It would certainly seem simpler if the Bible gave us exact measurements—if it said, “from the knees to the shoulders must be covered.” There would be little room for debate. There’d be no questions about sleeve length, shorts length, or whether a V-neck is too low. But the truth is, Scripture doesn’t give us exact hemlines to meet. There is no verse that says, “Thou shalt not wear tank tops” or “Thy hemline must fall exactly two inches below the knee.” Instead, we are given guiding principles—principles rooted in godliness, humility, and purity.
As stated previously, the Bible must be our standard—not the ever-changing standards of the world. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (NKJV). So, what does the Bible say specifically about modest dress—such as hemlines? While Scripture does not provide exact measurements, we do find helpful insight in Genesis 3:21, where it says, “Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.” Historically, the tunic was a sleeved garment that typically extended to the knees for men and to the ankles for women. Culturally speaking, during the life of Christ, this style of dress was still the norm. Tunics remained the standard garment—typically sleeved and extending to just above the knees or longer.
We also see God’s concern for proper covering in the instructions for priestly garments in the Old Testament. In Exodus 28:4, the priests were commanded to wear tunics as part of their holy attire. Additionally, God gave specific instructions to prevent exposure while they served. “And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs” (Exodus 28:42). These linen undergarments were required to ensure modesty, especially when the priests ascended steps. While the trousers covered from the waist to the thighs, the outer tunic likely extended farther—near or below the knees—providing an added layer of modesty and dignity.
Can I say that someone is in sin simply because their clothing doesn’t cover everything from the knees to the shoulders? No, I cannot. Scripture does not give us exact measurements or hemlines to enforce. But can I say that there are important principles we can learn from what we know about the tunic and God’s standards for modesty throughout the Bible? Absolutely. What pleased God in the beginning likely still pleases Him today. The type of coverage provided by the tunic—worn by Adam and Eve after the fall, by the priests in their service, and even by our Savior during His time on earth—offers a safe and respectful example to follow. While modesty starts in the heart, it is clearly meant to be expressed in how we clothe ourselves.
By: Jerrod Hammond