shame.
“Sobriety” makes me think of a woman who is sober, clear-thinking. She isn’t silly, all about fashion, all about what makes her look good or sexy. She has good sense.
This verse gives not just a suggestion, but a command. It gives not just a description of “how people dressed back then,” but a direction for how Christian women at any time ought to adorn themselves, it seems to me. The Bible was inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16), and that means every word, including the word katastole.
Here we find specific instructions for how women are to dress, though it says nothing of men. Could a man wear a robe? That wouldn’t be inconsistent with the Bible. Could a man wear trousers? That wouldn’t be inconsistent with the Bible, either. So, I guess a man could wear either. But could a woman wear trousers? Nowhere in the Bible do we see a precedence for that. However, we do see a precedence for robes or dresses for women; that is something that is consistent with the Bible.
It appears as if God is being specific here about what He means by “modest apparel”: it’s the sort of clothing that drapes down close to the feet, a dress. A skirt that hangs down close to the feet would probably fit that description, too. This type of garment is something longer than a tunic that reaches merely to the knees, as discussed earlier. But a long tunic coming to the ankles (or somewhere near that) and this katastole-type dress hanging downward appear to be consistent with each other. This gives us even more clarity.
Someone might say, “Well, God used the word katastole because that is what women of that time were wearing and they would understand what He meant if He used that term. For their time and culture, a katastole is what they were familiar with and what was modest for them. Or perhaps God was telling them that when they wore their katastole‘s to make sure and do it modestly. That doesn’t mean we have to wear a katastole today, though.” I understand that reasoning. It is used to explain away other passages of the Bible, as well (including the headcovering passage). It certainly is one way of aproaching this issue. Though there is a possibility that it may be right, I don’t think it is, and I will explain why not.
How do we know that God didn’t intend for us to wear katastole‘s? Obviously, the term doesn’t specify a certain style of katastole; it doesn’t give us an inch measurement, color, how many yards of fabric, if it is gathered or pleated or straight, if it has fringe, etc. It merely tells us that it is a dress, and that it covers the body downward to the feet, as opposed to trousers or a very short tunic. Why did the Holy Spirit use that word? He could have used something more general, like the Greek word for clothing, which I’m pretty sure is not katastole. What if God really did mean for us to take this literally? If we brush this passage and the meaning of its words aside as inconsequential, then we could be guilty of twisting the Word of God! “What if He didn’t intend for us to take it that way?” Yes, and what if He did? I think it’s safer to assume that it’s there for a reason, and that reason is that God wanted us to obey it. It’s His rule for Christian women, and I don’t believe that rule would change just because the culture around us changes.
Are we really going to try and form a standard based on our fluctuating and depraved culture? How would we have any way of knowing what is modest if we take away the standard of God’s Word? If we say, “Well, we just need to follow what is modest for our own culture,” we’ve basically made a non-sensical remark. Our culture doesn’t really have a standard for modesty. The definition is always changing; what was considered “immodest” yesterday is considered “modest” today. And yet, to repeat what I said earlier, we still have vestiges of a past tradition, to where even today skirts and dresse are recongnized as uniquely belonging to women, however immodestly women may wear them in our culture.
It makes the most sense
I’m not making the claim that there is only one way to dress correctly, and that it’s mine. I’m not perfect, and I could be misunderstanding something (though I don’t think so). If someone thinks they have a better way of being both modest and feminine, then let them do that. I will cautiously concede that there might be multiple variations / combinations that could all equally fit with Scripture’s guidelines. But if, after carefully considering all those variations, wearing long dresses still makes the most sense, then why not do that?
I simply want to be as consistent as I possibly can with biblical morality.
Please hear me out on this: It seems to me that the only way Christians who dress disrepectfully and immodestly can live with themselves is by stuffing their conscience back down into the bottom of their pocket. They know they’re not being consistent, but they refuse to confront it. Why don’t we stop living that way? I think it’s time — as Christians — to live more intentionally for Christ in all the different aspects of our walk on this earth, which would include the way we present ourselves to others through the way we dress, the first thing a watching world notices about us, before we ever say a word.
Long, flowing, modest dresses are reasonable for women because they not only cover the skin, they cover the form beneath. This helps preserve the honor and dignity of our bodies by not showing them off to the world. No, we don’t have to wear shapeless flour sacks; but, I think it is worth asking ourselves: Am I revealing my body to men who don’t deserve to see it? Though pants cover skin, they don’t conceal the form of our private areas (bottom and crotch). Is that really what we want men to see? Better yet, is that really what God wants men to see?
