Ellen White on Modest Undergarments and Reform Dress

A woman should ensure that her limbs are thoroughly and modestly clad, with any pants worn as undergarments being of the same color as the dress and long enough to meet the shoe so they do not appear fantastic or out of place2SM 478.3+1.

The Principles of Modest and Healthful Attire

• Uniformity and Design: Those who adopt the reform dress should obtain correct patterns for the pants and sack to ensure the outfit is represented with order, taste, and neatness1T 521.2. It is essential to have the pants and dress of the same color and material to avoid a fantastic appearance1T 521.2.

• Complete Protection: Whatever the length of the dress, women should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as men to protect against currents of air and ensure pure blood circulation2SM 478.3+1. This is best achieved by wearing lined pants that are either gathered into a band at the ankle or full and tapering to meet the instep of the shoe2SM 478.3+1.

• Modesty in Appearance: The dress should reach somewhat below the top of the boot or below the knee, remaining short enough to clear the filth of the street without needing to be raised by hand2SM 478.3+2.

• Biblical Foundation: True adornment is not found in outward displays of costly array, but in the "hidden man of the heart" and the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" 1 Peter 3:3-5+1.

• Avoidance of Extremes: While the limbs must be protected, women must not adopt a style that imitates the opposite sex, such as wearing a man's cap, vest, or coat, as this leads to confusion and is an abomination Deuteronomy 22:51T 459.7+1.

...e best they can to exercise taste and ingenuity in fixing over old garments, making them new again. Be particular to have the pants and dress of the same color and material, or you will appear fantastic. Old garments may be cut after a correct pattern and arranged tastefully, and appear like new. I be...— 1T 521.2 (1885)

...ousand who clothes her limbs as she should. Whatever may be the length of the dress, females should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as the males. This may be done by wearing lined pants gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe. ...— 2SM 478.3 (1958)

The limbs should be clothed with pants, always cut after an approved pattern, made tapering to meet the instep of the shoe. Custom and fashion will have their false standard of modesty, and will feign to blush and appear h...— HR May 1, 1872, par. 13 (1866)

In some places there exists great opposition to the short dress. But when I see some dresses worn by the sisters I do not wonder that people are disgusted, and condemn the dress. Where the dress is repre...— T12 35.2 (1867)