Tired of cat calls, objectification, being leered at and disrespected? Many women complain that they are objectified by some men. They complain about the cat calls, men leering at them, men following them, looking at their body parts, instead of their faces. I get it. It’s disrespectful to them and it’s demeaning to them. Women are not in control of what others do or say.

I understand why it’s disturbing to these women. Yet, I believe a lot of women don’t understand the concept of modesty concerning their attire, or the benefits of modesty. First, modesty relates to the heart. It relates to being humble, not being extravagant and flaunting oneself or flaunting possessions.

It also refers to how one adorns their body. Modesty is not limited to how I dress, but is also an important element of my attitude in general. I know I should have an attitude of gratitude, instead of an attitude of pride. This includes being grateful about things God has blessed me with. For me, humility is a form of modesty.

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, one important aspect of modesty is indeed attire.

Four reasons modest attire works for me.

1. A clear conscience

One thing I like about not dressing provocatively or in a revealing way is that my conscience is clear in that I am not willfully contributing to helping men to lust at me. If I do notice men look, I see often that they look me in the face.

Whereas, if I wear something that may be a bit too tight or otherwise revealing, they may look my body up and down. That said, of course men and women are not wrong for noticing and looking at each other in general. It’s not sin to notice someone or find them attractive.

2. Dressing modestly helps me feel feminine, even more than I already do.

In other words, modest attire for me compliments my existing God-given femininity. I love wearing pretty skirts or dresses that are not short, but cover me well. They are not frumpy, ugly and baggy either!

3. Dressing modestly is very comfortable for me.

I realize I can wear things that are cute, classy and very comfortable at the same time. I like to know that I am honoring God by honoring my body in the way I dress.

4. I feel respected by men in my modest attire.

I also feel respected by some men because of how they look at me and treat me. I don’t see men learing at me. I don’t get cat calls. I don’t see them looking my body up and down in a leering way. I don’t have eyes in the back of my head though. I also know men notice women. However, when I see men look, I see that they look at my face.

What are your thoughts on modesty?

Modesty means different things to different people. Feel free to share with me, what does modesty mean to you? Why do you or don’t you believe in modesty? What do you or don’t you like about modesty?

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3: 3-4.