Addressing practical concerns
I’ll be completely honest with you: not all my skirts and dresses are down to the ankles. I have some that are a few inches below the knee, and others that are just below the knee. Does that surprise you after all I’ve written so far? Let me explain.
My preference, if things were ideal, would be for all my skirts and dresses to be ankle length, and I do try to work toward that standard. However, when looking for modest clothing I will sometimes sacrifice one area for the sake of another. For example, one dress may be very long but will be a bit too clingy. Another dress may not be as long but will not be as clingy. Which one is the better buy? This is an example of how I look at the overall modesty a garment can give me, instead of expecting every detail to be perfect.
I have a knee-length dress with jeggings underneath for riding my bike; this is also why I bought the skorts I have (I wear them at other times, too, though mostly at home). Sometimes I will buy something that is on sale because I need a new skirt or dress but can’t afford the other, more ideal option. Sometimes people will give me things. Or perhaps I need something that fits my body a certain way (think pregnancy or post partum), or enables me to nurse the baby (think skirt instead of dress) and that matches a certain blouse. I think that there are some acceptable variations in how we can be modest while wearing skirts and dresses. I have grace for myself, and I don’t want to be too hard on others, either. I think it’s very important to know what the Bible says and work toward that ideal (which is lovely and good!), but we also face limitations. Let’s just do our best with what we have and what we can afford!
Skirts and dresses only for women is modest, feminine, and beautiful. I believe that’s how God would want us to dress. Not only that, but I suspect that is how many women secretly want to dress, too; but sadly, they don’t because they feel insecure about it. My advice for the Christian women of today is to not let peer pressure control us. We have the freedom — in Christ — to rise above our culture’s depravity and insanely low standards, above the masses that are all doing the same thing as everybody else, above the social expectations that suffocate the individuality and loveliness out of us, and say, “No more!” We can come out from under that burden and be truly free, free to be the feminine, dignified women God created us to be.
Read more good reasons for wearing long dresses: Puritan News Weekly, “Should Women Wear Long Dresses?”
- What “arguments” in favor of dressing modestly by wearing skirts and dresses only stand out most to you? Do you have any more to add that perhaps I’ve missed?
- What has your personal modesty journey looked like?
- Why do you think our culture’s way of dressing has changed so much over the last 100 years?
~Jessica
Thanks Jessica. It was the norm for men to divide the legs by drawing up their tunic hems between them. Gourding the loins I think it’s called, or similar.(Women did not do so.)Original pants!! God bless you in Jesus.
Susan,
Thanks for sharing that additional information. That’s something I hadn’t heard of before!
~Jessica
A very good article. I have decided to wear only skirts and dresses as well, though I am only 17. I am having a difficult time finding modest but feminine shirts to wear as well. Also, are you an Orthodox Christian? I am Russian Orthodox (but I am born an Australian).
Hi, Jemima, I’m glad you enjoyed my article!
I’m so impressed that you have decided to wear skirts and dresses only — that’s great! It truly can be rewarding.
Finding feminine, modest shirts is a problem for me, too. I usually have to pair my shirts with either a high-collared undershirt (in the case of a low-collared shirt) or a long camisole (in the case of a short shirt) in order for them to be modest. Koshercasual.com has some nice options in undershirts (I think they call them “shells”).
Though I do not belong to the Orthodox church, I do regard myself as having orthodox beliefs (in other words, I believe the main doctrines that true Christians have always held to).
Thanks for stopping by!
~Jessica
I started wearing skirts only this week. And I have a sewing machine so I’m turning my Jean’s and khakis into skirts. I saw a YouTube video on it. I just made some adjustments to make it modest .
Thank you for sharing Jessica. I have been wearing skirts and dresses (my husband prefers dresses and jumpers) for 16 years now. I couldn’t dress any other way! You made good points here.
Celina,
Sixteen years — wow! That’s more than twice the amount of years I’ve been wearing skirts and dresses only!
I like the idea of wearing jumpers. Though I love skirts, they can get pulled on by toddlers. Do you make them yourself? Or do you buy them from someplace? I might be interested in making or getting myself a couple (if I already asked you this, I’m sorry for the redundancy).
