What is Modesty and the 5 Types of Immodesty
What is Modesty?
In the Bible, modesty is, first and foremost, a characteristic of the heart. At its core, modesty is the humble resolve to put God's glory first and love of neighbor second. It’s a heart that longs for God to be honored, not oneself. It’s a preference for others. This humble heart will shape our actions—whether in how we dress, speak, or behave. As St. Augustine said, “Modesty in dress, speech, and behavior reflects the soul’s reverence for God and an awareness of one's place within His order.”
Immodesty
Immodesty also stems from the heart, revealing itself through our clothing, speech, and conduct. At its root, immodesty is a heart that refuses to put God’s glory and love for neighbor first. Instead, it’s driven by self-interest. Calvin described the immodest heart as one that “seeks attention and glory that rightly belongs to God.” It pursues comfort and desires at the expense of others, flaunting itself in various ways. Just as modesty is reflected outwardly, so too is immodesty—it’s a display of self in clothing, speech, and conduct.
Immodesty can be either intentional or negligent. Some actively seek attention, while others care so little for God’s glory or others’ comfort that they don’t bother to avoid undue attention.
Five Categories of Immodesty
With this heart-driven view of modesty, I’ve divided immodesty into five categories. These categories help illustrate the different ways an immodest heart manifests outwardly. They aren’t always distinct, and a person can often fall into more than one at a time, but they provide insight into the issue.
1. The “Whore” or “Slutty” Immodesty:
This is typically what most people think of when they hear the word "immodest,"—sexual provocation. It’s clothing designed to attract attention to the body: low-cut tops, short skirts, and tight-fitting clothes that draw the eye. Some dress this way intentionally, while others may do so without thought, desensitized by the culture around them. Regardless, this immodesty disregards God’s glory and love for neighbor, seeking attention from the opposite sex or stirring envy among other women. The Bible teaches us to cover our nakedness. It would be wise to spend time studying the scriptures on what it considers to be naked (Isaiah 47:2-3 and Exodus 28:42-43 are two passages among many to look at). The standard of nakedness in Scripture is at odds with the standards of nakedness in our culture. We have been conditioned by magazines at grocery stores and television shows to believe that women can show their whole bodies, but if they cover their genitals or their breasts with their hands, they aren’t considered naked. We have subtly imbibed that thinking and, like a frog being boiled slowly in water, have come to accept things that Scripture says are shameful as normal.
2. The “Seeking Praise and Status” Immodesty:
Scripture speaks directly to this form of immodesty. It’s dressing to flaunt status or wealth—a “look at me” attitude that says, “See how much better I am.” This can involve excessive jewelry, elaborate hairstyles, or an obsession with trends and fads. The desire here is to be seen as part of the “elite,” to gain attention by showcasing beauty, wealth, or popularity. This isn’t modest; it’s vanity. One may not be merely trying to appear above others to fall into this trap. One also may be longing for the approval and praise of others. How many likes can my Instagram photo get?
3. The “Frumpy” Immodesty:
Seemingly opposite to flaunting wealth and beauty, this is the immodesty of indifference, a disregard for the beauty God has given. It’s the neglect of basic self-care, failing to steward one’s appearance and refusing to look presentable. Often, it’s a result of laziness, with unkempt hair, dirty clothing, or a general disregard for appearance. Some try to suppress their femininity or hide their beauty—possibly as a response to past hurt or abuse. This category also includes women who adopt a “butch” or “dyke” look, dressing to reject feminine beauty altogether. While I said it is the opposite of the first two categories, one can be both frumpy and sexually provocative at the same time. How so? A young lady that doesn’t bother fixing herself up but in the love of comfort and ease wears boxers and a tank top out in public. Her nakedness is on display along with her frumpiness.
4. The “Non-Conformist” Immodesty:
This form of immodesty embraces a lifestyle that rejects social standards, often under the guise of “authenticity” or “health-consciousness.” It’s the person who, for example, refuses to wear deodorant or shave their armpits, making their nonconformity known to everyone. This also includes certain subcultures like “goth,” where the entire look screams defiance. The aim here is to stand out, to communicate rebellion against the “normies.” Not all alternative fashions are immodest, but when the intent is to push a blatant “f.u.” message to the culture, it reveals a heart bent on drawing attention. But, again, this category isn’t just for the flaming pink-haired feminists, it includes those overly fixated on “crunchy” fads, that they disregard the comfort of those around them. The point here is not that everyone must be exactly alike or that there aren’t ways in which one can be health-conscious, but that one should do these things while caring for the people around them and not in a proud way that draws undue attention to oneself.
