Modesty, fashion and the church

The concept of modesty continues to spark debate among Christians, with varying interpretations of Biblical standards. Pastor Chris Morgan of the Go For God Family Church in St Andrew emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, viewing modesty as both a physical and spiritual expression of humility. ‘Modesty has two aspects: one is being covered, not showing too much, and the other is an attitude of humility,’ Morgan explained. He clarified that modesty is not about suppressing personal style but ensuring appropriateness in attire. ‘It’s not about being overly glamorous or revealing,’ he added, citing tight clothing, ripped jeans, and see-through fabrics as examples of immodest fashion. Morgan also addressed the gender bias in modesty guidelines, arguing that rules should not disproportionately burden women. ‘Men share the responsibility to dress appropriately too,’ he noted, urging both genders to avoid clothing that is overly tight or revealing. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:3, Morgan emphasized that true beauty stems from within, advocating for a focus on inner character rather than outward appearance. For those passionate about fashion, Morgan encouraged creativity within the bounds of modesty, stating, ‘God desires His people to be new and not to look old.’ Supporting this vision is Nateisha Williams, founder of FHL Designs, a local brand specializing in modest and elegant clothing. Williams, who began her business in 2014, defines modesty as ‘starting in the heart.’ ‘Modest style is simple, elegant, and not elaborate,’ she said, expressing concern over revealing clothing among young women. Williams, who embraced modest dressing after becoming a Christian, believes both men and women should dress appropriately to avoid distraction. She also highlighted a growing demand for modest fashion, even among non-Christians, attributing this shift to a broader cultural movement toward elegance and simplicity. Williams expressed optimism about this trend, encouraging more people to be mindful of their attire.