~Jessica
I make most of my own things now. Especially with another baby on the way I need things for nursing. I have a nursing dress pattern with four different looks so I can make a variety of dresses. I have found some things at thrift stores. They are usually few and far between though. 😀
Celina,
I’m not very good with patterns, but could you tell me: where did you get the pattern for your nursing dress? Or, if I could buy a dress like the one you have, I might be able to just look at it and copy its structure (I’m no expert, but I am a little desperate for modest dresses that work for me — I need things for nursing, too).
~Jessica
I believe I got it from EBay. Apparently it’s a pattern that’s not readily available but if you want to email me privately with your size I can perhaps copy what you need and the directions and coach you through it. I’d be happy to do that. 😊
Celina,
Yes, that would be great if you could email me (my contact form is on this blog if you don’t have my address, but I think you do?).
Thanks!
~Jessica
You can check on EBay for Elizabeth Lee Designs breastfeeding patterns. The one I bought wasn’t there but there are other patterns designed by her, some nursing tips and dresses. I’d still be happy to send you what I have as well if it would help.
Celina do you have a blog anymore? I used to follow your blog Christian Homestead but I saw it is gone. I really learned a lot from it. Even at my “old” age I learned much Biblical truths.
I’ve been wearing skirts all my life. I knew there was a great reason. I’m in 7th grade some people think it’s weird others don’t. When people get mad at you they pick things that only you do. I guess they notice but I stand up for my self.
Thanks for sharing that, Alana! I’m happy to see your bravery in the face of opposition. You’re a wonderful inspiration!
~Jessica
Hello! I have decided to wear only skirts and dresses even though I am only 12! I feel so free to wear skirts and dresses even though some of my family doesn’t agree with me. I am trying my best to dress the way God wants women to dress! Also the article was amazing! 🥰
Hi, Jaida!
I was so pleased to receive your message about wearing skirts and dresses! Yes, it takes courage to do something uncommon, and encouragement from other ladies (and girls!) is always so important! Do your parents support your decision?
Thank you!
~Jessica
Jaida,
I wasn’t sure from your comment where you said that “some of my family doesn’t agree with me” if you were speaking about your parents, or about other family (aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc.). If your parenst support your decision, then great! But if your parents don’t support it, then you should obey them. Keep skirts and dresses in your heart for later on when you become an adult. In the meantime, try and dress as modestly as possible, and try and be as feminine a woman as you can, letting God’s Word be your guide of what it means to be a woman.
I appreciate your comment so much! Thanks for reaching out!
~Jessica
Jaida – good for you ! Always obey your parents and keep yourself modest but enjoy cherishing the femininity with which God blesses us.
I have been skirts only for much the same time and like you I do mostly wear dresses.
Especially during pregnancy, nursing and with young children it is more practical and comfortable.
Aside from modesty, skirts are quite simply an outward expression of femininity and of our actively embracing the roles for which God made us.
Thank you Jessica for this great article. I would have loved to have raised my now adult girls to wear dresses and skirts only. But I needed to follow my husband’s leading to not force them to wear only dresses and skirts. I’ve been dresses only since 2004. But I wasn’t covering yet.
Thanks for adding your reply, Regina!
Dresses-only since 2004 — that’s about 15 years! I’m so impressed!
I understand where you’re coming from when you mentioned how you and your husband raised your daughters. I’m sure your wonderful example has been a beautiful influence in your daughters’ lives. Though they are not currently wearing dresses all the time like you do, you never know when they might decide to do so. And, you have raised them to be sweet, kind, and thoughtful, which counts for a whole lot!
~Jessica
Thank you Jessica. They have grown into lovely young ladies.
I didn’t start covering until about five years ago myself. 😀
That’s awesome Celina! Do you cover all the time?
Great article! I have been wearing skirts only for almost 22yrs. One day the Lord got a hold of my heart and I took all my jeans transformed what I could into long denim skirts and used the left over fabric and made rice socks for holistic care during “that time” 😊
One portion of scripture that really got a hold of me was 1 Timothy 2:9.
I was able to really dig into the Greek meaning of the word modest.
This is what I learned. In the scripture above the word modest is the Greek word “katastolh” (katastole) which means long flowing garment.
Modest therefore is long and flowing, not short, fitting, or split. Most pants do not flow and even the long palooza pants are split (they do not flow into one price of fabric). And since they are not a long flowing garment, they do not qualify as a katastole.
Again this is my observation and my reasoning to wear skirts. 😊 I would never judge another for wearing pants or what they feel is modest.
