Extremely Conservative Dress

[Bruised_Reed]

Yay, thank you, now I know what those are called!!! that makes things easier.

SailorKenshin

Haa haa real funny. I think it would be really disrespectful to wear a hat in church or all the time, hats nowadays are pretty secular. I have a bunch of cute ones though, I do love hats.

Lol I cant see the priest enjoying me wearing my Red Army Mao hat I got at the Forbidden City in China as a souvenir. Somehow that doesnt seem holy to me. I think I’ll look for a mantilla.

Your right about the souvenir hat. But otherwise, hats are quite proper for women and not just in church as they are a sign of respect (nod to Miss Manners). What is different nowadays is that hats (headcoverings) are not required in public; they used to be, for both men and women.

 

[zaramarie81]

Your right about the souvenir hat. But otherwise, hats are quite proper for women and not just in church as they are a sign of respect (nod to Miss Manners). What is different nowadays is that hats (headcoverings) are not required in public; they used to be, for both men and women.

Yes, it’s my understanding that hats, like headcoverings, are very proper for women to wear in church and until recently expected/required. It’s only men who are expected to take their hats off as a sign of respect. (Just use common sense, and don’t wear overly casual hats, hats with controversial messages!)

 

[joandarc2008]

I don’t know I think that when someone dresses in a way that is so overly modest that they are not dressing in a manner that semi-conforms with the rest of the culture around them he or she could actually end up attracting attention to themselves and in turn destroy the whole point of dressing modestly in the first place. It kind of reminds me of one of the verses in Matthew about how one should not pray at the temple in public but instead should pray alone, etc. I am paraphrasing. I believe one should be modest to the point where one is not noticed for being modest because then it is just prideful and another sin in itself.

God bless,

P.S.- Never worn a Speedo in a crowded shopping mall myself

 

[SHW]

I don’t know I think that when someone dresses in a way that is so overly modest that they are not dressing in a manner that semi-conforms with the rest of the culture around them he or she could actually end up attracting attention to themselves and in turn destroy the whole point of dressing modestly in the first place. It kind of reminds me of one of the verses in Matthew about how one should not pray at the temple in public but instead should pray alone, etc. I am paraphrasing. I believe one should be modest to the point where one is not noticed for being modest because then it is just prideful and another sin in itself.

I agree with you. It is better to “blend in” rather than “stand out.” What begins with good intentions can become one’s downfall. Pride comes in many forms.

Pax,
SHW

 

[Ghoti]

I’ve often worn a swimsuit in public – speedo or trunk style. I don’t see what the big deal is.

They don’t bunch up under my trousers, so no problem there…

 

[Bruised_Reed]

I don’t know I think that when someone dresses in a way that is so overly modest that they are not dressing in a manner that semi-conforms with the rest of the culture around them he or she could actually end up attracting attention to themselves and in turn destroy the whole point of dressing modestly in the first place. It kind of reminds me of one of the verses in Matthew about how one should not pray at the temple in public but instead should pray alone, etc. I am paraphrasing. I believe one should be modest to the point where one is not noticed for being modest because then it is just prideful and another sin in itself.

God bless,

P.S.- Never worn a Speedo in a crowded shopping mall myself

I agree with you. It is better to “blend in” rather than “stand out.” What begins with good intentions can become one’s downfall. Pride comes in many forms.

Pax,
SHW

I am inclined to agree with you, however; how much room is there for differences in putting faith into practice? I mean, if someone thinks she are called to this because she needs to practice detachment from something she was very attached to or just wants to begin dressing in a more modest and feminine manner. Because the Church does not have a universal dress code we end up sorting this out individually. With fits and starts.

Blend in how much? I don’t dress as I like because I know it would attract attention which I don’t care for. I tend to be attracted to clothing that is more like a costume than anything else (think sort of Gothy) I have a cloak that is beautiful but even in it’s simplicity it attracts attention because most people don’t wear cloaks (darn it all, anyway).

And, for what it’s worth, I like the salwar kameez; it’s modest, feminine, kinda flowy but it has pants! Aand there are lots of fabric choices; it’s not a ugly black sack outfit.

