by Grace Raab
Why do I wear skirts full time?
- God Wants There To Be A Distinction Between The Sexes.
- Wearing Skirts Easily Adorns A Woman In Modesty.
- A Lady Wearing A Skirt Is Easily Identified As A Christian.
- A Warning To Christians.
- Let God lead you.
As a little girl and as a lady, I have worn skirts and dresses full-time my entire life.
I started doing it because my parents taught me to do so and because it was expected of me by my pastors and church families. I was always told the reasoning for it, but I never truly grasped the importance of this principle until recent years.
I want to say right away that this essay is by no means meant to offend anyone in the smallest measure, but is meant simply to provide explanation to those who have wondered about my peculiar dress code, and also to give clarity to Christian women who have lived this way because it was expected of them, but never really had a personal understanding of why.
There are many different reasons why I believe (based on the Bible) that God would have me wear skirts instead of pants.
God Wants There To Be A Distinction Between The Sexes.
Deuteronomy 22:5 “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.”
This verse describes a very specific principle of how God thinks about the way men and women should dress. Notice that it doesn’t just say that men shouldn’t dress like women, or that women shouldn’t dress like men; it puts the two in direct contrast with each other.
In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, it says: Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
This shows that God has a different idea for how men should wear their hair, and how women should wear their hair. We’ve just seen two different passages, one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, that portray an attitude of God, how He wants men and women to have a different outward appearance. God does not want men to look like women, and He doesn’t want women to look like men. Have you ever looked at someone from behind and not been totally sure whether you were seeing a male or female? Often, the people you’re viewing are even more confused about their gender than you are (or at least, they appear to be). I’m not saying that every girl who wears pants is necessarily trying to be a cross-dresser, but she is definitely coming a lot closer to it than if she were wearing a skirt.
God intentionally made me a woman, and I am proud to be one. Wearing skirts (obviously a woman’s apparel) is a huge way for me to embrace my God-given femininity, and it keeps me from contributing to the gender confusion that’s becoming so common in our culture today. When women as a society choose to wear clothing that so closely resembles a man‘s, it brings our society that much closer to confusion, and blurs the gender line all the more.
1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
It would take an entirely different Bible study to show all the places where God made men and women different, and how He created them with different roles and expectations, but their appearance is definitely one of the major areas with which God is concerned.
Going back to Deuteronomy 22:5, “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.”
The argument of a lot of Christians today is that this was an Old Testament law, not meant to be adhered to anymore, and even if it were, men and women’s clothing was so different back then that this law could never be applied today. Many of the Mosaic laws were abolished in the New Testament, yes, but this law is a little different than some. If you notice the end of the verse, it says that “all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” Sometimes when God gave a law, He addressed it as being an abomination unto the children of Israel only, such as the laws concerning what the Israelites were permitted to eat. This one is listed as an abomination unto the Lord. I don’t know about you, but this is one area where I would rather be safe than sorry. Could I be totally off in my interpretation of Deuteronomy 22:5? I suppose it’s possible, but when dealing with something that says it’s an “abomination unto the LORD thy God”, I would rather not take the risk. It’s just not worth it to me.
Wearing Skirts Easily Adorns A Woman In Modesty.
In my opinion, this reason is about as important as the first, if not more so. Skirts and dresses cover a woman in a modest and beautiful way that pants never can, and never will.
1 Timothy 2:9a “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety…”
Ladies, I’m going to be very blunt here: Have you ever seen what you look like from behind in a pair of pants? I have. I see it every day, and there are very few of you who can get away with it without outlining every curve of your backside. I’m not just talking about loose women of the world, I’m talking about Christian women who want to please God. Maybe it doesn’t look quite as bad when you’re standing still, but as soon as you move or bend at all, that pair of pants becomes extremely revealing of your shape and form. I truly have no desire to be insulting in any way, but it seems like you really just don’t know what you look like, so I am simply trying to be informative while being as honest and straightforward as possible. However, I’m not the one you should be most concerned with; guys are seeing it too.
Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Yes, men are responsible for the things they allow their own minds to dwell upon, but do you really want to be the image that prompts them into such fantasies? Some men will have corrupt thoughts no matter how you dress, but they don’t need you to clothe yourself in a way that leaves very little to the imagination. In addition to those types of men, there are also many Christian men out there who are trying to live a life pleasing to God with purity of thoughts and actions, but the way females dress around them –whether it be in tight jeans, a low-cut blouse, or even a short skirt– make it extremely difficult for them to do so. God created men with visually stimulated minds, and we, as Christian women, need to be aware of this. We are responsible for our part in preventing lust of the heart just as much as men are.
James 1:15 “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Some women do wear pants that aren‘t so bad, and yes, I admit that VERY loose fitting pants are not as revealing, but again, depending on how you move, even those can fit a little snugly. But do you really want to walk around in baggy pants? Sometimes that’s when women blur their gender identity the most, to be honest. The only real difference I’ve noticed between men’s jeans and women’s jeans is the body inside them. Ultimately, when a woman wears pants, she either looks sloppy or sexy. Still, some women continue to cling to their reasonings.
“You can’t do the things in a skirt that you can in pants.”
This is probably the most popular argument for why women don’t want to wear skirts: They’re inconvenient, and they supposedly hinder one’s ability to perform daily activities. Well… I am completely unimpressed with this argument. I have climbed trees, climbed ladders, ridden horses, ridden bicycles, played sports, gone roller-skating, gone rock climbing, detasseled corn (often climbing up and down a tractor), I’ve worked a job, and I never once put on a pair of pants. I do have one pair of waterproof sweatpants that I wear for shoveling snow or activities like skiing or sledding, but I’ve always worn them underneath a skirt. I’m really not trying to brag here, but there are just so many things a girl can easily do in a skirt!
When I was very young, I used to wear shorts underneath my clothes while playing, but only because five-year-olds haven’t learned to be lady-like yet. And it’s true, even some grown-up girls haven’t learned how to act in a skirt and can unintentionally be very immodest while wearing one because of the way they move, but it’s just a matter of learning to be appropriate, and when necessary, it’s just better to wear something underneath to be safe. It’s much easier, however, for girls to learn how to act properly in a skirt if they start wearing them from childhood. For others, it just takes a little getting used to and an awareness of your appearance. I promise skirts are very easy and comfortable to wear! But that’s only one excuse given for why skirts aren’t acceptable as full-time attire.
“Christian women who only wear skirts are legalists.”
Another argument some women give for why they don’t think it’s necessary to always wear skirts is that it’s legalistic. I would like to clarify now that there is not one standard in my life that I practice out of legalism. Legalism is a person following certain religious laws in order to earn their way to Heaven. I know very well that whether a woman wears pants or dresses, it does not affect her security of a home in Heaven, and it would be ridiculous to think so. The only thing that saves a person and takes them to Heaven is their trust in Christ to cleanse their sins with the blood He shed for them. I also do not believe that the Christian life is merely a list of rules and regulations that must be obeyed in order to stay on God’s good side.
I fail all the time, but every belief I hold and try to live is just an attempt to please my Savior who created me, gave His life for me, and has a purpose for me. In His word, God teaches that a woman should look different than a man and that a woman should be modest; that is why I dress the way I do. I don’t do it to try to appear better than anyone else, or because I think the way someone looks on the outside is all that matters. I have known and loved many wonderful, sincere Christian ladies who don‘t wear dresses all the time, and I by no means find them inferior to me or believe that I am better than they are, but that does not make my conviction any less resolute.
“It doesn’t matter how I dress, because God only looks on the heart.”
Here is yet another reason why some women don’t find it necessary to dress modestly (not just referring to pants), or even wear their hair in a way that pleases God. And they use the verse 1 Samuel 16:7 to defend their position.
