Modesty
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have always been encouraged to wear modest clothes. Even anciently in Christ’s Church members were encouraged to “adorn themselves in modest apparel” (see 1 Tim. 2: 9). The Guide to the Scriptures printed by the Church says that modesty is “appearance that is humble, moderate, and decent. A modest person avoids excesses and pretensions.” The leaders of the Church have given further guidelines on what modesty is, “Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you. Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.
“Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, 'Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?'
"Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time" (see For the Strength of Youth). Dressing modestly shows respect to God and our bodies. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” Wearing modest clothing is one way that we show respect for our bodies and keeps us from defiling it.
External Links For more information or to find modest clothing visit one of these websites:
