Several years ago, while passing a local movie rental, one poster in particular caught my attention. It featured a new release titled “The Devil Wears Prada”. The name, however, was far more suggestive than many realize. I began to ponder on it and several thoughts came to mind. It's interesting that society proudly identifies the kingpin of the fashion industry as Satan. Prada, like so many other clothing outfitters, thrives on name brand recognition and makes its millions simply by appealing to the latest trends in fashion. 

 

But why is fashion such a popular hit? Could it be because it allows us to satisfy our natural craving for glamour and prestige? The popular saying “with style comes status” is perhaps very true. After all, consider the fact that trendy clothes are a status symbol that have often been used to highlight a person's class or rank in society. So it goes without saying that our choice of dress really does make a difference. It speaks volumes about who we are or what we aspire to be. The Bible, however, isn't silent about this issue:

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"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 Jn. 2:16).

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"...for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God" (Lk 16:15).

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The above verses demonstrate that the world is driven by lust and pride. Ordinarily, the carnal man is pleasure-seeking and attracted to such things as exotic cars, fancy clothing, nice homes, vacations, cruises, and choice properties. This carnal attraction is what the Bible calls "lust." But lust is a compacted word that denotes covetousness, greed, and idolatry. No doubt all three of these empower and propel the fashion craze. Then there's sexual lust. The fact that much of our modern apparel is tailored to complement the body in a sexy manner should provoke a healthy degree of concern among Christians. There is simply no denying the sensual and provocative forms of dress promoted everywhere as the new norm. The apparent aim of those controlling the fashion industry is to arouse our sexual appetite through the use of skimpy clothing. The obvious appeal to the “lust of the flesh,” the “lust of the eyes,” and the “pride of life” is reason enough to draw a line in the “sand” when it comes to dress. And if it's pride that motivates us to distinguish ourselves so prominently in the area of style, that too needs to be properly considered.

 

Women

As established previously, the cultural norms of dress are drifting ever further from modesty and decency and gravitating increasingly closer toward sexual promiscuity. So where does the Christian woman draw the line? At what point is it decided that the trend has gone too far? More specifically, how much of the feminine anatomy should be concealed or revealed? Thankfully, the Apostle Paul did not leave us clueless in respect to these questions, as demonstrated in the following verses:

 

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh women professing godliness with good works" (1 Tim 2:9-10).

 

Notice that while addressing the appropriate mode of dress for Christian women, the apostle Paul exhorts them to adorn themselves “modestly” with “shamefacedness and sobriety”. He then goes on to contrast outward appearance with the true adornment of good deeds and genuine worship of God, emphasizing that a Christian’s character should outshine their clothing.

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But modesty in the way we dress is not merely a principle confined to the church building; it is a standard for all Christians, at all times. At its core, modesty stems from the attitudes and intentions of the heart. Those who are inclined toward God will seek to dress modestly, decently, and appropriately, while those focused on self will dress to draw undue attention, disregarding the spiritual implications for themselves and others. A godly woman, however, lives with a “God-ward” perspective. She recognizes that her actions—including her choice of dress—reflect either the glory of God or a misplaced focus on her body.

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A Christian woman who dresses immodestly sends conflicting messages about her faith. By doing so, she undermines her witness for the One who redeemed her soul through the cross. Scripture reminds us that our body is not our own; it is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19–20). Dressing in ways that provoke lust not only dishonors Christ but also contributes to the spiritual stumbling of others, which Jesus sternly warns against (Mat 5:27–29).

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So what does biblical modesty mean in today’s society? While biblical modesty provides some important dress guidance, its primary focus is on the condition of the heart. Proverbs 7:10 describes a woman “dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent,” illustrating how her outward appearance reveals her inner heart condition and intentions.

 

A godly woman will resist the cultural pressures to wear provocative or revealing clothing. She understands that modest attire protects her testimony as a child of God and fosters respect rather than lustful attention.​ Moreover, she views immodest clothing as cheapening her worth, knowing her value is rooted in Christ, not in physical allure. Her heart is grieved by the thought of leading others into sin through her dress because her primary goal is to honor God and help others do the same. Ultimately, modesty in dress is an external manifestation of a heart that seeks to glorify God, reflecting attitudes of humility, purity, and reverence—virtues that should define all Believers, men and women alike.

