It's summer now. How much would you show your body?

[lobster]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

 

[Spirithound]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

Ok, but sweatshirts really aren’t summer wear, right? I would just ask for cleavage to be covered, something more than a (micro-)mini-skirt, and please, none of those butt-hugging jeans that everyone is wearing nowadays.

 

[srlucado]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

You are joking, right?

Maybe you could give us some examples of women who actually dress this way.

 

[CB_Catholic]

At my age, there is nothing on my body worth exposing too much. I would look silly in what would look attractive on a younger woman. So I guess I am motivated by vanity. I don’t wear shorts because I have very skinny legs with varicose veins–I wear capri’s in the summer. I don’t wear sleeveless because I am big chested and have to buy a larger size to fit, and then my bra shows from the armhole. I never did wear very low cut tops because I felt too exposed and immodest in them, also I have a scar from open-heart surgery, but I wouldn’t wear very low-cut anyway. My skirts are knee-length or longer, I think most women at my age (60) look ridiculous in short skirts and tight, revealing tops–nothing sexually attractive about them–most of the time our bodies have long lost their youthful shape (although there are some exceptions).

As for bathing suits–definitely one-piece, but I haven’t worn one in years, and I do not like to expose my skin to too much sun as that promotes dry, wrinkled skin. Besides, I have a bit of a protruding belly, although I am not much overweight. So my summer wardrobe consists mostly of capris, blouses or knit tops, and lightweight slacks. And sandals or flats.

I don’t think there is anything immodest about sleeveless tops, regular to knee-length shorts, well-tailored pants or jeans that fit properly, or knee-length or even slightly above the knee dresses and skirts. Or two-piece bathing suits if they are not too low cut, top or bottom, and you have the figure for them, which, to tell the truth, most women don’t.

Some women do dress provocatively on purpose, to attract men, but the idea that women should cover themselves completely because men cannot control themselves is ridiculous. Men need to assume responsibility for their lustful thoughts, not blame them on the women, but women do not need to deliberately provoke those thoughts in men, either. There is a responsible and attractive-without being provocative–medium. And that does not mean covering oneself completely with ill-fitting clothes. A man who is aroused by anything less than that needs to examine himself, IMO.

 

[BiologyBrain]

At my age, there is nothing on my body worth exposing too much. I would look silly in what would look attractive on a younger woman. So I guess I am motivated by vanity. I don’t wear shorts because I have very skinny legs with varicose veins–I wear capri’s in the summer. I don’t wear sleeveless because I am big chested and have to buy a larger size to fit, and then my bra shows from the armhole. I never did wear very low cut tops because I felt too exposed and immodest in them, also I have a scar from open-heart surgery, but I wouldn’t wear very low-cut anyway. My skirts are knee-length or longer, I think most women at my age (60) look ridiculous in short skirts and tight, revealing tops–nothing sexually attractive about them–most of the time our bodies have long lost their youthful shape (although there are some exceptions).

As for bathing suits–definitely one-piece, but I haven’t worn one in years, and I do not like to expose my skin to too much sun as that promotes dry, wrinkled skin. Besides, I have a bit of a protruding belly, although I am not much overweight. So my summer wardrobe consists mostly of capris, blouses or knit tops, and lightweight slacks. And sandals or flats.

I don’t think there is anything immodest about sleeveless tops, regular to knee-length shorts, well-tailored pants or jeans that fit properly, or knee-length or even slightly above the knee dresses and skirts. Or two-piece bathing suits if they are not too low cut, top or bottom, and you have the figure for them, which, to tell the truth, most women don’t.

Some women do dress provocatively on purpose, to attract men, but the idea that women should cover themselves completely because men cannot control themselves is ridiculous. Men need to assume responsibility for their lustful thoughts, not blame them on the women, but women do not need to deliberately provoke those thoughts in men, either. There is a responsible and attractive-without being provocative–medium. And that does not mean covering oneself completely with ill-fitting clothes. A man who is aroused by anything less than that needs to examine himself, IMO.

Another highly refreshing post! Thank you!

