It is great to see faithful Christian ladies who are concerned about dressing modestly. You see them layering their clothing to hide cleavage or making sure the clothes are not too tight before purchasing them. It doesn’t happen often but any time I overhear a teenager in the fitting room asking if something is too tight, short or low I smile. But I have noticed a new trend when it comes to women’s dress today – leggings.
Yes, they can be very fashionable when worn appropriately but just because you are wearing something underneath your dress or skirt, does not mean that you can wear shorter dresses or skirts. Just because you are not showing skin doesn’t mean it is modest. The leggings or tights worn underneath your skirt just enhance the curves in your legs and bring attention to them. It still makes guys look at you with lustful thoughts.
Would you find it appropriate to wear those leggings by themselves, without the short skirt flapping around above it? I would hope not because it is too tight. So why would adding a little fabric over your rump change things? Especially when some don’t even bother picking things up off the floor or sitting like a lady.
So, lets stop pushing the limits on modesty. We should all be trying to win others to Christ with everything we do and say – and that includes how we dress. How can we be effective telling others about what the Bible says if they are distracted by what you are wearing?
Matthew 5:28 – But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 - Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
1 Peter 3:3-4 - Your adornment must not be merely external–braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
Our elders just had a talk about this last night at church! I agree about the leggings. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of this post! I hope you and Trent are great!
I so agree with you! Becca wears leggings, but the shirt has to be long enough that when she bends over you still cannot see her behind in leggings! Basically the shirt has to go to her knees or an inch above. No shorter! She is funny about saying people need more clothes on! A youth minister’s wife was at the neighborhood pool and had a 2 piece on. Becca was so disappointed in her and said, “Momma, she needs more clothes on!”. Praying she keeps that attitude as she becomes a teen. Great article Amanda!
Thank you for setting those guidelines for your daughter. She has a great mindset on modesty and I hope she is able to keep it as she grows older! Thanks for the comment Wendy!
Leggings are definitely not pants! I have the same opinion about “yoga pants” as well. Fine for in your house, and maybe in an all-women’s work out, but wrong in public.
Thank you for your comment!
I completely agree.
leggings are a great item to make a knee length skirt modest – especially those opaque cotton leggings ! a knee length skirt with cotton leggings and ballet flats is a modest yet stylish outfit !
I agree…if the skirt or dress is a modest length to begin with