There is much talk resurfacing about modesty.  I’ve chimed in over the years to various degrees, sharing instructions of holy shepherds as well as my own convictions and experiences as a women who once only wore workout clothes and mama of 8 — 3 girls (26-15). 

Holy Mother Church does not set an official teaching on modesty so we must properly discern with our formed conscience what is most pleasing to God and is consistent with the Faith.  

Recently I had a brief exchange with another Catholic mom who felt that certain “modest” attire was “too extreme.”  I truly get it! I was once there myself just 15 years ago.  

I encourage all women to check their dress.  Do it without attachments.  Wear modest skirts exclusively (for all things) for a set period of time. Cover it all in prayer & fasting.  Take an honest assessment and move forward as God is prompting you.  

Below is instruction from a Fr. Franz Schmidberger regarding clothing.  

“Clothes have three separate functions: they provide exterior protection for the body, especially against the cold, and, secondly, they are a mark of modesty, for they cover the flesh and they veil the contours. 

In this context I would like to cite yet another booklet written by Fr. Jean-Dominique, entitled Christian Motherhood:

“Clothing shall neither emphasise the material body, nor shall it attract attention in such a way as to draw gazes upon a woman. 

On the contrary, it should signal to everyone that woman is a spiritual creature with a very special mission, that God has given her very special privileges. 

It would take too long to expound the way in which the design of a garment, its length, its cut, its folds, can be employed to express a woman’s soul and her spiritual relationship with God. 

Suffice to say that it is one of modesty and peaceful trust. A simple appeal to personal experience will do to remind us all that a long garment expresses a certain degree of nobility, commanding respect and propriety. 

Conversely, a manner of dress that underscores the contours will neglect the soul and accentuate the carnal side, even if the flesh is concealed. Wherever there is mention in the Bible of women’s attire, it is always in respect to their attitude, the state of their souls and their personal dignity.”

Thirdly, clothing is an expression of one’s personality by means of which inner values are projected outwards. 

People who dress shabbily evidently do not value themselves, whereas persons that are neatly clothed signal to the outside world that their souls must likewise be in order. 

Pope Pius XII tells us that clothing has to be aesthetic, for it should mirror the spiritual nobility of man. It must not be soiled or slatternly, nor must it be too luxurious. 

Let us remember the maxim that truth, goodness, and beauty are inseparable from one another. Truth is always good and beautiful; goodness is always true and beautiful, and beauty is always good and true.”

The Good Lord calls us all to modesty and purity.  

The supernatural reason for modest behavior is obedience to the Commandments of God and to preserve the virtue of chastity in/out of marriage. 

It applies to all we have and are…

Heart – do we seek to be most pleasing to our Lord and could we face Him at any moment, unashamed of our dress or speech?

Thoughts – do we offer an ejaculation to call upon Our Lord when a bad thought or image comes into our mind or do we entertain such things? Do we watch bad movies/tv, read indecent books/sites, or listen to inappropriate music? 

Speech – do we curse, use vulgar language, take the Lord’s name in vain directly, by way of modern speech or texting (ie; OM*), or remaining unmoved when it’s done in our presence?

Dress – do you dress to meet the conditions that the Church has always taught —  the needs of hygiene, modesty, and decorum? Do we adhere to the degrees of decency regarding the parts of the body? A traditional priest once broke it down as the honest, less honest, and dishonest parts of the body.  The degree of incentive toward the sensual passions that the parts arouse is the criterion used to establish the above classes.  

We are an image of God and are always in His presence, and that of the angels and saints.  

May we dress & carry ourselves to uphold our greatest dignity, show our love of God and neighbor.

Don’t know where to start but desiring to do so this Lent? Start with the following items which should always be observed in Church but would be most pleasing to Him if it were our constant decorum.

Women: Wear modest dresses or skirts and tops that properly cover the body. Cover yourself in a dignified way to never reveal  “less honest” parts without good reason — by way of lack of clothing, transparent items, short hems, low necklines, tight clothing, clothing which was not originally designed for women, or items intended to be used as undergarments, and never the “dishonest” parts outside of the absolute appropriate times.  Many have been transformed interiorly by making this change. 

Men: follow the suggestions above that apply to men and leave work dress for work, workout clothing for working out, etc… Fathers/husbands guide your daughter/wife in the above.  

All: Pray to have God set watch over your mouth and not speak one word that could offend Him or call upon diabolical influences — no curse words, vulgarities, or gossip.  

All: Inform your conscience – read the writings of Pius XII and other good traditionalist moralists.

May we give glory to God with our clothing, bearing, and way of being, at all times.   May we let nothing cheat us out of our call to holiness, purity, and our eternal salvation.