As a global society, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the role fashion plays — it has become a powerful medium of self-expression, identity formation, and social commentary.
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As a global society, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the role fashion plays — it has become a powerful medium of self-expression, identity formation, and social commentary. As Imran Azeem, Shagufta, and Aliyah observe, “Across history, fashion has served as both a silent and vibrant language — a non-verbal form of expression that articulates identity, challenges norms, and provokes societal reflection.”
Yet, as children of God, we have also witnessed a degradation of moral values to which modern fashion often contributes to its pursuit of relevance and trend. Contemporary fashion culture promotes pleasure of the self, individualism, personalized identity, and unapologetic self-expression — consciously and subconsciously. While fashion and clothing in themselves are not sinful, the values and principles attached to modern fashion require discernment.
Any sincere attempt to place biblical boundaries on clothing is quickly dismissed as legalistic. Common responses echo phrases such as “My body, my choice,” “Wear what makes you happy,” “Dress to impress,” and “Let your clothes be your voice.” And so, we find ourselves asking: How low is too low? How sheer is too sheer? How much skin is too much skin? How tight is too tight? Perhaps these questions only scratch the surface — or perhaps they expose a deeper struggle.
If biblical modesty feels like a restriction on freedom, then its meaning has not yet been fully understood. A reflection like this may turn heads — and rightly so, it should also turn hearts. For we are living in a world torn by cultural war. Let us therefore examine our hearts through the lens of Scripture and consider what God says about adornment.
Growing up as a Baptist Christian in a traditional local church, I was never taught the depths of modesty. While modesty was assumed within the Body of Christ, it was rarely addressed as a foundational truth. Consequently, I lacked perspective and viewed modesty as merely a women’s issue. Society crafted this narrative so persuasively that, as a young girl, I believed women must cover themselves solely to prevent men from sinning.
It took years for God to lead my heart into deeper understanding. Modesty is no longer simply about appearance; it is about a greater Truth. How then should we, as Christians, understand modesty in light of Christ’s atonement?
To answer this, we return to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve walked with God, naked and without shame. But deception entered, they disobeyed, and their eyes were opened — unto death. Immediately, they recognised their nakedness, felt exposed, and attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves. Yet even in their fallen state, God showed mercy: He Himself made garments of skin to clothe them (Genesis 3:21).
Mankind’s first attempt at clothing was insufficient — and so are our best efforts today. But when my Father saw me, He provided the perfect covering. I was naked, and He clothed me. I was a beggar at His gate, and He covered me.
My clothes now serve as a reminder of God’s mercy toward me. Jesus Christ is my perfect covering. Only in Christ am I truly modest. The garments I wear are an outward reflection of the spiritual covering Christ provides — He hems me in behind and before (Psalm 139:5).
It was not only Eve who was immodest; Adam was equally so. All humanity — men and women alike — fell into shame. Over time, modesty came to be seen as a way to prevent men from sinning. But covering the body cannot cure the sin of the heart. Modesty was instituted as protection for our own hearts, guiding us to find our value in God (Isaiah 61:10).
Scripture calls all believers to modesty, with specific instruction to women (1 Peter 3:3–4; 1 Timothy 2:9–10). Christian women are set apart from worldly culture because true modesty emphasises the inner person — a gentle and quiet spirit, self-control, respectability, and good works. As Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”
Ultimately, biblical modesty or righteous adornment is God’s standard for His children. Modesty is more than covering the body; it is a posture of the heart. It honours God’s design, refuses to invite lustful attention, and rejects pride. I invite you on this journey of modesty — to see God’s creation, you and I made in His image, with a heavenly mindset.
Puritan Richard Baxter wrote, “The image of God must needs be the chiefest beauty of man: let that shine forth in the holiness of your lives.” We do not need to compete with the world’s fashion culture or the craving to be seen. Our clothing should testify to the truth of God’s love.
For many of us, as young people, clothing choices are made every day — before class, church, social gatherings, or even while posting pictures online. Trends change fast. Peer pressure is real. The desire to be noticed, accepted, or admired is strong. In such a world, modesty is not merely about what we wear; it is about remembering who we belong to.
Biblical modesty asks simple but honest questions:
• Does my clothing reflect my identity in Christ?
• Am I dressing to express gratitude for God’s covering or to seek attention from others?
• Does my online appearance point people to me or to Christ in me?
Modesty does not mean dressing poorly or without personality. It means choosing to honour God with our bodies, knowing they are temples of the Holy Spirit. It means resisting trends that objectify the body and embracing clothing that reflects dignity, self-respect, and grace.
For young men, modesty means learning to see others with purity and respect, not as objects shaped by culture’s standards. For young women, modesty means embracing beauty that flows from character, not pressure to compete for attention. For all of us, modesty is a daily reminder: I am clothed in Christ; therefore, I live differently.
Every time we get dressed, let it remind us of the shame of sin and the great cost of atonement. We are clothed in Christ’s righteousness; let us not misrepresent the God we represent. For in the clothes we choose to wear, we tell a story about whom we belong to.
Small choices matter. Every outfit we choose, every photo we post, every trend we follow quietly tells a story. The question is — what story do we want our lives to tell?
Every time we get dressed... Let us bear a solid witness.
Eyiekhrote Vero and TemjenienlaImsong