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
This is a wonderful verse, but there’s just one problem. If you read this in context, God is speaking about a person’s appearance as far as height, color, etc. It’s not talking about the way a person deliberately chooses to adorn themselves. How tall you are, or how beautiful you are, or how blue your eyes are, is not something that speaks of your character. However, the way you honor God in your clothing is entirely up to you, and is a reflection of what is in your heart. God does, in fact, care about the way we present ourselves.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
One more word about modesty: Ladies, when you dress in a way that reveals the form of your body, you’re not only inviting men to lust after you, you’re putting yourself in danger. I have seen many dear, Christian ladies that are close to my heart do this unintentionally, and I am sincerely trying to protect you. I have worked in the customer service arena for nearly three years, and I have had very few and minor experiences with men coming on to me (even in spite of the friendly, ditsy personality that I have!), and I truly believe that I can attribute much of this to the way I dress. Guys generally go after easy prey. They see me, I give them nothing for their imagination to build on, and they know that I’m not interested. But they also can guess pretty well that a girl wearing a skirt in the workplace is probably a Christian, and that especially tells them that I’m not interested… Which brings me to my final point.
A Lady Wearing A Skirt Is Easily Identified As A Christian.
Not only does a woman in a modest skirt or dress look feminine, lady-like, and beautiful, but she often makes it quite obvious that she’s a Christian. Yes, I have gotten some pretty funny looks from people who’ve seen me going about my life in a skirt (especially when in a group of multiple ladies wearing skirts), but to be quite honest, I love that. I love that I have a way of so boldly proclaiming that I’m a follower of Christ, without even saying a word. Of course, this is only one area in which a woman can outwardly display her faith in God, but I’ve found it to be one of the most recognizable, simply because so few women do it anymore. There was a time not too long ago in our country when it was against dress regulations for a girl to wear pants in a public school. We’ve come a long way since then! But this means that Christian women have more opportunity than ever to display their separation to Christ.
I’ve had so many occasions to discuss Jesus with people, often total strangers, that I probably would’ve never been able to talk to had they not inquired about my uncommon dress standards. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting other Christian ladies that just walked up to me in the middle of a grocery store and delightedly said “You must be a Christian.“ I’m not making this up!
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Don’t miss out on this great experience! There is no greater joy than to show forth the praises of our God, and reflect to the world the light He’s given us, because that’s what we were created to do. Dressing in feminine, modest apparel is one of the many ways we can do this, and also one of the most powerful.
I have met with many women, mostly young girls, who’s biggest problem with giving up pants was their fear of humiliation. They were afraid of how their friends and family would view them for looking so different. I sympathize with these ladies, and pray that they will get a hold of the Biblical truths on separation from the world, and the joy it brings to a Christian’s life.
1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;”
Romans12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
2 Corinthians 6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
The Bible speaks for itself. Different is good, and being separated unto God is the best.
A Warning To Christians.
I know that there are many different reasons women have for either wearing or not wearing pants. I have heard many of the explanations behind each standpoint, and I’ve addressed most of them, but I can by no means judge the motives of each individual I encounter.
Perhaps you’ve read this whole essay and you’re thinking “I’ve been living the Christian life for years, and I’ve never felt the need to practice this.” I understand and respect that. But there is a certain attitude that has plagued the mindset of many of my fellow Christians that I would like for you to be cautious against. Perhaps it doesn’t apply to you, but perhaps it does. It’s the attitude of “How much can I get away with and still technically be living a Christian life?”. Of course, that’s not usually how people phrase it in their minds. Usually, they begin by asking questions like “Is this really a sin?”, or more specifically for women “Is it really a sin to wear pants?”
I’ve known far too many Christian women who lived many years of their lives wearing skirts, and then stopped because they asked that question. Not because they didn’t truly feel led to do it at one point, but often because they started becoming more concerned with how the world was viewing them, or how they viewed themselves than how God viewed them.
The issue with this mindset is that it starts with something seemingly harmless like dress standards, and then it keeps going. Pretty soon you’re listening to worldly music that dishonors God and asking “Is this really a sin?”. Then before you know it, you’re finding reasons why it’s okay to miss church, drink alcohol, or have improper conduct with the opposite sex, all because you started becoming concerned with how much you can get away with, and the process often starts with something like dress standards. This is not the attitude of a Christian. The attitude of a Christian ought to be “How much can I do to please my Savior?” Please do not go down the wrong road.
