So, what can we say is immodest, for certain? While exact clothing measurements may not be given in Scripture, we can look at the principles Jesus taught. In Matthew 5:28, Jesus gives a strong warning, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NKJV). Job also demonstrated the need for a heart committed to purity when he said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” (Job 31:1).
These verses remind us that we must not only guard our own hearts but also be mindful of the effect our clothing may have on others. Statistically, men may be more visually stimulated, but that doesn’t mean women are immune to struggles with lust. Jesus clearly taught that sinful behavior begins in the heart. In Mark 7:20–23, He says, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders… lewdness… All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” These sins don’t arise randomly, they are often fueled by the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh.
Therefore, there are certain types of clothing that, when measured against biblical principles, clearly fall outside the bounds of modesty. Bathing suits worn in public—whether one-piece or two-piece—are too revealing, and they not only dishonor the woman wearing them but also create a stumbling block for others, especially men, by provoking lust. Men, too, are not exempt; swimming shorts paired with a bare chest, while perhaps normalized by culture, still fail the test of modesty when judged by the standard of godly discretion and purity.
Cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses, and any other clothing that expose cleavage, backs, midriffs, or the upper thigh are sinful—not to mention lewd and lascivious dancing (1 Peter 4:3; Galatians 5:19). Tight, form-fitting clothing—whether worn by men or women—leaves little to the imagination and draws attention to the body in ways that dishonor God. Low-cut tops revealing cleavage, and tank tops with large arm openings that reveal the chest, miniskirts and short shorts are all examples of clothing choices that show a disregard for godliness and are sinful.
Additionally, we find in the Old Testament a warning against blurring the lines between male and female clothing: “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 22:5). While we understand that cultural styles evolve, the principle of honoring the God-given distinction between male and female remains relevant, and teaching on this matter now may be more relevant than ever. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it provides us with enough to understand what is and what is not acceptable in the eyes of God. Are we truly dressing to reflect Christ and honor God?
By: Jerrod Hammond