What person’s wardrobe is complete without a few pairs of shorts?  I mean, how can you go the summer without wearing a pair of cut-offs or something to let your legs get air?

Are shorts and modesty at odds?  I think that there are many situations where shorts may be appropriate or acceptable!

For one thing, shorts are always appropriate when they’re of the right length and style.  Shorts that cover the knee, or a lot of the thigh, can be modest and comfortable all at the same time.  Once you go down the calf, you’re in the weird Capri/high water zone that’s a different story all together.

But it’s not just what you wear, but where you wear it that’s important.  As evidenced by this poll:

Where is it acceptable to wear short shorts?

• Inside your house (69%, 40 Votes)
• In the backyard – fenced or in country (48%, 28 Votes)
• On the beach (34%, 20 Votes)
• Never (28%, 16 Votes)
• In the backyard – un-fenced (19%, 11 Votes)
• To a friend’s house (14%, 8 Votes)
• To the store (-112%, 5 Votes)

Pardon the –112%, not quite sure where that came from, but you get the idea.  An overwhelming majority had no problem wearing shorts inside your own house, and almost a majority said it was fine in the country or in a fenced in yard.

It’s after that where we have less agreement—to the point that you should consider what you’re showing others.

Do you wear shorts?  If so, where do you feel comfortable wearing them?

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Post tags: shorts, summer

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The other day I was at the store and I was observing what people were wearing while they were out and about.  It seems that there are more ladies out there that are choosing to wear shorts that expose more leg than I can remember there being before.

What immediately linked in my head was that it was not a long way to go from short shorts and a clingy shirt to a bikini—and I wondered how a girl gets to the point where they think it comfortable to parade in their underwear in public—in front of men, no less.

The house behind me has a beautiful in ground swimming pool, and yet I’m glad that there’s a fence, and trees around, because every time that family has their family over to swim, undoubtedly one of the older females of the family will be in a bikini.

And I would submit that this is where our young ladies learn that this is acceptable.

She Models Herself After You

Mom, if you wear low cut swimsuits or bikinis, your daughters will see this and not have as much of a problem wearing it as well, because you are her example.

Dad, if you like your wife in her underwear outside, and make positive comments about this sort of thing, you’re encouraging your daughter to do the same.  And shame on you, because you know the way that swimwear effects you as a man.

She Sees it All Around

Where are the pictures of the girls that are ashamed to be in their underwear in public?  They’re not to be seen.  They don’t see it in television shows—the women in those are all of unrealistic sizes and always showing off tan bodies.  They don’t see it in magazines—all they see there is perfect, airbrushed bodies that attract positive attention.

If everywhere they look they see examples of strong girls that gain positive attention wearing their underwear in public, what conclusion do you think they will come to?

She’s Introduced at an Early Age

Shame is natural.  Whereas really young children might like the “freedom” of running around sans clothing, as a young boy or girl grows up they will find that there will be a natural sense of shame.

My two oldest boys now want to wear shirts outside when they’re in our backyard pool because that’s what they did when they were younger.  They feel shame and a degree of immodesty at going shirtless.

If we’d trained them differently they wouldn’t have a problem.  If you train your daughter to dress modestly, whether it be shorts or swimwear, a natural sense of modesty through good shame will help to keep them modest.

Conclusion

Modesty in dress, starting at an early age with good roll models and guidance, can provide a great groundwork to being modest in all aspects of life.  And modesty is more than just about clothing.  It carries over into how we carry ourselves, what we think about our body, and what is important in our lives.

Modesty is as much a heart issue as it is a clothing issue.

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: bikinis, shorts, swimwear

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IMG_0219

Originally uploaded by Ronnie L Wiseman

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: Like most males, this guy finds it hard not to be modest. The shirt is fine, the only questions that remain are if the shorts are too short– they may show the knee– and whether the diaper draws attention to his backside.

Foy: Cripes. While this guy may have a nice snappy top, he really does need to work on his shorts. A two in my book.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: baby, butt, diaper, shorts

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1 of 5

Originally uploaded by fotophriendly

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: I’ve seen a lot of this look so far this summer (when it’s been warm enough). This top is high enough, but I’m not sure about spaghetti straps. These shorts are too short, in my opinion, showing off a lot of leg. But that could be because she’s sitting?

Foy: I don’t think so. Wasn’t there a bit of discussion around this earlier? I can’t remember if shorts became longer or shorter while sitting. Either way though – their too short.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: shorts, spaghetti straps

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Is This Modest?