Your article was great as always and you have wonderful ideas. I totally enjoy reading your blog.
Oh and my family loved the card from Coral! It holds a special place on my wall. Thank you 💜
Thank you so much, Rosemarie!
Almost twenty-two years wearing skirts only — you inspire me!
The definition of “modest apparel” you found is very helpful, too. Thank you for sharing that; it’s one more good reason to wear skirts and dresses!
And I’m so glad you got Coral’s card. I still have your letter, and I’m hoping to write back soon! Thanks!
~Jessica
Yokes in my comment I meant to put modest “apparel” not just modest. I’m sorry. LoL
I really appreciated your article. There was nothing legalistic in your approach. I’ve struggled with the issue of wearing skirts/dresses all the time. I grew up a tomboy, only wearing a dress or skirt to church. After I graduated college and began my career, pants were highly acceptable and worn by all of the women in my circle. I wore pants all the time but was conscientious to wear modest or long tops and loose fitting pants. After I married, my husband liked when I wore dresses but didn’t require it of me. I didn’t feel all that comfortable in them so I didn’t wear them that much. I did dress my two daughters in dresses/skirts frequently because my husband wanted them to look and be more feminine. Now, as a result of reading God’s word regarding modesty, I’m reassessing what I’ve done my whole life in this area. I want to please Him. I’ve spent the last few months adding skirts/dresses to my wardrobe as our budget allows and I got a part time job at a women’s clothing store to make it easier to buy skirts at a discount. So I’m on my way to adopting this as an everyday lifestyle, but the winter is presenting some challenges that bring me to a practical question…. How do you stay warm in a skirt???
I just started wearing skirts this week. I turned my pants into skirts. I saw YouTube videos on it to get an idea on how to do that. I practiced on my toddlers pants and then did mine. It’s cold now so I wear those leggings with fuzz inside them to keep warm underneath the skirt . Also there’s a YouTube video on how to turn your current wardrobe into a modest wardrobe.
Rosemarie comment about the card reminded me to have you tell her thank you for the card. She’s a sweetie and please tell her I’m sorry for the late thank you. I had the flu over Christmas and I still have a cough.
Regina,
That’s okay, we totally understand! Yes, I will let Coral know. She was very adamant that she wanted to send you a card, since she remembers you from the times we visited. Only, she thinks your name is “Angelina,” and I keep having to tell her, No, it’s “Regina.” 🙂 Ha, ha — she just turned five.
I’m sorry to hear about your cough. That stinks. I hope it gets better soon, though.
~Jessica
I have worn skirts and dresses exclusively since late 2003. I have always preferred them but made that commitment when I got engaged to my husband.
I did not see it a religious issue at first although I did understand the importance of modesty. But increasingly I have come to see an overt expression of our acceptance of our God given role, an active embracing of our femininity and again modesty as part of our devotion to God, our husband and our family (especially our daughters).
Susanne,
Thank you for sharing that with us! I do totally agree with you that wearing skirts and dresses only is an expression of our acceptance of our God-given role. And that, despite how many people insist that the culture has changed and that pants are no longer “unfeminine” but acceptable for women, as well. They say that, but what is the reality? I think that pants do influence women to have a certain manliness that they would not have in a skirt.
~Jessica
I seem to go through phases of wearing skirts only and then also wearing pants and jeans occasionally. I think, though, the majority of the time I just prefer to wear a skirt or dress, 9 times out of 10. Once, I was out with a friend and I just happened to wear pants and she joked how she had never seen my legs before! I had someone else tell me “only you would wear a long flowy skirt in the middle of winter”! Lol! I don’t mind, I like my skirts, even if it’s “different”. Pants can not only be immodest but they can be very uncomfortable and trying to find a good fit without it being tight is such a hassle! They always fall down on me, and I don’t think it’s very modest to be tugging up my pants all day long!! I wore dresses for the majority of my pregnancy, and now being postpartum and nursing I’m wearing a lot of skirts. I found a fleece lined skirt on Amazon, which I think will be perfect for the cold weather we are having right now.
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Mrs D! I appreciate your sharing your experiences!
When I first started wearing skirts and dresses only, I did reserve a couple of pants for special occasions. I remember going up into the mountains one time, and I thought pants would be more practical. However, I soon found out that I could make skirts work out for pretty much any situation. And besides, as you say, they’re more comfortable, too!
