As modesty remains a controversial issue among Christians, open to differing interpretations of Biblical standards, one St Andrew clergyman is calling for balance between personal expression and appropriateness.

Pastor Chris Morgan, founder of the Go For God Family Church, suggests that modesty goes beyond clothing, describing it as both a physical and spiritual expression of humility.

“Modesty has two aspects, one is being covered, not showing too much or more than you should, but it also has another idea behind it, which is an attitude of humility,” Morgan explained.

He added that modesty is not about suppressing style but maintaining appropriateness.

“To be modest, you’re not trying to be too shiny and glamorous in a way that draws attention or shows off. It also means not dressing in a way that reveals your flesh and shape,” he said.

Morgan noted that tight clothing, ripped jeans, see-through fabrics, and outfits revealing the stomach or thighs can all be considered immodest.

Speaking to how modesty guidelines often list what is and is not appropriate for women, Morgan suggested that “It’s not good for modesty rules to focus so much on women that it feels like it’s hampering them.

“It should never be that they’re made to wear bland, big clothes that don’t look or feel good,” he added.

He also pointed out that men share in the responsibility to dress appropriately.

Morgan noted that men should be mindful not to wear clothing that is extremely tight or wear pants that reveal their underwear.

Quoting 1 Peter 3:3, a popular bible verse that teaches that true beauty comes from within, Morgan said he doesn’t subscribe to the traditional interpretations that limit outward adornment but instead focuses on the principle of being beautiful on the inside.

When asked about those who may be into fashion and may want to play around with their style, Morgan suggested, “As long as fashion allows you to be comfortable, effective in worship, and still covered, I think God desires his people to be new and not to look old.”

Morgan highlights that he actually would encourage Christians to “be at the forefront of style that shows modesty.”

Taking on that mission is Nateisha Williams, owner of FHL Designs, a local brand known for modest and elegant clothing.

Williams, who began her business in 2014, defines modesty as something that “starts in the heart.”

“As a fashion designer, I believe modest style is simple, elegant, and not elaborate,” she said. “I don’t like to see young ladies, especially teenagers and young adults, in clothes that show their body.”

Williams admitted that she was not always drawn to modest dressing but embraced it after becoming a Christian.

“Christians must look nice and elegant, but we must not look like the world,” she said.

On the question of whether modesty rules are stricter for women, Williams believes both genders share equal responsibility.

“Males should not distract females in the same way that females should not distract males,” she said. “We are different, so the rules will look different, but both must appear appropriate.”

From a business perspective, Williams said she has noticed a growing demand for modest fashion even among non-Christians.

“Gone are the days where everybody dash out,” she explained. “I think people are gravitating to a more modest kind of fashion …. nice and elegant, not too much of the dash out again.”

Williams shares that she is happy to see this shift and would encourage more people to be mindful of the way they are dressed.