Hannah: This is a good example of modestly tailored Bermudas that, personally, I find very cute. The only caution I have about these is that they are white. White isn’t necessarily bad but it requires a little bit more caution when worn and usually needs something worn under it. These particularly look a little too transparent for comfort. However, that is my only complaint about this outfit and it’s easily solved by the fact that they come in other colors! This is a modest , attractive, and flattering pant that is both cute

MInTheGap: Don’t let Foy see this QR.  These shorts are definitely a good length and look comfortable, but the fact that they are white and I can make out the pockets is definitely not a good thing.  It will make a guy wonder what else can be seen, and makes it so that your choice of underthings is down to a single color.  I really do like the pink/white combination, though.

Foy: I second everything they’ve said. However, I don’t think that even the color of the underthings matters: because even if you used white, you could still see the material, just like you can see the white pocket material. A two.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: bermuda, christa taylor, shorts, white

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Originally uploaded by Quiiquee

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: This is about as short as shorts can be for me and be considered in the modest territory– or borderline. They are not short shorts, and they’re not tight, so I don’t have a problem with them. The layers are decent– with the jacket. So this outfit is fine by me.

Foy: The shorts are very borderline. From the waist up though, it’s very modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: hat, jacket, jean shorts, shorts

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Originally uploaded by Tracy’s Place

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: Interesting how in softball girls wear less than boys in baseball. This is one of the more modest uniforms as far as sports go, with the long under clothing showing out of the one leg, that should probably be avoided.

Erin: Well, yes…the girls wear less. But it sure is a lot looser than what the boys wear! So in the long run, they are probably still more modest in this than in the boy’s outfits. I’d say it’s pretty decent as a sports outfit goes.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: shorts, softball, uniform

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bridge 3

Originally uploaded by raysdarkroom

Is This Modest

MInTheGap: There’s nothing cooler than wearing white, and keeping a shirt untucked allows for better airflow. That being said, a lot of shirts are short, and this one looks like it would show her midriff if she were standing. I like the material of these shorts– baggy is better both for airflow as well as for modesty– and I think they’d be a tad longer if she weren’t trying to show off her legs here. So, not a bad outfit, but the pose could be more modest.

Foy: You’re right – white is the best color to wear in warm weather, as it reflects the light and keeps you cool. But you have to be very, very careful, because as I have said before, white is quite see-through, this shirt especially. It’s also a bit tight. The shorts are tough. That material looks a little too thin – they give it a look of “they might just fly up in the wind”. A little bit longer, and a little bit thicker. But keep them loose to help with the airflow.

Your turn…

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: airflow, baggy shorts, shorts, shoulders, tank-top, white shirt

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Jordan

Originally uploaded by LKG Portraits1

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: ‘Tis the season to wear shorts. I don’t, personally, have a problem with bare feet or arms, however these shorts are too short in my opinion. Whereas the shirt has a decent length, it looks as though it is a halter top and may open too much in the front. I would suggest that there are better ways to keep cool than this outfit.

Foy: Sometimes, shorts such as these actually look smaller when you stand up, making it worse. Might also be a good idea to stay away from shorts that are white.

Your Turn…
[ratings]

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Post tags: halter top, short shorts, shorts, spaghetti straps, white shorts

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Originally uploaded by akunertl

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: Short Skirts are immodest. The bare leg causes guys to follow them up higher than they should, so the long sleeves cannot save this outfit. Even if they’re shorts, they’re still too short.

Foy: Again, I agree. Quite immodest. It also makes guys wonder what the view is from the front. 

Your Turn…
[ratings]

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Post tags: miniskirt, shorts, skirt, Sleeve

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Umm.  What is this?  Is it shorts with tight leggings?  Is she going out for a jog?  Camouflage?  I guess I’d say “mostly modest” depending on the activity.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: bodysuit, overalls, shorts

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(Baltimore Sun photo by Patrick Smith / August 7, 2008)

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap: This one is funny.  Somehow, this strikes me as borderline.

Anna Grace: Is it modest if nothing inappropriate’s showing, but it makes you want to gouge out your eyes?

Is This Modest?

[ratings]

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: belly, shirt, shorts

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When you see someone dressed immodestly, what do you do?

Three weeks ago my kids started their homeschool co-op soccer.  I was surprised by the different looks that people had.  Most were fine, but a few stood out.

One guy had a full beard going as a highschooler.  A few had high priced soccer equipment.