 

(A) Modest Apparel

In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Paul uses the phrase “modest apparel” to describe the appropriate mode of attire for women. To understand the meaning of this phrase, we must consult the original Greek. The word modest is translated from the Greek kosmios and simply means orderly, modest, sensible, or decent. Apparel, however, is a much more significant word. The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as follows:

 

Strong’s NT 2689: Apparel καταστολή (katastole)

1. properly, a lowering, letting down

2. in Biblical Greek, a garment let down

 

It’s important to note that apparel (Greek: katastole) is actually a compound word comprised of a preposition (kata) and a noun (stole). Kata simply refers to something that is “let down” or “lowered”, like a garment lowered from the shoulders, while stole was a floor-length robe worn by many ancient Romans. Notice:

 

Strong’s #2596 (kata)

Definition: down

Original Word: κατά

Part of Speech: preposition

Transliteration: kata

Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ah')

Short Definition: down from

General Meaning: against, down from

 

Strong’s #4749 (stolḗ) A long, flowing robe worn by the elite (people of high station, wealth). "4749 (stolḗ) is a long robe, worn by the upper classes in the east" (Souter), "especially flowing raiment, a festal robe" (A-S).

 

Stola: A floor-length dress with straps (or sometimes, long sleeves) that is worn over a tunic. —Wikipedia

 

History: The stola was a staple of fashion in ancient Rome spanning from the early Roman Republic through the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire into the first millennium. It was a long, pleated dress, worn over an undergarment called a tunic or tunica intima (the Roman version of a slip). —Wikipedia

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Adam Clarke's classic Bible commentary:

“'That women adorn themselves in modest apparel’– Και τας γυναικας ες καταστολη κοσμιω …. The apostle seems to refer here to different parts of the Grecian and Roman dress. The στολη, stola, seems to have been originally very simple. It was a long piece of cloth, doubled in the middle, and sewed up on both sides, leaving room only for the arms; at the top, a piece was cut out, or a slit made, through which the head passed. It hung down to the feet, both before and behind, and was girded with the zona round the body, just under the breasts. It was sometimes made with, sometimes without, sleeves; and, that it might sit the better, it was gathered on each shoulder with a band or buckle. Some of the Greek women wore them open on each side, from the bottom up above the knee, so as to discover a part of the thigh. These were termed φαινομηριδες, showers (discoverers) of the thigh; but it was, in general, only young girls or immodest women who wore them thus.

 

“The καταστολη seems to have been the same as the pallium or mantle, which, being made nearly in the form of the stola, hung down to the waist, both in back and front, was gathered on the shoulder with a band or buckle, had a hole or slit at top for the head to pass through, and hung loosely over the stola, without being confined by the zona or girdle. Representations of these dresses may be seen in Lens’ Costume des Peuples de l’Antiquité, fig. 11, 12, 13, and 16. A more modest and becoming dress than the Grecian was never invented; it was, in a great measure, revived in England about the year 1805, and in it, simplicity, decency, and elegance were united; but it soon gave place to another mode, in which frippery and nonsense once more prevailed. It was too rational to last long; and too much like religious simplicity to be suffered in a land of shadows, and a world of painted outsides.”

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With the above in mind, here are some pertinent points to consider in relation to katastole:

 

•  The English word “apparel” is a poor generic translation of katastole.

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•  Katastole is a very specific description of attire and refers to the Roman stola.

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•  The above references describe it as a long flowing robe or garment extending to the floor.

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•  Katastole is so specialized that it only occurs *ONCE* in the entire New Testament.

 

•  1 Timothy 2:9 contrasts katastole with its generic Greek counterpart himatismos. In this passage, katastole describes a specific kind of garment, while himatismos is generically applied to all clothing. For example, himatismos is translated into English as “array”—"not with costly array". Paul advises the women of the Church to dress in “modest apparel” (katastole), but not in costly clothing (himatismos).