I wonder: could you share the link to that skirt on Amazon? I think many readers might be interested to see another warm, winter option!
Thanks!
~Jessica
Sure! Here is the link: IDEALSANXUN Women’s Autumn Winter… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2GRFTM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That’s interesting you mentioned being in the mountains—I’ve been wondering about finding a skirt I can use while hiking. I would imagine an athletic skirt and leggings combo or a skort would probably be the best option?
Mrs D,
Thanks for the link! The skirt does look very warm! I’ve actually seen similar skirts on https://newcreationapparel.com which are made out of “sweatshirt” material.
I think that for hiking in the mountains, an athletic or denim skirt with leggings underneath should work out fine! I’ve just recently discovered skorts at https://www.dressingforhisglory.com which I really hope to try out this year. 🙂
~Jessica
Oh cool! I will have to check out those places! Thanks 🙂
Mrs D, Thanks so much for the link! I was able to find several nice skirts. 🙂
Ah, this was a wonderful article!! Beautifully put, and I totally agree with all points!!
– I completely agree with the issue of false reasoning through “the Bible never says women have to wear skirts, so I don’t have to!” Oh, goodness. That mindset permeates Christian culture today, and it has done so much harm. You can justify almost anything through the “the Bible never SAYS” mindset – anything from the monstrous and enormous (“The Bible never SAYS I can’t get an abortion!”), to the everyday (“The Bible never SAYS I can’t throw out food I don’t like!”) There are many, many situations and actions that are not particularly prescribed or forbidden by the Bible – but by using a logical sequence of Biblical morality and ethics (life ethics, gratitude, respect), etc., it is possible to make solid value judgments about everyday life. And what you said about skirt-wearing based on biblical values simply makes sense.
– I simply don’t understand the leggings phenomenon among Christian women. It’s basically just changing your skin color – not covering anything! Oh, modesty is an area in which we need to reawaken the church! And as you say, skirts cover a woman’s form as well as her skin – and both are important.
– I love this practical guideline – beautiful and perfectly put: “Though perhaps the style of clothing may vary, it seems to me that the amount of coverage would remain consistent throughout the ages and in whatever culture we find ourselves in. ”
And I love this:
“We have the freedom — in Christ — to rise above our culture’s depravity and insanely low standards, above the masses that are all doing the same thing as everybody else, above the social expectations that suffocate the individuality and loveliness out of us, and say, “No more!” We can come out from under that burden and be truly free, free to be the feminine, dignified women God created us to be.”
Beautiful!!
It is perhaps not a coincidence that I came to headcovering and skirts-only (as well as deciding to let the Lord guide our family size) at roughly the same time. It was a time of intense growth when, with my husband’s encouragement, I was finally able to step out of the peer-pressure-induced mainstream and start taking steps toward what we felt the Bible says Christians are to do. I think that many of us are simply held hostage to the mainstream forms of lukewarm Bible interpretation and Christian living. Walking away from those bonds has given me such a sense of freedom.
Thanks for sharing!!
Dear Diana,
Thank you so much for leaving your very interactive comment, in which you closely interact with some of the things I said in my article! It was both extremely interesting and encouraging to read your thoughts!
Your comment about coming to a belief in modesty, headcovering, and letting God guide your family size: it was pretty much the same for me. I think it’s sort of a domino effect. When we start to give God control over one area, other areas follow as a matter of course; it can’t be helped. After all, the real issue behind the issue is the condition of our heart: do we have a humble heart willing to submit to our Lord, or are we still struggling to give Him control? And in order to give Him control, we must have faith. So ultimately, I would say this is really a faith issue. When God starts working on our faith, it transforms everything!
I’m so glad you can relate to what I said about being free from the pressure to conform! I think that some people see us as oppressed and legalistic; but that’s not the case at all, is it?