Let God Lead You.
Finally, as I’ve said before, my purpose in writing this is not to offend or insult anyone, nor is it to boast about my own Christian achievements. I am a far cry from the perfect Christian, and still, have a long way to go, but I humbly desire to share with others some things that the Bible and the Christian experience has taught me. I pray that I have not given anyone the impression that I believe a woman cannot have a walk with God or be used by God unless she wears skirts all the time; that would be very untrue. However, I do firmly believe that it has been a wonderful and powerful practice in my own life for all the reasons given, and I believe it can do the same for any of my sisters in Christ.
If you’re not sure what God would have you do, consider what the Bible teaches, and pray about it. The Holy Spirit has a way of telling us what kind of changes need to be made in
Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Have a blessed day!
-Grace Raab
Dress in the manner you want to be treated. You can’t be scantily clad & expect respect. How do you demand men to exercise auto-control when you’re standing there semi naked?
Use common sense. Dress appropriately & respectfully. Don’t tempt the psychos out there.
PS. The above does NOT apply to victims of rape. No man has the right to ever abuse a woman.
You should respect a woman because she is an image bearer of your Creator.
Your whole response reads like a justification for treating women poorly, and you should be ashamed.
This argument you’ve made absolutely does start the slippery slope of leading to blaming women for rape. Christ himself addressed this! When asked he said if a man LOOKS at a woman he has committed the sin already! Did Christ tell the women to hide themselves? NO! He told the men to pluck their eyes out.
I think this is one of the most frustrating parts of this for me – these arguments completely miss how Christ treated women, and what Christ said on the subject. And what CHRIST said, is that the sin is in the eye of the sinner, not the object of their lust.
The reason people have the attitude of “how much can I get away with and still be a Christian” is because these things – wearing skirts, man made “modesty” rules – are objectively not Christ Following or Christ honoring. There’s discord between the heart and mind because they are man made rules of a man made religion that uses Jesus’ name a lot, but happily and quickly ignores the man himself in scripture over and over.
The whole article is a very passionate and I’m sure well intended argument for a cultish set of rules based on fear and a formula for reaching a desired outcome (also known as prosperity gospel), but they have nothing to do with following Christ Jesus.
People who push these kinds of dress standards are no different from the Taliban. They want to make sexuality the forefront of everything, first of all, and secondly, they want to make women responsible for the thoughts of men.
Any woman who dresses in a way that does not call excessive attention to herself in the setting that she is in is is modest, in the biblical sense. That means that, YES, virtually every wedding dress is, in fact, immodest, unless it is very plain and ordinary! Paul’s admonition is about the appearance of conspicuous consumption only. Do you really think that fancy braids and jewelry were to entice men to sexual thoughts? Nonsense! They were about attention-grabbing displays. And it WAS NOT ABOUT SEXUALITY. It was literally about displays of wealth and power. Do you have a designer handbag? A midlife crisis sports car? THAT is what Paul was talking about.
If is also a general admonition. Jesus himself spoke about a wedding procession in positive terms–in these cases, the bridegroom and the bride are going to be the center of attention in an appropriate way, so that would not be the kind of behavior Paul opposes.
The ONLY passages that concern the appearance of SORT OF sexual immodesty through dress refer to women covering the top of their hair!
In the context of the age, a woman covered the top of her hair when she went outdoors or in a public place after she got married. If she went out with a bare head, she was suggesting that she was available in a way that she wasn’t, which was then linked to the very most brazen sorts of behavior.
In a private setting–meaning in her own home or in someone else’s house for a party or something–she did not cover her hair at all. Early churches met inside houses, so the question arose about whether women should or should not cover their hair. Was it a public or a private event? Paul’s determination was that it was a public event, and so people should adhere to public senses of decorum.
