The term "modern modesty" sounds like an oxymoron, but in truth more and more people are embracing the concept of modest dressing.
During the 1990s, fashion took a turn that many women rejected. Grungier, skimpier, and more sexualized fashions became mainstream. Hemlines went up while necklines went down. Casual Friday clothing turned into casual and beachware everyday as people flip-flopped their way through the day instead of donning lace-up shoes. And while adult women may or may not choose to dress in these fashions, many mothers fretted about finding suitable clothes for their girls and preteens that did not make them look like tarts. The word "sexy" does not belong printed across a seven-year-old's bottom on her shorts.
A Modest Proposal: More Women Turn to Modest Clothing
A growing movement in American society rejects the notion that less is more attractice. This so-called 'modern modesty' movement is a return to dressing like a lady and dressing conservatively.
Proponents of the modesty movement may be found among all walks of life. Christian, Jewish and Muslim women in America embracing their heritage return to modest dressing as well as other women seeking a new way to dress. Other women seeking modest fashions include those yearning for a more ladylike time in our history. A growing number of women turn to wearing modest clothing as an alternative to the "anything goes" casual mentality of today's society. These women seek a more polished, professional image and don fashions with a nod towards the past.
Definition of Modest Fashion
What constitutes modest fashion? No one wants fashion dictated by any group, and many who hear the word 'modest' picture radical images of women in Afgahnistani burquas or the harsh laws of coutnries that beat women for wearing clothing that is too revealing. No one wishes to see a return to the Victorian days when a 'glimpse of stocking was something qutie shocking'.
While diverse cultures and religions as well as individual people express modestly differently, most agree on the following for men and women:
- Clothing that is never tight or revealing
- For women, dresses or skirts, with a fit below the knee or calf preferred over pants (some women embracing modest fashion wear slacks; these slacks are loose fitting or classic fitting)
- For men, wearing shirts with sleeves and loose fitting slacks or trousers
- Never showing underwear, such as trendy pants that hang low and reveal undergarments
- Shirts and tops that do not show cleavage, bra straps, etc
- Wearing clothing that respects that occassion, such as dressing up for church, work, funerals, and dinner out.
Modest Clothing as a Feminist Ideal
Many are shocked to discover that proponents of modest fashion have the blessing of none other than professor Camille Paglia, a well-known feminist. Paglia's statements on the modesty movement are positive. Some feminists see the push towards more covering, less revealing clothing as an emphasis on women as intellgent contributors to society - and away from the over-emphasis on women as sexual objectst that skimpy, tight, or underwear revealing clothing portray.
Finding Modest FashionsFinding modest fashions isn't as difficult as it sounds. Many mainstream clothing companies or catalogs stock at least several dresses and skirts with longer, less revealing hemlines or trousers cut in more classic lines. Some companies cater specifically to Muslim, Jewish or Christian women, providing clothing that meets their religion's guidelines on dress. These companies may all be found through Internet searches and provide reasonably priced outfits.
Another option for women is to search second hand and thrift stores. Not only can great bargains be found in these stores, but those who are socially conscious can feel good about purchasing 'recycled' clothing.
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