 

[joandarc2008]

Blend in how much? I don’t dress as I like because I know it would attract attention which I don’t care for. I tend to be attracted to clothing that is more like a costume than anything else (think sort of Gothy) I have a cloak that is beautiful but even in it’s simplicity it attracts attention because most people don’t wear cloaks (darn it all, anyway).

Ok to the CCC we go:

1. Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity.

1. Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires ones choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is descreet. (italics CM)

2524 The forms taken by modesty vary from one culture to another. Everywhere, however, modesty exists as an intuition of the spiritual dignity proper to man. It is born with the awakening consciousness of being a subject. Teaching modesty to children and adolescents means awakening in them respect for the human person.

God bless,

 

[Contarini]

How do you know that your money is not being spent to promote activities that are counter to Christian ideals. I know when I was over there kids would sell us things that were seemingly innocent such as clothing, artwork, weapons(that had been abandoned), old currency, etc. We then found out that their parents were using the American currency to buy weapons and IED parts to kill us.

But it’s OK to give tax money to help the U.S. government kill Muslims (and Christians)?

Edwin

 

[SHW]

And, for what it’s worth, I like the salwar kameez; it’s modest, feminine, kinda flowy but it has pants! Aand there are lots of fabric choices; it’s not a ugly black sack outfit.

“All” pants are not forbidden for women by the Catholic Church. Tight and/or revealing pants are forbidden because they are a sin against modesty and purity.

Also, remember that in Jesus’ time, all men and women wore tunics. Men’s tunics were shorter than women’s tunics and I am sure that there were some other fashion distinctions; but they were still all tunics.

Please see the following threads for more info:

http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=187037

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=38501

http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=8407

I hope this helps.

Pax,
SHW

 

[joandarc2008]

But it’s OK to give tax money to help the U.S. government kill Muslims (and Christians)?

Edwin

It must be nice to have such a rosy view of the neccesity of war as granted by the news media. If you really want to know what’s going on why don’t you ask someone who has been there or go spend 48 hours there yourself if you think you can pull yourself away from your creature comforts long enough. Otherwise please don’t tell people that have been there what is REALLY going on because you have no clue.

God bless and peace be with you,

 

[Bruised_Reed]

“All” pants are not forbidden for women by the Catholic Church. Tight and/or revealing pants are forbidden because they are a sin against modesty and purity.

Also, remember that in Jesus’ time, all men and women wore tunics. Men’s tunics were shorter than women’s tunics and I am sure that there were some other fashion distinctions; but they were still all tunics.

Please see the following threads for more info:

http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=187037

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=38501

http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=8407

I hope this helps.

Pax,
SHW

I have no problem with pants; it’s rare I wear anything else. I just thought the pants would let the wearer crawl around with their little ones or sit cross legged on the floor and still be modest and look feminine. I probably should have said “and it has pants!”

 

[SHW]

I have no problem with pants; it’s rare I wear anything else. I just thought the pants would let the wearer crawl around with their little ones or sit cross legged on the floor and still be modest and look feminine. I probably should have said “and it has pants!”

Makes sense to me!

 

[Zooey]

I like that solution, however what pattern company has patterns for modest clothing (that aren’t a burka or a bikini)? Also, making your own clothing has become much more expensive than shopping at discount stores - and in this economy, even if you have it to spend there are so many really wonderful Catholic charities that really need that money.

Kwik-Sew has many modest patterns. That & Butterick are sold at our local Mennonite store. Both have lovely things. (Kwik Sew is printed on real paper, not tissue, too!)

I know that it would create confusion, but I have always wanted to cover my head. I wish there was a “non-Islamic” type of head covering, I dont want to offend Islam or mislead people by wearing their type of head covering, but it would be interesting to have a ‘Christian’ style.

I dont know if I would want to wear it every day forever, but I just would like to see what its like.

The www.modestclothes.com site has a whole section of headcoverings, divided by suggestions for various religious groups. There are both Catholic & Protestant Christian sites that sell beautiful things.

 

[TotusTuusIesu]

I think what the Catechism says on this is very important…while modesty is key, I think that many people take it a bit far to the point of attracting attention, and, in doing so, make themselves just as showy as if they were wearing a bikini. Hey, even jeans and a t-shirt can be modest if worn in the correct size for one’s body shape. I think modesty in the every-day should be promoted, as young people would find it much easier to catch on to than ordering Anabaptist clothing online [not that there’s anything wrong with that, if it really keeps one modest and out of the spotlight]. I am a modest-dressing Catholic, but I think that extremes in either direction can work against modesty.

