Biblical Perspectives on Modesty and Women's Attire

Wearing jeans is not an appropriate form of clothing for God-fearing women because they do not reflect the chaste simplicity and distinct femininity required of Christ’s followersCCh 180.5+1. God has considered the matter of a plain distinction between the dress of men and women of sufficient importance to give explicit directions in His Word Deuteronomy 22:51T 459.7.

The Standard of Distinction

• A Divine Order: God's order is reversed and His special directions are disregarded when women adopt styles that imitate the opposite sex as nearly as possible1T 459.7+1.

• An Abomination: The Bible specifically states that a woman shall not wear that which pertains to a man, for doing so is an abomination to the Lord Deuteronomy 22:5T11 6.1.

• Preventing Confusion: God designed a plain distinction in dress because the same dress worn by both sexes causes confusion and a great increase in crime1T 459.7+1.

Modesty and Character

• Judging Character by Dress: A person's character is judged by the style of dress worn, and a refined taste will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attireCCh 180.5+1.

• Avoiding Display: Modest apparel excludes any device or style designed to attract attention to the wearer or to excite admirationMH 287.1.

• Inward Adorning: Christian women should prioritize the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit over the outward adorning of costly or worldly array 1 Peter 3:3-46MR 159.1+1.

The Principle of Health and Protection

• Clothing the Limbs: While jeans are not the standard, God requires that the limbs be thoroughly and modestly clothed to protect against currents of air and to equalize circulation1T 459.7+1.

• Appropriate Alternatives: In the past, women were encouraged to wear lined pants or drawers gathered at the ankle under a modest skirt of proper length to ensure health and modesty were both maintained1T 459.7+1.

• Simplicity and Economy: Choosing plain, durable material instead of fashionable or worldly styles allows for the practice of self-denial and the support of the Lord's work4T 639.1+1.

A Call to Separation

• Not Conformity but Transformation: Professed Sabbath-keepers should not be so near like the world in dress and actions that there is no distinction1T 131.1+1.

• A Living Illustration: God’s people are to be a living illustration of the inward adorning of the grace of God, standing as a rebuke to the pride and vanity of a degenerate age3SM 242.4+1.

• Focusing the Mind: Rather than allowing the dress question to fill the mind with worldly fashions, sisters should choose modest, durable material appropriate for the age in which we live12LtMs, Lt 19, 1897, par. 8+1.

True godliness will lead a woman to choose attire that is distinctly feminine, healthful, and modest, avoiding any style that blurs the lines God has established between the sexes 1 Timothy 2:9-101T 459.7+1.