5. The “Dressing Out of Place” Immodesty:
While the “Non-Conformist” type intentionally subverts expectations, this category simply doesn’t care. It’s dressing inappropriately for the occasion, like wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral. It’s the “I never dresses up for anything, so why should I dress up for church?” It could be the opposite extreme as well: someone showing up overdressed, trying to be the center of attention by standing out. It’s the young man dressing like a plantation owner from the 1800s to the college ministry. He even has a pocket watch and top hat. That’s the extreme example (Yes, I have known a man to do that.). Other, more common examples of this type include wearing pajamas to the grocery store, yoga pants everywhere but yoga class, and talking really loud in a movie theater. It involves being so out of place that it draws undue attention.
Conclusion
Each of these forms of immodesty is a matter of the heart. A modest heart seeks to glorify God. It doesn’t chase trends, status, or comfort at the expense of others. Modesty honors the body God has given, caring for it with cleanliness and a presentation that reflects God’s order. This beauty isn’t loud or self-promoting—it’s evident in a person’s conduct and joy in the Lord. True beauty is marked by a quiet, gentle spirit, a heart that doesn’t clamor for attention but radiates God’s handiwork. God made women beautiful, and some more beautiful than others. Femininity is good. A beautiful person will be noticed (Scripture itself notes this about certain women—Sarah, Rebekah, and Esther, for example). However, what people should notice is God’s handiwork.
A God-honoring woman isn’t preoccupied with flaunting wealth, conforming to fleeting fads, or diminishing her appearance to signal “rebellion.” Her beauty doesn’t provoke lust or jealousy; rather, it reflects her Creator’s design. People notice not her self-display, but her modesty, humility, and the quiet dignity given by God. Modesty isn’t about erasing beauty—it’s about putting God’s glory on display.
In the Bible, modesty is, first and foremost, a characteristic of the heart. At its core, modesty is the humble resolve to put God's glory first and love of neighbor second. It’s a heart that longs for God to be honored, not oneself. It’s a preference for others. This humble heart will shape our actions—whether in how we dress, speak, or behave. As St. Augustine said, “Modesty in dress, speech, and behavior reflects the soul’s reverence for God and an awareness of one's place within His order.”
Immodesty
Immodesty also stems from the heart, revealing itself through our clothing, speech, and conduct. At its root, immodesty is a heart that refuses to put God’s glory and love for neighbor first. Instead, it’s driven by self-interest. Calvin described the immodest heart as one that “seeks attention and glory that rightly belongs to God.” It pursues comfort and desires at the expense of others, flaunting itself in various ways. Just as modesty is reflected outwardly, so too is immodesty—it’s a display of self in clothing, speech, and conduct.
Immodesty can be either intentional or negligent. Some actively seek attention, while others care so little for God’s glory or others’ comfort that they don’t bother to avoid undue attention.
Five Categories of Immodesty
With this heart-driven view of modesty, I’ve divided immodesty into five categories. These categories help illustrate the different ways an immodest heart manifests outwardly. They aren’t always distinct, and a person can often fall into more than one at a time, but they provide insight into the issue.
1. The “Whore” or “Slutty” Immodesty:
This is typically what most people think of when they hear the word "immodest,"—sexual provocation. It’s clothing designed to attract attention to the body: low-cut tops, short skirts, and tight-fitting clothes that draw the eye. Some dress this way intentionally, while others may do so without thought, desensitized by the culture around them. Regardless, this immodesty disregards God’s glory and love for neighbor, seeking attention from the opposite sex or stirring envy among other women. The Bible teaches us to cover our nakedness. It would be wise to spend time studying the scriptures on what it considers to be naked (Isaiah 47:2-3 and Exodus 28:42-43 are two passages among many to look at). The standard of nakedness in Scripture is at odds with the standards of nakedness in our culture. We have been conditioned by magazines at grocery stores and television shows to believe that women can show their whole bodies, but if they cover their genitals or their breasts with their hands, they aren’t considered naked. We have subtly imbibed that thinking and, like a frog being boiled slowly in water, have come to accept things that Scripture says are shameful as normal.
