updated March 10, 2008- more clothing sites /articles have been updated or have been added or DELETED - scroll a ways down page
thank you for coming by today... I hope the articles on modesty, modest and feminine
dress will be edifying and helpful to you as you choose clothing honouring the Lord.

Your resource page for modest & feminine clothing for yourself and your family!

In like manner also, that women adorn
themselves in modest apparel, with
shamefacedness and sobriety; not with
broided hair, or gold or pearls, or costly array;
but (which becometh women professing godliness)
with good works. 
1 Timothy 2.9-10


Jump down this page to the bunch! of sites
that offer modest and feminine clothing
Click here

There really are LOTS AND LOTS of alternatives to what the 
common retail stores are offering.  SOMETIMES you simply
have to look around a bit to locate the best dresses for
yourself and your family.  It's NOT hard and it's WORTH it to
find, make or order dresses for yourself & your daughters. 



Amy Joe's Modest Dress Exchange Forum
 

Look!  New: Homestead Specialties Patterns

NEW custom sewing/clothing sites
have just been added! Scroll down!

The What & Why
of Modesty

&
Feminine Apparel

What is Modesty and why is it so important for the Christian woman to understand, dress & behave modestly?   Modesty is the voluntary personal responsibility to behave & dress in such a manner as to not purposely draw attention to oneself, to not think proudly of oneself and it's a decision to protect from purposeful or "unintended" enticement in inappropriate ways & places.  This is crucial for a Christian woman; first and foremost because we're representatives of the LORD Jesus Christ and secondly, if we're married, we're a reflection of our husband. 

It's critical to pay attention to the message and the signal our clothing is sending and to make sure, very sure, that the message is in line with the Word of God.    If style & type of clothing is something you're wrestling over in your mind, or if you're feeling convicted about dress, and what in this world should a Christian woman be wearing, then pray, discuss these things with your husband.  Many will have ideas and convictions about what *you* should wear, but what matters most is what the LORD is directing and what your husband prefers.

Pray together & examine
what you're wearing each day and why!

 


Some of the articles here will likely disturb you and *may* ruffle your feathers...  but I really pray that after reading them, that you will sit back and think on your ways & attitudes and perhaps even change those that may not be in keeping with proper appearance.  Share any of these articles or thoughts with your husband and talk them over when you have opportunity.  As with every article or message on this web-site, pray, read, ponder, pray ...then spit out the bones and apply what the LORD leads you to do.    I'm not supposing myself to be an authority... what I write and share with you are things the LORD's impressed on my heart after reading the Word and praying about it all. My intention, directly or implied, is NOT to be critical or judgmental or intolerant... but I *am* *intending* to help direct sisters into biblical, modest dress.  A Christian woman in immodest attire is giving a message that blasphemes the Word of God, misleads others, defrauds men and potentially causes a weaker brother to stumble in his thoughts.  Save romantic attire for privacy with your husband.   

Please, dear sister in the LORD, don't entice others or provoke others to openly view the gift you are to reserve only for your own husband.  Nothing on this site is intended to replace the Word of God. 

So, if you're inspired to wear feminine clothing & modest dresses... 
Now that you know the "why" of modest dressing,
What in the World are You Going to Wear?
Below are sites that offer the practical clothing... the "what" of modest dressing!  
These sites offer modest clothing & patterns at reasonable prices. We pray you'll support these Christian sites, they're mostly family or small business ventures promoting modest apparel at modest prices.

        

Why should girls and women wear dresses?  God distinguished male and female... Men and women are
masculine and feminine by divine design.  Let's agree with that design and dress appropriately.
The above photos are not meant as a directive in the *kind* of dress to wear... but to simply and boldly
distinguish and demonstrate the extremely obvious difference between masculine and feminine. 
Male and female.  Men and Women.  Male and Female created He them...

 

Articles, instruction, inspiration for Modest & Feminine Dressing

Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss  (a  radio program on modesty)     articles:  Modesty  and Partial Disclosure = Exposure

What does "wearing dresses only" look like in real life? 
Do women really wear "dresses only" and can they really live in dresses only?

Here are some views and a closer look at the "dresses only" lives of real women---really living and really working today.
 

Through the Week in Feminine Dress with Mrs.Chancey


Another family shares pictures of a "week in dresses"
(This, from the Ladies Against Feminism site)




 
   Catherine's Week in Dresses
This page is full of helps and encouragement for you to live a modest, feminine life.  Please bookmark this page for future reference as these articles will really help you in your understanding if it's also your desire to dress in a feminine and modest manner.  

The article titles below are hyperlinks to articles I've written, other articles on this site or articles on other websites.  Click to view articles and websites.

NEW Encouragement from Sarah...
Another... Why Dresses Only

The Appearance of a Christian Woman
and her Reputation -  pamela spurling

The Reputation of a Godly Woman
     pamela spurling

Christian Women Have an Obligation
 to Dress Modestly
an article by Michael Foust sharing
Mary Mohler's views

NEW   Modesty: Virtue Ignored

Contending for modesty in the church

By Jim Harmon

NEW   Sister... Show Mercy!

 NEW  Young Lady, I'm Talking To You

Modest Clothing...
regarding women *and* men
http://www.themidnightcry.com/s_7.asp?n=13

Stick to Your Standards
momof9splace.com/standards.html

God Drew The Line
By S. Franklin Logsdon

Modest Daughters
by *Douglas Wilson - Credenda Agenda
*Warning... Doug Wilson sometimes appears to have a very "brash" style of relating issues and may seem to  be a bit too much for an overly sensitive type; powerful, good points, though.