:clapping: :tiphat:

 

[Calliso]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

And do your rules apply to men as well? If so why not? And you do realize that both men and women can still lust after the opposite sex no matter how much they are covered up right? And I am curious where do you live? Cause where I live in Georgia wearing what you desribe in the summer could actually be harmful. I am not talking oh I am a little hot here uncomfortable I am talking I am about to pass out from the heat here. Heck even where I used to live in Michgian it is usually way to hot in the summer to wear what you describe. Really if a man is going to fall into lust cause oh noes I showed that a bit of arm or leg or even worse he could tell I have breasts…then that is his fault not mine. Just like it would be mine if I fell into lust because I saw another man’s arm skin or leg skin…or whatever,

 

[Calliso]

You are joking, right?

Maybe you could give us some examples of women who actually dress this way.

Yeah I certainly know of none around here…I donlt know maybe cause it would probably actually be unhealthy here in the summer to wear such clothing? Here a light weight long sleeve shirt can be too hot.

 

[theistgal]

I’m 50 years old. I’ll show as much as I can legally get away with and/or as much as anyone actually wants to see!

 

[BiologyBrain]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

Is this what you wear? Is hiding our body not actually drawing attention to ourselves? Is hiding our body really glorifying in God’s wonderful creation? He created us male & female - not just for procreation, but b/c both are designed in His image. If we constantly cover His image within us w/ bulky/baggy clothing are we truly doing as He wished? Making only women cover to this degree is also contrary to God’s creation of us male & female (and fundamentally good). It degrades women to be seen only as instruments of lust/sexuality/temptation. It can actually further separate the sexes and cause more problems between the two. If women were meant to look like men and/or have no shape, God would have designed us this way.

Also, simply wearing baggy clothing will not hide the fact that I have hips & breasts. They may not be as obvious, but they are still going to be apparent b/c they stick out beyond the rest of my body. Actually, sometimes the most flattering outfits are those that don’t cling to the curves. Instead they move & flow w/ the body and display it quite nicely.

Only to an extent am I my brother’s keeper. If I hold myself w/ dignity and demand/request everyone else to regard me w/ the dignity God gave me, I’m doing my job. If others cannot do this (regard me w/ dignity) then its their sin, not mine. BTW I’m not saying we should parade around naked (although some people probably could w/ very little if any moral reprocussions). I’m just saying we aren’t called to hide our bodies under the bushel! Our bodies are the physical sign of our creation through God. Our bodies are our light with which we can do good or evil. To hide our bodies under a bushel is to hide any of our God-given talents under a bushel - not recommended or desired.

 

[daeve]

Some women do dress provocatively on purpose, to attract men, but the idea that women should cover themselves completely because men cannot control themselves is ridiculous. Men need to assume responsibility for their lustful thoughts, not blame them on the women, but women do not need to deliberately provoke those thoughts in men, either. There is a responsible and attractive-without being provocative–medium. And that does not mean covering oneself completely with ill-fitting clothes. A man who is aroused by anything less than that needs to examine himself, IMO.

Amen to all of your post, Carolyn, but especially the part above.

 

[dominicandinah]

One has to wonder if the desire for vain attention in any matter, but especially in regards to modesty, is worth the price it costs for showing off your body to men. Are the excuses of “its too hot”, or “its too uncomfortable” worth exchanging ones immortal soul for?
In regards to the person posting the middle eastern garb, no that is not a good example of modesty (though it is modest if that is what you would like to wear).
As part of womens’ fallen nature, they are called to wear such clothing as would hide all skin and hair except for the face and hands. This does not mean ‘burka’ or sleeping bag, but rather baggy clothes which do not define body contours. A good example is a sweat shirt and sweat pants and do-rag.

Sweats and a “do-rag”??? That’s what the inner-city women we’ve helped via St. Vincent DePaul Society were wearing…these young ladies also had several children each, but no husbands. Doesn’t seem they were too modest in behavior! With your perverted concerns about women in basic t-shirts and loose-fitting capri pants or bermuda shorts inciting your lust, perhaps you should see a psychiatrist about your urges. Sorry if my post was less than charitable, but I have serious concerns about letting you loose in your neighborhood with your apparent uncontrollable sex drive stemming from viewing rather modest clothing!

 

[daeve]

Yeah I certainly know of none around here…I donlt know maybe cause it would probably actually be unhealthy here in the summer to wear such clothing? Here a light weight long sleeve shirt can be too hot.

