“Modest Fashion:” An Oxymoron?

With all the runways showing more and more skin each year, it’s hard to believe that there are people out there who actually prefer modest clothes. But there are. Millions of Americans prefer to wear collars that show no cleavage, skirts that show no thigh, and sleeves that show no shoulders. But why?

Many people are driven by religious goals. Modesty in clothing is an important value in many Christian, Muslim and Jewish circles. Among those who tie modesty to religion, some believe that a person’s body is a sacred gift from G-d and that it should be treated as such—dressed properly and respected; Some believe that modesty is a way of life—a humble way to conduct oneself before one’s peers and before G-d; And some quote their holy texts where G-d actually commands them to be modest. And, of course, there are people who take all three approaches.

Not Just Religious Reasons

But for many, modesty is not about religion at all. As film, magazines, and fashion embrace the image of nudity, they wonder, “How will our daughters stand their ground, have a healthy self-concept and not be tempted toward promiscuity?” After all, the media teaches young women to admire the beauty of women who are scantily clad. Thus, many Americans are part of a backlash against the media. They leave the magazines at the store and teach their own values to their children.

Yet others say that modest clothing is simply more attractive. It enhances the figure and drapes the human form in a beautiful way. These people think back to the era of the 40s and 50s, when American women wore clothes that were modest, clean, and classy.

With all these potential reasons, it’s no wonder that millions of Americans prefer modesty.

But what does modesty mean? Ten years ago it might have meant wearing old clothes, plain, shapeless clothes, or simply wearing a box! But most Americans don’t want to look shabby. So is it possible to dress fashionably and modestly at the same time? This year, with the growing online modest-fashion industry, there are more options than ever before. Clothes are being designed to cover skin and follow fashion at the same time.

This fall, the runway’s ruffles, zippers, buttons, and bows can all be worn on modest clothes. Modest tops, dresses, and skirts are now being made with shiny fabrics in black, grey, white and royal purple—the colors of the season. Everyone’s wearing cute belts over modest tops, and ballet flats with long skirts. Sleeveless tops are worn over layering-Ts and…. Voila, “modest fashion” is born!

Modesty is Spreading!

As Americans fall in love with modest fashion, they take their love to the Internet. Countless blogposts have been written about the ridiculousness of the latest celebrity’s outfit, the difficulty of finding appropriate clothes, and the value of modesty. Several e-commerce sites, such as www.tabeez.com, now focus on modest clothes exclusively. People are talking about modest fashion on Facebook; and one Twitterer even started the hash-tag #modestfashion. It’s all happening—with and for—the millions of Americans who just want fabulous modest clothes.

From all points of view and from all walks of life, Americans are joining the discussion about modest fashion and producing modest clothes that even the fashion industry would be proud of!

Leah Helfgott is the designer behind www.i-pointwebdesign.com she also writes for In Fashion, a modest fashion magazine (www.InFashionFT.com). She is an Orthodox Jewish woman and a mom of 2 from New Jersey.