Paul had apparently ALREADY addressed this issue in the context of 1 Cor 11:2-16. He’d established that women should veil in church because corporate worship was a public event, not a private party. By praying and prophesying–a public act–without one’s hair covered, a woman would be doing so as if she were single. She would be repudiating her husband in a way. On the other hand, even though pagan men performed their public religious acts by putting a veil on, Christian men should not–it would be shameful, because that’s a pagan practice, and it doesn’t have a cultural meaning of marriage. The next verses are even weirder to us, with the references to shaving one’s head. Because it’s uncomfortable and even slightly indecent in the context of the time for a wife to not cover the top of her head in public, a non-indecent message could be an expression of humility and self-abasement. But because the shaving of the head was an act of EXTREME self-abasement, so it would be shameful for a woman who is married because it would at the same time be unsexing, basically–something a widow in the depths of grief might do but not something that a married woman with a living husband should do. It gets even denser and harder to understand outside of the cultural context of the age, but his basic argument is that a woman physically abasing herself would reflect dishonorably on her husband, but a woman who kept her hair and covered it according to cultural norms was honoring her husband and God, both.
In fact, in Europe, for centuries, when it was normal for women and men to wear layered hats (small caps under larger ones), women kept both on in places like churches and commercial buildings, but men would take the outer hat off as soon as they entered such a building and only kept the “skullcap” that just about everyone wore on beneath it. (The under-cap kept the hat clean.) For a man to refuse to take off his had was disrespectful. For a woman to do it in a public setting was inappropriately intimate. Interestingly, when fashions changed and the second cap was done away with (except for widows), maids still wore caps on their hair in their employer’s houses, as this signified that they were in the place of their work, not their home.
Pants vs skirts as a “male” vs “female” standard is an absurd abuse of the biblical text. A much better case, though quite inaccurate in my view, would be for a woman to need to wear a scarf or a hat in public settings, because it simply does not have the cultural message of marriage and (frankly) belonging to a husband. Another argument that could more rationally be made is that married women should have long hair that they wear up–that is also in that Corinthians passage, and it is because of looooong cultural associations of long hair with beauty and with beauty being something shared between a man and his wife. The closest you can get historically to wearing a lascivious outfit would be a woman taking her her hair down for public display–but even that is a form of self-humiliation in the right context.
I think the most telling thing, though, is that all of the Corinthians passage is in the context of a woman praying or prophesying–those were events in the early church that were most like preaching inside our modern churches. So if you want to make women wear a headcovering, you’d better be letting them preach, too. (As for Corinthians 14, it can only consistently refer to wives publicly grilling their own husbands about their own prophesies, as just shortly before HOW women were to prophesy was described in detail–if, in fact, it was not a scribe’s marginal gloss that was later forced into the text, as it appears in various positions in the earliest surviving manuscripts, and not consistently in the same place.)
If it is wrong to wear pants, then you shouldn’t wear them under your skirt, either! God can see that
A very well written article. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is sad that we have such “Christians” to shame themselves with the twisting of God’s Word in an attempt to justify themselves. I praise God for all the Christian women that have such confidence in God’s Word. Again, a big thanks to the author.
Kind of crazy the nonsense some people will comment just to feel heard. I’m sorry. I just wanted to say I appreciate this article and the warning at the end. I guess it was eye opening for me – a Baptist girl – who has started down that road in the opposite direction of God and never even noticed because I didn’t realize where it started – when I started to care what the world thought. Simple as a pair of jeans. But I know God allowed me to come across this article and I just want to say thank you.
Hi. I almost NEVER post comments on the internet, but I felt that I needed to make an exception in this case. I just happened to come across this article by accident (providential, I am sure). It is very thoughtful and well written. Whereas I may not agree with every small detail, I do appreciate the general tenor of the lady’s testimony and the humility in which it is presented. Many people made appropriate comments. I was disappointed in the snobbish, self-important reply of one guest who apparently thinks she has great biblical insights and speaks from a position of superiority. Unfortunately, that commentator did not read the article well, or she would have seen that the author begins with the disclaimer, “I want to say right away that this essay is by no means meant to offend anyone in the smallest measure, but is meant simply to provide explanation to those who have wondered about my peculiar dress code, and also to give clarity to Christian women who have lived this way because it was expected of them, but never really had a personal understanding of why.” The author was simply giving her testimony to answer others who had asked about her personal standard. She was very careful not to condemn those who disagree with her and stated that she has many women friends who hold to a different position.