“Nothing in excess.”

+JMJD

 

[carlamoo]

I have always** wished that there were more distinctive guidelines as to how a conservative Catholic woman should dress. And yes, I often find myself envying the modern Muslim woman for her hijab. It is up to us friends, to set the movement. There is** a way for us to dress modestly and not call attention to ourselves, or resemble other religions. I recently bought a hat from target. It is a knitted black cap that, I suppose is really just a glorified hair net. But I saw my 14 year old cousin wearing one so I know it is stylish. I can wear it as a head covering without calling attention to myself. It works quite well. Long skirts and dresses are easier to find in malls and department stores than you think. I should know because I too wear a lot of skirts and dresses for the sake of modesty, and that is where I find them. Yes, the dresses are always spaghetti strap, but its nothing a jean jacket, (which are in, btw), or a cardigan sweater can’t fix. I am 22 years old and like any young woman, wish to be reasonably fashionable. I agree that it is important that modest garb should not be so distinctive that is becomes a source of pride or a measuring stick of which to judge others by. The only purpose is to guard our bodies from prying eyes, to not entice lust. Never should it serve as a status symbol, as I believe it does for Muslims.

 

[joandarc2008]

Let me make this clear the hijab is not about modesty - it is to make a woman go completely unnoticed. When you cannot look at a woman’s eyes or mouth when she speaks there is no reason for her to be listened to. And by the way - when women cover like that the men that impose those coverings will tell you flat out that they do not wish you to be able to look upon their property. I know this because I served nine months over there. Do not kid yourselves - one can be modest - but modesty has nothing to do with the garments of the extreme jihad.

 

[Big_Willis]

I’m not necessarily down with the burqa thing, but I’d like to see much more modest in dress all around. Maybe we could start in church. Even at Holy Mass, there are a lot of women displaying the goods way too prominently.

Sometimes I feel like I accidentally walked into a Britney Spears video.

I would love to see more decent clothing. Many people don’t know the difference between dressing nicely for Church and dressing up for a party.

 

[Big_Willis]

Continuing what I said, a lot of clothes today cheapen the body. They make the body look like just certain parts, calling attention to all the wrong places.

 

[carlamoo]

Let me make this clear the hijab is not about modesty - it is to make a woman go completely unnoticed. When you cannot look at a woman’s eyes or mouth when she speaks there is no reason for her to be listened to. And by the way - when women cover like that the men that impose those coverings will tell you flat out that they do not wish you to be able to look upon their property. I know this because I served nine months over there. Do not kid yourselves - one can be modest - but modesty has nothing to do with the garments of the extreme jihad.

I thought that hijabs were just the headscarves that they wear, like the ones I see American Muslims wearing. You can see the woman’s face, just not her neck or any of her hair. And yes, as far as what you said about those extremists wanting to make women invisible, I agree and it is wrong. A woman’s body is something sacred that needs to be protected, not**** something shameful that needs to be hidden.

 

[fabricdragon]

TECHNICALLY Hijab is a term meaning “modest dress” i was told… but it has since come to be used to describe the scarf/veil head covering of a Muslim woman.
it does NOT= a burqa!!!

as a medieval re creationist (www.sca.org) i often wear outfits that were typical women’s clothes in the middle ages, and the two piece Hijab, (i think Amira hijab) in white. is actually almost identical to the European ladies veils that the nuns outfits grew out of. the wimple and veil!.

www.wegdan.com and www.veiledbydesign.com both offer scarves and Muslim head coverings. many of which can be worn by anyone.
www.tznius.com offers scarves and clothing for Orthodox Jewish women, who ALSO cover their hair.
and ladyguen.com/ or guendalina.livejournal.com for jeweled hand crocheted hair nets/snoods (Guen is a friend of mine, and a Catholic.)

the main distinction between Muslim Hijab and Jewish hair covering/veils is that Muslim women cover the throat, and Orthodox Jewish women only have to cover the collar bones.

i buy scarves and hats for wear in and outside of church. partly because of my experiences in the medieval clothing, i guess i am more comfortable in it.