~Jessica
really? you really going back to the greek and or hebrew? don’t you have God’s perfect and pure word for the most common world wide language? so what are you doing messing with the greek and hebrew? as a King James Bible believer (one who actually has and BELIEVES that the bible i use is pure and perfect, no errors, no updates or fixes needed). you talked about burden in your modesty journey, as a member of the body of Christ (the REAL Church and God forbid that i refer to the roman catholic cult). if you believe the King James Bible and doubt none of it, and understand the history (agenda) of these modern bibles and what they were made for to do, that would be INNUMERABLE burden lifted. knowing that no man is lord over you in trying to give understanding of what God wanted to say. but to believe the book and let the Spirit of God guide you into all truth is a blessing i longed for and actually asked of the Lord (nothing wavering as James 1:5-7 talks about with asking without wavering, for he that wavereth, let not him think that he shall receive anything of the Lord) and i didn’t even know about it at the time, you see i just wanted a sure foundation of truth, and not to be ever learning and not ever coming to the knowledge of the truth (and that is what all of these modern perversionist users are like, what the bible says is not exact science, they have to go back to the greek and hebrew because of something they do not like. with greek and hebrew, you can make the bible mean anything. as a new. Christian, not knowing of this either, but still preconceiving the concept of 2Timothy 3:7). by this specific comment, i (in humbleness and charity) invite you to obtain the same blessing that the Lord gave me. and this blessing is knowing that God’s word is in our hands as the King James Bible and no book in history has ever lived as long and prospered as this blessed book. why is that? because the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper then any twoedged sword (Hebrews 4:12). let me ask you this though, if you do not have a pure, and perfect record, then how do you even know that your faith is true? what if it’s vain and all of these bibles that say on the contrary is the single and only error that they all have in common? without knowing what authority you have and what you can fall back on and rely on, you can’t really answer with absolute authority because you would have none to show to the unbelieving world that would ask for something tangible (like a book)
Isaiah Daniel,
I see that you are very passionate about the King James Version. Normally, I would not allow comments that spark debates (see the link in the sidebar to my Comment Policy), but in this case, I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my stance on this subject.
After reading James R. White’s book, The King James Only Controversy,( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764206052/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1 ) I became convinced that most modern translations are trustworthy. However, I do enjoy reading the KJV in my personal study and quote from it on my blog. Many people are familiar with its wording, and it is not only very literal but very poetic, too, which I like.
I think it’s useful to go back to the Hebrew and Greek because our earliest manuscripts were written in those languages, even before English existed. With modern discoveries of many more manuscripts than were available at the time the KJV was written, we have literally thousands of copies on which to rely for the most accurate translation of the Bible possible. Any discrepancies are minor and do not affect the main message of the Bible: the Gospel.
Thank you for your comment, since I think that you have good motives in wanting to share what you did. I’m not up for any sort of debate, but if you have any resources you would like to share, you can please do so quietly by leaving a very short comment with the links, which I can look into at my convenience. 🙂
~Jessica
I am a 62 year old woman; saved age 21: Compared a verse and made my decision. Acts 13:51 in the message bible sealed it as anathema to me. It reads: “51 Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium,” Whereas most bible translations keep it pointed as what God meant; The act of shaking the dust off the feet as a testimony against them… is of vital significance. However, I will not say KJV is necessary, by any means. The Holy Spirit is able to instruct through most versions; perhaps avoid the most recent. Keeping diligent and listening to Jesus.
~Meg
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about that topic, Meg! I hope to do more research on Bible versions in the future, but I agree that the Holy Spirit can use most versions to bring people to Christ, since in *overall* conent, they all say essentially the same thing.
~Jessica
Hi Thank you for your post. have been reading on dressing modestly as a woman. And want to learn more on how to do it. I mostly wear jeans and tshirts because it’s more comfortable. Jeans are not tight i like loose one. Most time i wear a light jacket on me if am wearing a sleeveless shirt to cover my arms. How would you advise someone to dress for the cold canadian winter and windy times with skirts and dresses please? Thank you
Hi, Ber!
Thanks for your comment! I always love to hear from other women who are seriously seeking how to be modest.
Dressing for the winter: I adivise long, denim skirts in an A-line or fairly straight (this keeps them from flying up). At least down to the lower calf, or preferably the ankles. Underneath, wear warm leggings or snug-fitting sweat pants. Tuck these into tall boots (that way nobody will see them). You can also wear a warm, cotton slip over the leggings and under the skirt, if you like. If you wear a long jacket or sweater over some layered shirts, and put a cute scarf around the neck, that should keep you plenty warm!
As you experiment, I’m sure you’ll find ways to tweak your personal clothing style to fit your needs. I’d love to hear how it goes! 🙂
Best of wishes,
~Jessica
I can’t complete with the Canadian winter but in the UK we can have cold spells and a lot of rain.
Remember that until reasonably recently all women (certainly the Christian world over) wore skirts / dresses exclusively including those who moved across the wilderness of North America and they had a much more difficult time than we do.
