What shapes our ideas of modesty

[ArtsieSteph]

This isn't a "MEN/WOMEN SHOULD WEAR THIS MUCH COVERAGE OR ITS A SIN ASGVDAHGSDJHAG" thing. I'm honestly wondering, what determines how we precieve modesty? Is it our parents? Obviously pop culture does too, but to what extent? Obviously our faith should help us determine the amount of coverage/fittedness is right for us, but even then sometimes it can change.

I grew up in a church of probably 85% older folk, so I think that my idea of modesty based on what I grew up with helped to shape what I considered modest but flattering. Heck sometimes my mother, who wears dresses all the time for work, says I can relax a bit more and not be so self concious about what is too short for me. (Because I almost never wear anything short, I am most comfy in jeans really.) But over time what has been acceptable in our youth group has gotten less strict: strapless dresses, modest-ish bikinis at water park functions, ect. I think someone may even have worn leggings for pants but I don't remember.

 

[ChristinaBelieves]

What shapes my ideas about modesty is largely from my experience growing up. I grew up in a moderately conservative household where we were expected to cover up as my mother deemed it "unseemly" to dress otherwise. This often manifested as being mindful of dress/skirt length (to avoid one's undergarments from showing or "too much leg"), no midriff exposure, loose fitting blouses and tops, regular fit jeans, etc. My mom also had her ideas about accessories and hairstyles that were considered decent or modest. For the most part, we could not wear our hair down because we looked too old and might attract the wrong attention from a man (imagine what went thru my head hearing this as early as 7 years old). Having more than one hole in your ears before 18 was deemed to be inappropriate (never understood that one). And so on, and so on....

As an adult, my ideas of modesty have changed as I've come to view it as 'what might I feel proud of wearing in God's eyes'. I dress for fashion and comfort and my body type. Clothes should make you feel good, in my opinion.

 

[Pumicestone]

Dress for comfort. Warm stuff when it's cool. As little as possible in a hot Aussie summer.

That said, people do dress to impress or attract others. Particularly if seeking a 'mate'.
Same in the animal world really.

But generally, I reckon 'fashion' is a crock. Many of my clothes are 10-20 years old.
If it is comfortable and still presentable, I'm not going to replace it just to be a "dedicated follower of fashion" la de da.

 

[MyLighthouse]

I think it's has to do with a lot of different things.

For me it's what brings less attention to my "assets." My idea changes with age and has become stricter in some respects. I witness to people and I don't want them to be distracted while doing so. I do dress fashionably I've been told despite the prune or old lady that it could be associated with.

The way I dress can be more of a witness than me most of the time and is what has kept me in that fashion. I like that random people feel comfortable coming up to me and ask for prayer or ask if I'm a Christian simply because of my clothes being different. Which helps them look at my life, leading them to look at Jesus.