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•  The New Testament Greek provides several instances where clothing is described in general terms, like the following:

 

1. array—himatismos (1 Tim. 2:10)

2. raiment—esthes (Jas. 2:2)

3. garment—himation (Mar. 5:27)

4. clothing—enduma (Mat. 7:15)

 

If Paul was describing a generic form of dress, he could have chosen any of the above when teaching the appropriate mode of clothing for women…but he didn’t.

 

•  If we transliterate the phrase “modest apparel”, 1 Timothy 2:9 would read like this: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in decent (or orderly) long flowing garments, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.

 

In summary, we can be sure of the following. Paul cared enough about this subject to provide practical guidance to safeguard the Church's standard of holiness from being compromised by immodest dress. Therefore, he advised women to cloth themselves in modest, flowing garments. We can assume he did so to eliminate sexual impropriety. After all, few will deny the fact that men are sexually aroused by their eyes and that women dressed in a promiscuous manner only serve to amplify this tendency. 

 

(B) Jewelry

In an age where self-expression is encouraged through fashion, cosmetics, and adornment, Christians are often confronted with the question: Does God care about how we dress or decorate our bodies? While some view clothing and accessories as mere externalities, Scripture presents a much deeper perspective. The Bible is not silent about the way a woman should carry herself, especially in relation to modesty, humility, and godliness.

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Paul gives us a direct word on the matter:

 

 

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10)

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This instruction is not a cultural suggestion but a godly principle. Paul doesn’t simply say “don’t put your trust in outward beauty”; rather, he says not to wear such adornments. He clearly forbids certain types of attire and any appearance that draws undue attention to wealth, beauty, or sensuality. This passage teaches that Christian women should dress with modesty, humility, and godly self-control.

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Some Christians may argue that Paul was not prohibiting the wearing of jewelry in 1 Timothy 2:9 but merely advising against placing outer adornment ahead of spiritual virtue. While there is some truth to this, it doesn’t negate the fact that Paul gives an explicit list of things that Christian women should not wear. And beyond Paul’s words, there is overwhelming biblical evidence that shows how jewelry and makeup contradict the spiritual principles God calls His people to follow.

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To understand why the Christian should avoid jewelry and makeup, we must look at the broader teaching of Scripture—both Old and New Testaments.

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Moderation & Humility

The Old Testament allowed more visible signs of wealth, but the New Testament holds Believers to a higher standard—one of humility and spiritual-mindedness. Christians are called to esteem the lowly (Mat. 20:16; Luk. 14:13; 1 Cor. 1:27; Jas. 2:5) and to live with moderation and discretion (Php. 4:5; 1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:3-4). Flaunting wealth through gold, pearls, or costly clothing directly contradicts the spirit of humility that should define the Believer.

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Equality in the Church

James rebukes the early church for favoring the rich over the poor (Jas. 2:2-5). Yet jewelry and luxurious attire are often used to showcase social status—something wholly inconsistent with the Gospel’s call to unity and equality. How can a church emphasize spiritual equality while endorsing symbols of worldly division?

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Modesty vs. Vanity

In Psalm 119:37, we read: “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity.” Vanity is not harmless. The New Testament condemns a lifestyle of self-centeredness and superficiality (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 1:18). Outward adornment often stems from a vain desire to impress others or seek attention through distinction—something a godly woman must forsake.

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Financial Stewardship

Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor (Mat. 19:21). How then can we justify spending large sums of money on items like jewelry that serve no eternal purpose? Adornment is not only vain, but also wasteful—resources that could support the poor or fund ministry are instead used to enhance personal appearance.

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True Christian Piety

In Lk. 16:15, Jesus warns: “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Society praises glitz and glamor, but God calls His people to holiness and spiritual focus. Christian piety is marked by inward devotion, not outward extravagance.

 

(C) Makeup

Makeup, like jewelry, is almost always associated with vanity, pride, and a dissatisfaction with God’s design. The most notable biblical example of makeup is Jezebel—infamous for her wickedness and paganism:

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“And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.” (2 Kin. 9:30)

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Jezebel’s painted face was not an innocent gesture. It was part of her manipulative and seductive persona—a reflection of her spiritual corruption. Her attempt to preserve her influence and appearance as judgment approached is a sobering image.