Wearing skirts and dresses is about honouring God and our husbands / family in two key things: modesty and in the celebration (rather than rejection) of our femininity and the role for which God made us.
Hi Ber! I live in Wisconsin where it can get very cold. Last winter the polar vortex hit and boy! THAT was cold! I wore flannel long johns under my long skirts on really cold days. Also, on normal cold days, thick tights-I think they were designed for cold weather- paired with a slip were my go to choice. I hope you find my ideas helpful!
Modesty is so important, and has been rather avoided until the last decade, as there has been an awakening toward holiness. Thanks for posting on the subject. The role of woman has been deflated and then falsely inflated, morphing into females that are stubborn, sensual, overly ambitious, self-centered, etc. It began with removing our lace and hats at church; then getting notes sent home in the 5th grade saying, “girls can now where pants.” Then women off to work… There has been a stealth agenda to ruin the family, reduce births/population, and ultimately take from mankind the purpose of glorifying God and His purposes. Sad, but knowing is essential in how we raise our children. Pray, pray for them. The world is out to destroy.
Dear Meg,
I truly appreciate your comments about modesty and the role of women! I think the stealthy agenda to ruin family comes from the Enemy, since he knows that a society without strong families will be more susceptible to his evil devices. I think that idea is totally in sync with what the Bible says: “the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” But, I have also noted that there is a growing movement among Christian women toward true holiness. That excites me and gives me hope! 🙂
~Jessica
You really made some good points. I have started to dress in skirts and dresses and I have been covering my hair for a little while now. I hope you have a blessed day 🙂
Thanks, Emily!
I’m happy to hear that you’ve started dressing modestly in skirts and dresses and that you’ve started covering your head. Sounds like you’re at the beginning of a great journey! Please feel free to keep me updated on how things go for you, and ask any questions you have. I would be happy to offer my support in any way I can!
~Jessica
Hello Jessica!
Thank you, this is such an encouragement!
I’ve been wearing skirts and dresses only since mid-december and I am binge-watching/reading your videos and blog posts since then!
I was wondering, at what age to you switch your little girls to skirts only? From birth to 6 months they are always in pyjamas, but after that what do you do?
Love&Blessings to you and your family!
Hi, Judith!
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I’m glad my videos and blog posts have been an encouragement to you! How nice that you have begun to wear skirts and dresses only!
I transition my girls into skirts/dresses only (dresses mostly) when they are about two to three years old. Before that, when they are learning to walk and are afterwards getting potty trained, it can be a bit tricky to wear dresses, though I do have them wear them some of the time. My baby is 1 1/2 and she hardly ever wears dresses at this point, since she is still a little wobbly and I don’t want her to trip. I do have some shorter baby dresses that I sometimes put on her, however.
I think it’s important to not wait too long, since even little girls can get so used to wearing pants that they become resistant to wearing dresses. And if we let them get to be teenagers without requiring them to wear skirts/dresses only, then it becomes very hard, I think. Oftentimes, if we leave it up to them, they will NEVER decide to wear skirts and dresses on their own since they are still immature and want to do what everybody else is doing, without really considering what is God’s will and what is best. I believe that’s why we, as the parents, need to make the decision for them: we’re a lot wiser and we’re responsible to “train them up in the way they should go.” Children don’t train themselves; we have to do it for them, whether they like it or not. Better, though, for them if they learn to like it. And that’s why I think starting earlier is better. 🙂
Thanks for the question, and I appreciate your kind remarks! God bless!
~Jessica
I am with you Jessica – from as early as possible. I put my daughters in dresses for going out dressed up, from the first and wherever possible over the baby grow etc at home. Certainly once they are able to walk confidently a dress (with suitable underthings) is no problem.
Great to hear from you, Susanne! Thanks for adding your thoughts!
~Jessica
I love to wear skirts and dresses I prefer them to jeans, pants, I feel so much more attractive, accepting and grateful for my figure, your article is great and feels supportive. I do occasionally wear jeans and it’s sort of funny but I wear long tunic over them almost like I covered them with a dress. I truly feel it was a meant to be dressing somewhat modest and with dresses and skirts. Dressing this way is not the norm in my community.
