Why Dress Modestly?

Modesty. You've probably heard that word before and you might even have a negative reaction to it. It's a word that has been almost completely rejected in our times today. 

Throughout history, it has been a topic of debate and conflict. It has been an issue that has been nearly if not entirely focused on the woman, and, more specifically, her body. Because of this, young women are enraged by the idea of modesty today. It has lost all of its beauty and goodness and is instead regarded as a bad, ridiculous and offensive notion. 

Modesty is presented to women as a way to keep men from looking at them in a sexual way or to stop men from falling into sin. And, while this can be a part of modesty, it isn't and shouldn't be the real reason behind our striving for modesty. This concept has women all around the world saying:

"Why do I have to dress in a way I don't want to, just because a man can't keep his eyes off me?"

While there is nothing wrong with wanting to help our brothers (and sisters) in Christ to live a more virtuous life in the way we dress, I want to present to you a truer picture for the design of modesty.

I do not dress in a modest fashion because I am ashamed of my body or because my body is bad, I dress in a way that is modest because I have dignity and respect for my body and those around me, but also because my body is so good and it belongs to my God who gave it to me.

What is it?

According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary the word modesty means "behaviour, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency".

Unlike the way modesty is proposed today, the actual definition can be applied to both women and men and also covers more than the everyday attire of the person. It encompasses one's behaviour and manner - their speech, actions, makeup, hair and clothing.

What does the Catechism say?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that modesty "Inspires one's choice of clothing." (CCC 2522) meaning that modesty isn't the way one dresses, but rather modesty is a way of living. It is a lifestyle. A choice and a practice.

Additionally, "It [modesty] guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity." (CCC 2521). 

The Catechism also says that "Teaching modesty to children and adolescents means awakening in them respect for the human person." (CCC 2524)

Modesty is about the person who practises it and how they view and interact with others. It allows a person to respect the dignity of others and themselves.

What does the Bible say?

The Lord said to Samuel "...man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). Modesty allows us to look beyond the appearance of a person and instead see them as a son or daughter of God. 

The Bible also says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We should be using our bodies to glorify God. Acting in accordance with His plan for humanity. 

We should be living in a modest way so that when the world looks at us they see our God instead of ourselves.

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

The Lord wishes for us to adorn ourselves with good works! To adorn ourselves not with things of this earth but instead with kindness and generosity so that He may be glorified by our lives.

Why does it matter today?

So now you understand what modesty really is and why it was important. Perhaps your thinking, "The Catechism also says 'The forms taken by modesty vary from one culture to another.' The lack of modesty in our world today is just a cultural shift." 

However, this isn't true. 

The lack of modesty in our world today isn't a cultural change. It is an utter and complete disrespect for the dignity of the human person. A deep and lasting desire to be seen that, without God, can never be fulfilled.

Our bodies, which were created by the Lord with a specific design and purpose, are sacred.

They are so special and important.

Just as they were thousands of years ago and will be for thousands more to come.

God intends for us to be known and seen as His children so that others may also come to know and love Him. Modesty allows for one to be seen as a person instead of its parts. More importantly, it allows others to see Christ through them.

A person who lives a life of modesty is a window for others to see Christ through.

Living in a modest way turns heads. It is different, unpredictable, unusual. Modesty is beautiful.

The Important Points

So the takeaway points (or for those who don’t read the whole post, this is a summary):

1. Modesty isn’t just about how we dress. Modesty is a lifestyle - encompassing our speech, dress, and actions.

2. Modesty applies to both men and women 

3. Modesty is about respecting our bodies and using them in a way that glorifies God

4. Modesty isn’t about hiding our bodies because we are ashamed but because they are sacred

5. Our bodies belong to God and we should be using them in a way that leads others to Him.

6. Modesty is still important today because our bodies are just as special today as they were thousands of years ago.

Modesty isn’t just about the way one dresses but instead the way one lives. Modesty is about the reason one lives. It shows their values, their desires, their confidence. It shows their identity as a son or daughter of Christ.

Modesty is about using our bodies to glorify the Lord.

It isn’t hiding your body because you are ashamed but rather covering what is sacred because you are confident in your worth and you do not need to show what is sacred in order to feel seen.

Hopefully that gave you another way of looking at modesty. Your body is sacred. You are beautiful, not because of how you look but because you are a child of God.

You are called for something more.

Now I would like to leave you with a quote from none other than Coco Chanel:

“Modesty is the highest elegance.”