And then there was the one girl.  You can imagine her.  All the boys were in her orbit, and she knew it.  She was in a modest top, but her shorts could not get any shorter.

And three weeks later it’s still the same.  Though her socks may be long, her shorts are very immodest.  So immodest that my wife noticed it too.

What would you do?  It’s not like we’re leaders—we’re parents with Kindergartners.  They certainly aren’t going to stumble over this girl’s showing of skin.

Should you ignore it?  Tell the coach?  Find the young lady’s mother/father?

© MInTheGap for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: girl, short shorts, shorts, soccer

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A lot of modesty, it turns out, is in how a piece of clothing can be interpreted.  A soft sweater, for instance, isn’t immodest in itself.  Instead, it’s the “Come, touch me” vibe it sends off that causes it to be a stumbling block.  Since I don’t understand how men think, I don’t understand what I need to be careful of.

On the flip side, men don’t understand how women think and what causes them to trip up.  For a man, it’s a simple task to be modest in covering up.  But modesty’s more than just not showing skin – it’s helping others keep from lusting after you.  And though I’ve rarely seen a man inappropriately dressed, I have seen many men who it’s difficult not to lust after.  The plaid shorts above are a good example.  They cover as much skin as any other pair of shorts, and yet these would cause me to stumble.  Why?  Simple: They look to me like boxars.  Any plaid linen or cotton shorts cause me to do a double-take.  Even though I know these are much too long to be boxars, the pattern and texture are the exact same.  So instead of wearing those, what shorts could men wear around me and I’d be fine?  Khaki cargo shorts, denim shorts, or solid colored shorts are all good.  Either the texture (denim) is different enough or the pattern doesn’t remind me of boxars.

What are some other wardrobe shifts men can make to help us ladies?

© Anna Grace for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: boxars, burka, immodest, lust, men's fashion, mental purity, mind reading, modest, modest is hottest, modesty, plaid, purity, shorts, stumbling block, sweater, telekenesis, think

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Let’s watch in wonder at the beautiful Ms. Jennifer Love Hewitt, (far left) let the celebrity sparkle wash over us as we gaze at her chic… wait… what is she wearing?

The hair? A little plain, but likable. Her skin’s has a beautiful glow to it. Her shoes are… livable. But the dress/jeans combo? Gosh, is that even legal? The dress swallows her up and the jeans just don’t go.

We can also observe a mini-skirt/jeans combination on the runway. (Left) This model is beautiful, her hair is beautiful, her shoes are cute, and the color of her top compliments her skin tone perfectly. And then there’s this… thing… wrapped around her hips. Why ruin a cute outfit like that with an out-of-place mini-skirt?

How did the skirt/pants trend ever start? I wonder if it was in the name of modesty. I can definitely see a girl going through her closet, wanting to wear a mini-skirt, but knowing she won’t get by mom or dad with it. So, she picks out a pair of jeans to go under it. Good compromise, and way to go for being modest!

For all the virtues of this style, I just can’t seem to find it flattering. I don’t think it looks good in most cases. (You all know those beautiful people who can pull off any fashion faux-pas and look stunning doing it. Those people don’t count.) If we have jeans, slacks, or trousers which are modest enough to cover the leg, why even bother wearing the mini skirt? I’m all for choosing modesty over fashion, but seriously – why can’t we have both?

There are a few ways this style can be worn and still be cute. Check out the photos below. (Try to ignore the lime shoes. They’re fodder for another fashion rant… but I’ll save that for another day.)

I love both of these looks. It took me a lot to figure out why. At first, I thought it was because I liked the Bermuda shorts (right) with the dress (and I do so love Bermuda shorts) but I think it’s more than that because I also love the look of the boot-cut jeans with the silk tunic (far right).

After some thought, here are the reasons I like these looks and not the ones above:

Dress vs Skirt

I think the look of a skirt over jeans is just too choppy, but the look of a dress over jeans seems to elongate the torso and slim the silhouette.

Shirt vs Dress

While the look of the poofy, yellow dress with the jeans threatens to swallow the wearer, if the dress actually looks more like a long shirt (the coral tunic is a perfect example) it balances out the look and even elongates the torso.

Jeans vs Shorts

While the jeans in the far right photo definitely work, I love the look of the Bermuda shorts under the dress. Very fun, casual look.

So, ladies, what are some of the things you’ve done to change a modest-yet-awkward outfit into a chic and classy covered look?

© Anna Grace for Is This Modest?, 2008. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: dresses, flatter, shorts, skirt

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