Enjoyed your take on this! In my walk with the Lord I’m really starting to draw some conclusions on what it truly means to be modest, both in heart and dress. Something I’ve been struggling with is how awkward it really feels on the days that I wear a skirt or am truly covered up in a modest way. I feel comfortable, but the more I dwell on it the more I feel “silly” for being so covered up. Sometimes even having thoughts of “my husband won’t find me attractive if I’m dressed this way”, when wearing clothes that don’t accentuate the curves of my lower body. Jessica do you have any advice for when thoughts like this come up?
Hi, Kayla! I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
I think that it IS possible to become more comfortable with dressing modestly as more time passes. After awhile, our habits, thoughts, and feelings have changed so much that we become uncomfortable when we do NOT dress modestly!
It seems to me that though we should not accentuate the curves of our body TOO much, on the other hand, we should wear clothing that is appropriate for the female form. As women, we do have curves, and that is part of what makes us look like women and not men. So, I like to wear clothing that is loose enough to not be extremely clingy, but not so loose that I look like I’m wearing a sack. There’s a balance.
My husband has almost never complained about my clothing (very few times in 8 years, on those occasions when something I was wearing was not the best look for me, and I appreciated his input). In fact, he says he likes the way I dress because it is so feminine and pretty. I would suggest that you try different, equally-modest styles and see which ones your husband likes the most. Perhaps some of your fears are only in your own mind; maybe your husband likes the way you look! Even if he does have a problem with something, you could probably fix it without being immodest.
Hope that helps! I love that we are able to encourage each other to be the feminine, modest women God calls us to be!
~Jessica
Kayla – my advice would be to talk to your husband. Explain how you feel. Explain how you feel called to dress in feminine modestly, to honour both the Lord and him as your husband. Say that also that you want to dress to please him and look good for him. Ask him what he prefers.
Remember that many men give the impression that they like women dressed immodestly, but that very rarely applies to their own wive and daughters.
Hi Kayla, I hope you don’t mind me sharing here. I too am beginning my modesty/feminine journey.. and used to LIVE in jeans 👖and button up, linen shirts. I have since tried on many, many styles of skirts and dresses to see which suits my shape best in a modest but fashionable way. I can honestly say, I have not missed the jeans too much, I still wear them every now and then, but have really embraced the dresses and actually prefer them as they are lightweight and way more comfortable, especially in our super humid summers (we live in Australia). I have a small selection of dresses that I wear at home only, that are #Tastefully less modest for my husband to see me in. (Eg, lower cut necklines, shorter hemlines etc). This strikes a lovely balance and creates separation from what “everyone” can see and your hubby, making it special. I hope this blesses you. Yours kindly, Michelle
I found a lot of my skirts on eBay and in charity shops
Thanks for the tips, Kim!
Hi Jessica,
I truly loved this blog and have started wearing skirts and dresses full time just recently. I also try and ensure that what i am wearing on top is not revealing. I have also gone to wearing plain practical shoes too, as it makes sense to complete my outfit.
Please keep posting these type of blogs! May God bless you always!
Hello, Alexa,
So nice to hear from you! I’m happy to hear that you have begun dressing more modestly — that’s wonderful! I’m also glad to know you enjoy reading articles about modesty; I certainly hope to write more. 🙂
~Jessica
Please do! I think they will help others to dress more appropriately.
I now wear dresses and skirts only as well. Previously I only wore jeans all the time. The change took some getting used to, but I love wearing dresses and skirts now and would never want to wear anything else. I have been very influenced by yourself and others, even though I thought the whole dresses and skirts only thing was a bit over the top to begin with. It doesn’t seem so silly now. Thanks.
Well done for making the change – it is truly a positive move !
Thank you so much for this article! I appreciated it very much!
I have been wearing dresses and skirts for about two years now, exclusively for one year. I am fifteen years old. None of my family does, but I believe that the Lord has called me to. I am currently studying covering, and praying seriously about it, because my family does not cover either. My mother is a very godly woman, and does what she believes is modest, but I want to be sure I am doing what is right between me and the Lord, while still honoring my parents. I would appreciate your prayers!!!
Also, thank you for your other articles on modesty and covering. May God bless you for your work in His kingdom!
Hello, Emma Mae,
Thanks for leaving a comment with your thoughts! I’m glad to know that you are trying your best to honor the Lord in the way you dress and that my articles have been a help to you. How neat to hear from someone who is younger and desiring to be modest and feminine!
I just prayed for you. May God lovingly guide you and your family in the way of unity and understanding as you all grow in the knowledge of His word. 💕
~Jessica