When it comes to Christian women’s clothing, does God really care about what we wear? Is there a Bible passage that tells us how to dress as a Christian woman?
Actually, nowhere in the Bible will you find a detailed description of how to dress. In any case, the Bible does contain precepts that can direct a Christian woman’s choice of clothing. Women’s attire should be guided by these biblical principles, whether you shop for it or decide which outfits to wear.
#1: YOUR PHYSICAL BEAUTY AS A CHRISTIAN WOMAN REFLECTS THE CHURCH
The Church’s beauty is reflected in yours. Paul writes the following on marriage in Ephesians 5, where he compares it to Christ’s relationship with the Church:
“Men, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her, so that she might be presented to God as a flawless body, free from spot or wrinkle or any other imperfection; that she might be holy and without blemish.”
Ephesians 5:25-27
Keeping one’s looks is not only for one’s husband but also to honor the symbolism for which God formed a woman. It is as important as keeping one’s faith up.
As a Christian woman, you should dress to emphasize your physical attractiveness since it represents the spiritual beauty of the Church¾Christ’s bride. You dress primarily for the sake of pleasing God and displaying the splendor of God’s creation.
#2-YOU SHOULD DRESS CORRECTLY FOR THE OCCASION
Contrary to popular belief, Biblical modesty refers to a woman’s ability to wear clothes “appropriately” (I Timothy 2:9). The definition of modesty in I Timothy 2:9 is available here. To summarize, modesty in clothing means not clothing in a sexual manner.
To dress appropriately for the occasion involves putting on suitable clothes for the situation. For example, while it’s completely fine to wear a bikini on a beach, it would be inappropriate for you to do so at work or in Church (unless you’re an actual lifeguard).
#3- DRESS IN FEMININE ATTIRE
As long as you’re wearing attire that tells people you’re female, that’s all they should need to know. Women and men should always look like the people they are in their own culture, regardless of what dress trends they want to wear.
“The woman shall not wear a man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all those who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 22:5
Women are not prohibited from wearing pants based on this verse in Deuteronomy (yes, some Christians still teach this, though). Trousers were once exclusively the domain of men, and it’s possible that wearing pants as a woman was considered inappropriate at that time, especially in the absence of women’s-specific options. Then, fashions and styles evolved, and ladies now have trousers manufactured and tailored specifically for them.
Men and women wear pants; there is no problem with this as long as the woman’s pants convey a feminine style in our cultural understanding.
#4- DRESS TO SATISFY YOUR HUSBAND
The will of God is for women to be submissive to their husbands at all times. Everything you do reflects who you are, from how you dress to how you maintain your physical look.
When you’re married, it’s essential to dress in a way that makes your spouse happy. Look at his style preferences and see what colors he likes on you. Then, dress in those colors and styles.
You should also dress sexily for your partner in the right situations. Purchasing a hot outfit for your husband to wear on a night out on the town is an excellent idea. If you have any doubts about this, I encourage you to read my earlier piece: What Modesty means in 1 Timothy 2:9.
Wearing lingerie for him at home, a gorgeous outfit for a night on the town, or a sexy bathing suit for a trip to the beach, is perfectly acceptable in the right conditions. Your body is a work of art that God has given to your husband, and you should not try to hide it from him in any way.
#5- DON’T BE SLOPPY ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE
Wearing baggy tees and sweats is indeed more comfortable than dressing to impress. However, as a Christian woman, God values your outward attractiveness. It’s a given that your husband cares about how you look when you’re married; God gave you to him for a reason.
God desires all Christians, especially Christian women, to do their best. Even if you’re not feeling your best or doing some housework, your outfit may not be as appealing. Women are expected to maintain their beauty for both God and their husbands, even if they have a limited amount of time to devote to it.
“Do everything you do with all your heart as if you were doing it for God.”
Colossians 3:13
There is no problem wearing a bikini to the beach, but others would be upset and rightfully so if you wore one to Church. That is unacceptable apparel for a Christian church (see I Timothy 2:9).
However, you should wear something else in your bikini instead when you go to the beach. The family from Church should leave you alone if you’re going to the beach with your husband and wearing a bikini. If they see you, they should respect your privacy.
The only exception to this rule is if you were traveling to the beach with a family who you knew were anti-bikini, in which case you might temporarily refrain from wearing one out of respect for them.
To go out on a date with your husband, you should not be thinking about what other people could think if they saw you in particular attire. Your thoughts should only be focused on God and your husband.
As a woman of faith, I pray that you look into the Bible. Finally, discuss this matter politely with your spouse. Don’t be afraid to make modifications if necessary. It’s important to remember that God wants the best for you in all areas of your life, and that includes your appearance. Keep God’s masterpiece in view, but don’t hide it from your husband or the rest of the world.