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Many women today apply makeup to alter, exaggerate, or conceal their true appearance. But if we truly believe that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psa. 139:14), why attempt to “correct” what God designed? The use of cosmetics is often rooted in the belief that our natural appearance is not enough.

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Even secular sources recognize the shift makeup introduced to society. The 1956 edition of Encyclopedia Americana states:

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“The last two decades have seen make-up progress from its early category of woman’s conceit to become an art and an integral part of feminine beauty and psychology. Chief credit for this about-face and the widespread use of cosmetics should go to the motion picture industry...”

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Hollywood made vanity mainstream. But the Christian is not called to follow the world (Rom. 12:2), but to be set apart.

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(D) “Braided” Hair

Paul also prohibits “broided hair” in 1 Tim. 2:9. But what exactly is he referring to?

 

In Paul’s day, “braided” hair referred not to simple plaits, but elaborate Roman hairstyles called Flavian braids, which involved weaving in gold, pearls, and even colored wool. These styles were expensive, time-consuming, and unmistakably ostentatious. According to Wikipedia:

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“During the Flavian period (79–81 CE), the daughter of Roman Emperor Titus, Julia, created lavish up-dos consisting of wire frames, and twisted braids and curls studded with jewelry of every kind. These elaborate hairstyles...indicated a woman’s wealth and available leisure time.”

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This explains Paul’s command. He wasn’t condemning basic hair braids—he was forbidding the rich from flaunting their status in the church through luxurious hairstyles. His teaching upholds the values of modesty, humility, and equality in the body of Christ.

 

Comparing 1 Timothy 2:9-10 with 1 Peter 3:3-4

When comparing 1 Timothy 2:9-10 with 1 Peter 3:3-4, we discover that Peter echoes Paul’s concerns, though his focus is slightly different:

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“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart…” (1 Pet. 3:3-4)

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Peter is concerned with the heart. He urges women not to focus on outward beauty, but on inner character—a “meek and quiet spirit,” which God treasures. While he doesn’t give as detailed a dress code as Paul, he reinforces the same principle: don’t obsess over appearance.

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Paul, meanwhile, gives precise instruction for women’s attire in worship and public life. He lists specific forbidden adornments and calls women to prioritize good works and godly living over external presentation.

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Some attempt to use Peter’s general language to soften Paul’s stricter instruction, but both teachings are in harmony. Peter emphasizes inward beauty; Paul clarifies what that looks like in practical, outward terms. Neither allows for vanity, extravagance, or pride.

 

Women’s Dress Summarized

The doctrine of Christian modesty is also a lesson in chastity and respect. Modest women are more likely to remain chaste while respecting the weaknesses of the men around them. Many careless women have been the cause of moral failure in society even though the motive may not have been intentional. Since this teaching represents a moral issue, it should therefore reflect the practice of every Christian home and Church.

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Here's a summary of biblical principles related to our study thus far: 

 

Appropriately Concealed: Since God designed the woman's body to be sexually appealing, it is important to dress in a way that appropriately conceals her form and guards her against the natural tendencies of men. Loose blouses worn over dresses or skirts best achieve this goal. Dresses or skirts that are short (above the ankles), tight-fitting, sheer, low-necked, sleeveless, or otherwise designed to accentuate the female form are dishonoring and serve only to provoke lust. In today’s culture, low necklines, tight dresses, slit skirts, and bare shoulders may be common, but they do not promote the values of God's Kingdom.

 

The issue of pants is also important to consider. Women should avoid wearing pants, as they do not meet the standard of modesty outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, which calls for long, robe-like garments. Furthermore, wearing pants contradicts the principle established in Deuteronomy 22:5, which forbids cross-dressing, as pants are traditionally a male garment.

 

Modest & Simple: Following the latest trends and styles is neither practical, nor modest. And while women are not required to dress distastefully or in an unattractive manner, they should still tailor their wardrobe to be fairly simple and non-glamorous. 

 

We warn against stylish and trendy clothing because more than anything else they show that our pursuits are superficial and vain, rather than spiritual. Jewelry and expensive clothing is a sure way to rack up status and prominence in society, but not in God's Kingdom. It only creates a greater rift between the rich and the poor in the Body of Christ, and this is contrary to the teaching of equality and humility.