2. The “Seeking Praise and Status” Immodesty:
Scripture speaks directly to this form of immodesty. It’s dressing to flaunt status or wealth—a “look at me” attitude that says, “See how much better I am.” This can involve excessive jewelry, elaborate hairstyles, or an obsession with trends and fads. The desire here is to be seen as part of the “elite,” to gain attention by showcasing beauty, wealth, or popularity. This isn’t modest; it’s vanity. One may not be merely trying to appear above others to fall into this trap. One also may be longing for the approval and praise of others. How many likes can my Instagram photo get?
3. The “Frumpy” Immodesty:
Seemingly opposite to flaunting wealth and beauty, this is the immodesty of indifference, a disregard for the beauty God has given. It’s the neglect of basic self-care, failing to steward one’s appearance and refusing to look presentable. Often, it’s a result of laziness, with unkempt hair, dirty clothing, or a general disregard for appearance. Some try to suppress their femininity or hide their beauty—possibly as a response to past hurt or abuse. This category also includes women who adopt a “butch” or “dyke” look, dressing to reject feminine beauty altogether. While I said it is the opposite of the first two categories, one can be both frumpy and sexually provocative at the same time. How so? A young lady that doesn’t bother fixing herself up but in the love of comfort and ease wears boxers and a tank top out in public. Her nakedness is on display along with her frumpiness.
4. The “Non-Conformist” Immodesty:
This form of immodesty embraces a lifestyle that rejects social standards, often under the guise of “authenticity” or “health-consciousness.” It’s the person who, for example, refuses to wear deodorant or shave their armpits, making their nonconformity known to everyone. This also includes certain subcultures like “goth,” where the entire look screams defiance. The aim here is to stand out, to communicate rebellion against the “normies.” Not all alternative fashions are immodest, but when the intent is to push a blatant “f.u.” message to the culture, it reveals a heart bent on drawing attention. But, again, this category isn’t just for the flaming pink-haired feminists, it includes those overly fixated on “crunchy” fads, that they disregard the comfort of those around them. The point here is not that everyone must be exactly alike or that there aren’t ways in which one can be health-conscious, but that one should do these things while caring for the people around them and not in a proud way that draws undue attention to oneself.
5. The “Dressing Out of Place” Immodesty:
While the “Non-Conformist” type intentionally subverts expectations, this category simply doesn’t care. It’s dressing inappropriately for the occasion, like wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt to a funeral. It’s the “I never dresses up for anything, so why should I dress up for church?” It could be the opposite extreme as well: someone showing up overdressed, trying to be the center of attention by standing out. It’s the young man dressing like a plantation owner from the 1800s to the college ministry. He even has a pocket watch and top hat. That’s the extreme example (Yes, I have known a man to do that.). Other, more common examples of this type include wearing pajamas to the grocery store, yoga pants everywhere but yoga class, and talking really loud in a movie theater. It involves being so out of place that it draws undue attention.
Conclusion
Each of these forms of immodesty is a matter of the heart. A modest heart seeks to glorify God. It doesn’t chase trends, status, or comfort at the expense of others. Modesty honors the body God has given, caring for it with cleanliness and a presentation that reflects God’s order. This beauty isn’t loud or self-promoting—it’s evident in a person’s conduct and joy in the Lord. True beauty is marked by a quiet, gentle spirit, a heart that doesn’t clamor for attention but radiates God’s handiwork. God made women beautiful, and some more beautiful than others. Femininity is good. A beautiful person will be noticed (Scripture itself notes this about certain women—Sarah, Rebekah, and Esther, for example). However, what people should notice is God’s handiwork.
A God-honoring woman isn’t preoccupied with flaunting wealth, conforming to fleeting fads, or diminishing her appearance to signal “rebellion.” Her beauty doesn’t provoke lust or jealousy; rather, it reflects her Creator’s design. People notice not her self-display, but her modesty, humility, and the quiet dignity given by God. Modesty isn’t about erasing beauty—it’s about putting God’s glory on display.