Not to mention, a sweat shirt and pants are seldom the appropriate outfit. You can wear that to the grocery store or a garage sale, but not to work, not to church, not to the theatre or a nice restaurant. Not to a wedding or a funeral.

You don’t have to resort to baggy shapeless clothes to be modestly dressed. I am always modestly dressed. I don’t wear tight clothes, because I’m too fat and don’t need to be reminded of it. But I can wear nice things that covers what needs to be covered and not make me look like a stranger in a strange land.

Wearing too much clothes can also be inappropriate. That will call as much extra attention to you as not enough clothes, and that too is vanity.

This is a little edit. I see after I typed and posted that someone already said this much more eloquently. Sorry about that.

 

[lobster]

A man who is aroused by anything less than that needs to examine himself, IMO.

Well no, God has given some individuals greater trials than others. It would seem rather selfish attitude to tell someone “it is your own problem, get your head examined”. We are expected to help our neighbors on the path to holiness. If we are concerned only with ourselves in this world, so it will be in the next as well.

 

[lobster]

Ok, but sweatshirts really aren’t summer wear, right? I would just ask for cleavage to be covered, something more than a (micro-)mini-skirt, and please, none of those butt-hugging jeans that everyone is wearing nowadays.

What you posted sounds rather sensible.

 

[lobster]

And do your rules apply to men as well? If so why not? And you do realize that both men and women can still lust after the opposite sex no matter how much they are covered up right?

But in general, women don’t lust after men. Women have the scourge of vanity, whereas men the scourge of desire.
Men have the responsibility to guard their thoughts, women to keep their seducing wiles in check.

And I am curious where do you live? Cause where I live in Georgia wearing what you desribe in the summer could actually be harmful.

It’s only an example, of course one would have to adjust depending on locale.

 

[srlucado]

Well no, God has given some individuals greater trials than others. It would seem rather selfish attitude to tell someone “it is your own problem, get your head examined”. We are expected to help our neighbors on the path to holiness. If we are concerned only with ourselves in this world, so it will be in the next as well.

Frankly, I think it’s far more selfish to proclaim, “I have a problem with women, so every woman on the planet has to dress like a sack of potatoes.”

If thine eye offends thee…

 

[st_lucy]

But in general, women don’t lust after men. Women have the scourge of vanity, whereas men the scourge of desire.
Men have the responsibility to guard their thoughts, women to keep their seducing wiles in check.

It’s only an example, of course one would have to adjust depending on locale.

I find your post very judgmental. The Catholic church calls all to be modest not blind. The human body is beautiful why would you suggest that one must make it look ugly? Yes, I think we are all in agreement that we should not dress like a street walker and take care not dress provocative, but that does not mean we have to dress in “baggy” clothing. I teach my daughter to take good care of herself, by buying clothing that actually fit, which means not too tight and not too loose. I don’t understand why you think women should where hats. I mean really hats? If you or any man has a lustful thought because my hair is showing how is that my fault? I only wear a hat when I am gardening or when I am canoeing, and this is for convenience. I have always thought that I was a bit on the conservative side when it came to clothing but your ideas really have me scratching my head. (which doesn’t have a hat on it, right now)

 

[lobster]

It seems that the overwhelming opinion when it comes to modesty is “let everyone fend for themselves”.

I suppose it is a mark of the culture and “sign of the times”.

 

[GraceDK]

Mmmm… I can’t wait to go to the beach in my nice new bikini…All the talk here about bikinis some months ago made me wanna buy one my self for the first time all my life maybe on the beach I can even see some handsome men and admire their muscular upper bodies… :tanning:

 

[Calliso]

But in general, women don’t lust after men. Women have the scourge of vanity, whereas men the scourge of desire.
Men have the responsibility to guard their thoughts, women to keep their seducing wiles in check.

It’s only an example, of course one would have to adjust depending on locale.

If you think women in general donlt struggle with lust…think again. Both men and women struggled with lust. And I think we should within reason protect each other from that. But within reason would not be going around with tons of cleavage showing and shorts that donlt even cover your butt or going around in a bathing suit. However at the same time people should be able to control themselves. Men should be able to control their desires and lusts if a woman is dressed in normal modest clothes. Showing a bit of skin shouldn;t cause them to lose it…same goes for women. But yeah if a man or woman struggles with lust that much that seeing a bit of skin sets them off…then well that is their problem.