The main critic interestingly compared the author (and anyone who agrees with her) to a well-known bloodthirsty terrorist group that views women as chattel. Not only was the comment snarky and condescending, it was historically and exegetically wrong in most of its points. I have the credentials to back up my statement, but who I really am is unimportant. Whereas I have never held to a “no pants ever on women,” position I can respect those (especially women) who do. Thank you sister for the well-presented testimony and the sweet tone in which you shared your heart. The world is full of nay-sayers. Pray for them and ignore their venom as you carry on for the Lord.
To start I have no problem with women wearing skirts, if that is their preference so be it we live in a free country. However, the line is crossed when you try to make a Biblical argument out of your traditions and preferences. The Catholics are notorious for this and it is sad some Baptists stoop to this level to justify their preferences and traditions. First off, all people in the Bible wore robes and sandals. There was no such thing as pants. Should all men (gasp) ditch their suits, ties and dress shoes and show up next Sunday in their best robe and sandals along with the women who also wore lady robes and sandals. Some people in Bible times didn’t even have any shoes at all. This article should back up and bring the argument from a modesty and personal preference angle and I would have no problem with this Christian lady giving her opinions (non-Biblical) but opinions none the less.
I think the greatest argument against this article lies in where this whole skirt opinion came from in the first place. In the early 1800’s until the 1960’s this was the common belief of just about all Americans of any religion. You can pull up pictures of basketball games in the late 1960’s and every man was dressed in a suit and tie and every woman was dressed in a skirt. This was a culture thing not a religious thing and Baptists just clung to it while everyone else moved on for better or worse.
I sometimes worry that good Bible believing Christians can sully their witness by pushing non-Biblical preferences and traditions on others. Jesus had harsh words for Pharisees and other religious leaders for doing just that in their time period.
Very well written article. Thank you for sharing your thought with us!
God bless you sister Grace! Such a wonderful article. God has convicted me to wear pants just a few weeks ago and I’ve been going strong. I do tend to wear pants in the house, to sleep, or when im walking my puppy sometimes. I pray the Lord continues to sanctify me until I’m completely free. I also cover my head/hair as well! To God be the glory
I don’t agree with you at all cause I’m a young 29 year old man who enjoys wearing only women’s mini skirts and leggings
I do believe your statement might be a radical interpretation of dress code prescribed by the Bible. For example, if women only wear skirts, this may classify women into one category. Also, Christian women don’t necessarily wear skirts. What is truly essential is what a woman does in her heart, because that is where she might be defiled, as written in Mark 8:23, “All these evils come from within and they defile.” Therefore we must not force women or men to dress a certain way, because there is a possibility of discrimination to either men or women, and that is wrong according to the Church.
Just a side note, when I see a woman in a long skirt or a group of women in long skirts, my first thought is that they are Jewish not Christian.
I totally agree women should only wear dresses and skirts. I love my jean skirts. Men wear pants and shorts and they can front wrap skort shorts because all it is, is a pair of shorts.
As a woman of very tall stature, I got strange looks when I wore slacks to do the grocery shopping, and more than once I was addressed as “sir” because my hair was not showing. Now, if I go outside the house I always have on a dress or a skirt and top. My hair still does not show because I cover my head all the time, but not once since I stopped wearing slacks in public have I been addressed as “sir.”
This is the most Kool-Aid drinking thing I have ever read in my life. Wear whatever you want. You shall be judged on the content of your character, not by way you wear.
Thank you for your article. I am an almost 51-year-old woman who has just started wearing skirts full-time (I’ve got to wear pants while I take a bike ride, though, because my bike is a man’s frame). This change has been many years in coming – I’ve had to work through most of the topics that you brought up. You did such a fantastic job of explaining things in a very kind and humble manner – so much so that the flack and venom that you have received is completely undeserved. Pray for those who have reacted this way – there is clearly something that they need to work on. I never even thought of this choice as giving opportunities to share the faith; but, that makes sense. What a blessing. God is good! Unfortunately, your warning is on the mark. That’s the way my daughter has gone, and now she no longer goes to church and is living with her boyfriend. It all started with clothing choices.
