On Skirts

I have a friend who asked me, “Why do you wear skirts all the time?”

The truth is, I don’t think dresses and skirts are 100% required for a lady to be good Christians. There are a few places in the Bible where proper women’s dress is described – for instance, Deuteronomy 22:5, where women are told not to dress like men; and 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:2-5, where women are told to avoid ostentation and instead, dress with modesty, propriety, and to make an impression with their good works.

So then, why do I dress in long skirts? Several reasons…

• Modesty: A long skirt and polo shirt is not unfashionable; it’s as modest as one can be in our culture without appearing to be an odd extremist. You don’t come across as unwelcoming or isolationist; you don’t distract those around you with your body; you dress simply and in a way that would never be mistaken for a man.
Dressing ‘overmodestly’ can be a sin, as well – when it becomes a prideful badge of honour, or a modesty competition. But it’s clear that it is a lack of modesty that is most pervasive in our society.

• Comfort: Skirts have lots of room to move around. They can be flouncy or girly, maternal or serious, they’re cool in the summer, and easily paired with some leggings if you get cold.

• History: There’s something very comforting and solid to me to know that I’m wearing what my foremothers wore; what women have worn for centuries, both poor and rich, maidens and old matrons.

• It’s ladylike! What other comfy piece of clothing could you pull on and instantly look more like a lady? Much more graceful than the sweatpants and Ugg boots I see on many of the college girls in my town, but just as comfortable!

I know some will disagree with my view – I know many Christians who interpret Deuteronomy 22:5 much more strictly than I do. But this is just the way I was raised, it’s the way my father prefers me to behave, and I must say, I like dressing this way.

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Feelin’ Feminine