 

Beautiful on the Inside: Godly women are adorned with good character, virtue, and wholesome pursuits. They are discrete and sensible. They know how to avoid flirtatious behaviour and immoral conduct. And a woman that is beautiful on the inside is content with her natural outward appearance. Therefore she does not desire to exaggerate her looks or misrepresent her appearance with makeup.

 

Men

Modesty isn’t just a women’s issue. Men, too, are susceptible to vanity—whether it’s flaunting muscles in tight shirts, showing off expensive brands, or dressing to impress rather than to reflect Christ. Men are called to be examples of self-control and dignity (Tit 2:6–8). Clothing that glorifies strength, wealth, or sensual appeal can be just as damaging to the soul as immodesty in women. Instead of feeding the flesh or chasing validation, a godly man asks, Does my appearance point others to Jesus, or to myself?​

 

Modesty for men means dressing with integrity, humility, and godly distinction. It means rejecting cultural definitions of masculinity rooted in ego and choosing instead the quiet strength of a Spirit-led life. To be entirely fair, many of the same modesty standards that apply to women also apply to men. Christian men are not exempt from the biblical call to purity and discretion in appearance. A godly man avoids drawing attention to his body through immodest or suggestive clothing. He does not go shirtless in public, nor does he wear shorts which expose his legs. He also leads his family by example, ensuring that modesty is upheld in his household.

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If a woman is expected to cover her body to avoid provoking lust or presenting herself in a sexually promiscuous way, the same principle must apply to men. Lust is not a one-way street, and modesty is not a one-gender issue. Just as it is inappropriate for a woman to wear clothing that exposes her body or accentuates it in sensual ways, it is equally inappropriate for a man to do so. The standard of holiness is not partial; it applies to all who call upon the name of Christ.

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In today’s culture, tight-fitting clothing for men has become increasingly popular, and the fashion industry seems intent on erasing the distinctions between male and female dress. This unisex trend blurs the God-ordained boundaries between masculinity and femininity. Scripture is clear on this matter: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment” (Deut. 22:5). God created male and female to be distinct, and that distinction should be visibly reflected even in our apparel. For this reason, Christian men should reject clothing that is excessively tight or effeminate in appearance, choosing instead garments that are properly fitted and reflect a sober, masculine identity.​

 

As for the issue of men wearing shorts, we find a compelling biblical precedent in Exodus 28, where God commanded the Old Testament priests to wear linen breeches (underwear) beneath their robes in order to cover their nakedness—from the loins to the thighs:

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"And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach" (Ex. 28:42).

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God gave Moses specific instructions for the garments of the priests, and these linen breeches were an undergarment, designed for modesty when the priests ministered, especially when they ascended steps to the altar (see also Ex. 20:26). The breeches extended "from the loins even unto the thighs," ensuring that the upper legs and waist area were covered so their "nakedness" wouldn't be exposed during their service. This passage reveals how God defines the exposure of the thigh as nakedness. If this style underwear beneath a longer robe was the standard for those who served in the earthly tabernacle, how much more should it apply to those in the New Covenant who are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9) and “kings and priests unto God” (Rev. 1:6)? The standard of modesty for the Christian man should not be lower but higher—rooted not in cultural trends but in biblical principle.

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Modesty is not about legalism; it is about love for God and love for neighbor. It's about clothing ourselves in a way that honors the Lord, protects purity, and distinguishes clearly between what is holy and what is common.

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CONCLUSION

By Harold S. Martin

Why must we follow the fashions of the day? Suppose we are peculiar, what of it? It would be a thousand times better to retain our modesty and please God, than to adopt a manner of dress that borders on the immoral. There must be a dividing line between the Christian and the world. You say, “But no one is going to tell me what kind of clothes to wear.” Yet every one of us (consciously or unconsciously) dresses according to someone’s pattern. We either get our pattern of dress from the Word of God (as understood by godly men and women), or we get it from the world and worldly-minded people. Whatever fashion decrees, no matter how ridiculous or how immodest it is, that’s the goddess that many are worshiping, and this world is dictating what to wear. Never say, “No one is going to tell me what kind of clothes to wear.” Someone is telling you—never forget that. 

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