My husband and I have been following a pastor online who preaches sound doctrine. Recently, he stated that God told him to preach on this subject and how women should wear dresses or skirts. I did not accept it with joy and went on wearing pants. I truly do want to please God, but just questioned if this was legalistic. Anyway, one night after reading my bible I asked God if he had a word for me and I felt like he did. I randomly opened up my bible to exactly Deuteronomy 22:5. I have been wearing skirts since then and am growing to like them. I feel more like a woman and do believe it is what God has called woman to wear.
Hi Sister, wonderful article you have. I agree with you and wear long skirts 100% of the time I am not working. My work requires me to wear pants and steel toe boots for safety reasons – I wish I could wear my long skirts. What would be a suggestion you could give me to help me achieve this? Definitely I am praying that this could come to pass but is there anything else I can do??? Thank you and God bless you.
All of the bible’s teachings describe that a women should being modest and not draw attention to herself. I feel that if you have to wear pants and steel toe boots because it is a safety issue and demanded by your job you are most certainly not bringing attention to yourself. To figure out how to wear a skirt for the sake of wearing a skirt seems to have little to do with God and more with you wanting to follow a self imposed rule of only wearing skirts. I assume your pants are modest and you are not wearing them to be a spectacle at work so while I am not God I just felt so strongly that I should comment and remind you why you wear skirts, probably because you are doing your best to be modest and not draw attention to yourself. Not because you made a rule to ONLY wear skirts. God bless you and I hope you find comfort in the word of God (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3-4).
I don’t wear skirts and dresses- because they feel IMMODEST to me. They feel like they make me easy prey for sexual assault, there’s barely anything to block access to my privates if someone were determined.
I’ve managed to overcome this sometimes by wearing leggings underneath, but I have very few leggings. I’m most comfortable in jeans or slacks.
When I wear shorts, they hit right above the knee and not higher. My shirts cover my whole chest and midriff.
I don’t dress immodestly, but even in a skirt, perhaps especially in a skirt, I would not be able to hide my body’s curves. I am far too curvy.
Dress according to your own conscience, but don’t be so arrogant as to assume that your interpretation of modesty is the only and most accurate one. Recognize that the Old Testament law and New Testament directions were specifically written to God’s people in that time and place about how to dress honorably. The point is to dress with the intention of honoring God, not with the intention of seducing others. In our time and place, a woman can have short hair and wear pants, yet still be feminine and modest. And to be honest, a woman can have long hair and a long skirt, and have every single intention of seducing another into sleeping with them. Which woman is truly honoring God?
I hope the Lord teaches you to recognize that your perceptions are not absolute truth, I hope you will be willing to listen and recognize that His grace alone is sufficient.
Pants cut for women are cut differently than pants cut for men. Since unlike men, we have that bit of hip that is due to how our pelvises are shaped differently than a guys. So technically women’s pants are for women.
In Jesus’s time. Both men and women wore tunics. But the women’s were cut differently than the men’s.
Did you know that women during the time Jesus walked on earth here. That women did NOT wear undergarments like panties. That in a way makes underwear a men’s item if you say that pants are only for guys. Women only started wearing cloth used to cover one’s private areas under their clothing when drawers aka knickers were invented during the 15th century.
The MAIN REASON that women have historically worn long skirts –
is so that they could relieve themselves at the side of a road
(when not at home or on a journey) without exposing themselves.
In ancient times, both men and women wore long tunics or robes, as the occasion called for.
I do feel that a woman wearing pants should at least have on a long shirt
or tunic-top for modesty (we’ve all seen those Walmart photos).
BUT… what about the men wearing those form-fitting, tight jeans
that outline their “male appendage” so obviously?
Haven’t seen anyone discussing about THAT anywhere!
(asking for a friend)