Feminine Attire
The Modest Dress of a Woman
 pamela spurling

Modesty  Susan Theall

Modesty
Incentives to Restoring Virtue
in the Local Church 
-Harold Vaughan

Growing Old Gracefully
Mrs. Amy Booker
a quote from the article:
"Do you want to be a feminine, pleasant,
beautiful person when you are old? Be a feminine, pleasant, beautiful person now."

Christian Femininity: Are We Resigned or Excited?
Elissa Kroeger

[A very insightful article regarding the kind of dress women might wear and what it is saying to onlookers.  You might be tempted to ask, are all dresses actually feminine or are some actually masculine? ---ps]

New!  Men or TREND Pleasers
crownedwithsilver.com/Men_Pleasers

Modesty: Jesus' Invitation
This sincere article was written by some concerned sisters in Indiana; 
posted with permission

Modest Dress and Christian Femininity
by Mrs. Traci Knoppe

Modest Apparel
A sermon by J. Wayne McKamie
Part  One      Part Two

Bible Guidelines About Clothing
Bruce Lackey

Is Wearing Dresses Only: Legalistic?
by Mrs. Traci Knoppe


Developing Standards of Modesty in Children
Sarah Eppes

Handmaid of the Lord
Why Dress Modestly

What is Modesty?
sharper iron

CHRISTIAN DRESS CODE
Written by: Pastor Andres C. Guevara Jr.

Let's Talk Modesty
Stacy McDonald

Uncovering The Truth About Modesty
By Melody Green

Modesty... what is it? 

“Male and Female Created He Them”
James Farley


Modesty: A Matter of the Heart
by Mary Van Nattan

The Importance of Modesty

Christian Dress and Adornment

NEW!   Modesty:
Properly Restrained by a Sense of Propriety

Christian_Dress
The Midnight Cry  (posted 3-22-05)

Orthodox Jewish Standards of Modesty

A "Modesty Check"
Carolyn Mahaney and others

A conversation
that might take place in your home:
momof9splace.com/conversation.html

~Serious Faith~
Modesty, Clothing and God  -  part one
Modesty, Clothing and God  - part two  
Modesty, Clothing and God - part three
Modesty, Clothing and God  -  part four

Modesty - Women's Apparel momof9splace.com/modesty.html

NEW! Another Study in Dress
http://www.blessedhope.org/


What Do Your Clothes Say About You?
 

ARE MEN LUSTING AFTER
YOUR WIFE OR DAUGHTER?
David Cloud Biblical Modesty

 

The Scriptures decree
Modesty in Dress

landmarkapostolic.com/tracts/scriptmod.htm

Warm Weather Modesty
.computan.on.ca/~bvsprchr/modesty.htm

A Study in Modesty
How a woman should portray herself
as a Christian

Another man's view:
Should a Woman Wear Pants? 

 WHAT EXACTLY IS MODESTAPPAREL
IN THE BIBLICAL SENSE?
ourworld.cs.com

Christian Dress and Adornment
a study
Light Ministries.com   (posted 3-22-05)

Scriptures_Decree_Modesty_In_Dress
By Norman Simpson

Bible Principles of Christian Dress
home.elp.rr.com/thechurch/gv-1.htm

A Christian Lady's Dress & Appearance
Pastor Art Kohl

Christian Dress - part 1
Christian Dress - part 2
Mike Strevel - 1988  (posted 3-22-05)

Modesty and the Christian Woman
Mrs. ML Chancey

Laurie Moyer
Nothing To Wear
 

 

The Christian's Dress and Adornment
project restore (posted 3-22-05)

Modestly -
Teen Bible Study Discussion Guide

II Samuel 11:2    An Address to Christian Women by a Brother in Christ  The Sin Bath-Sheba

Warning: may cause you to fiercely react to his assessment of dress and YOUR responsibility as a woman. I don't agree with all he says
(Was Bath-Sheba *really* sinning?!?!?  I don't fully agree with the author of this article that "Bath-Sheba's little sin was the cause [emphasis mine] of David's Great Sin"!)  This is not intended to stir controversy--- His position's narrow but some points are thought provoking AND really are RELEVANT regarding appearance & motives *AND* unintended consequences or OUR apparel as women.  

Remember: Pray! Glean! Pray!  Eat fruit, spit out pits!  ~  Eat meat, spit out bones!

 


And now... Modest Clothing sites & businesses

A note to readers:  Because I am a born again Christian---a Christ follower, I don't post all "modest dress" links (and obviously, could not possibly even know about all that are available---good or bad).  There are modest clothing and beautiful wedding dress sites available that I do not direct link to for the sole reason that I do not knowingly post links for businesses that are not Christian---with a few exceptions (April Cornell, and those who sell "pre-owned" clothing).  There are so many nice looking, well stocked, reasonably priced  "modest clothing" & wedding/prom/formal wear websites on the net that are not Christian---Bible believing Christian owned/operated even though they *seem* to be.  Below are sites I am very or reasonably certain to be reliable Christian businesses serving those who seek modest and reasonably priced clothing. 

I take very seriously any bad reports we receive on businesses we link to... and if we receive an unfavourable report, we contact business owners and in the meantime we remove the site link until the problem is all cleared up.   None of the links on our site are "paid advertising"  as with EVERYTHING on our site, we do this service free of charge to others.

I'm so pleased to share,  my friend Laura's:
 Seams Like Yesterday
Modest Maternity Clothes,
Baby Quilts & More!

Using her original patterns, Laura's hand-made's are of the highest quality sewn with care and attention to detail!  Her baby quilts are so beautiful and unique!  I believe you'll be pleased with Laura's work of service to you!
 wendy's modest dress
Wendy'
s ministry is to provide modest clothing for ladies and girls at reasonable prices!   She'll do the sewing for you if you don't have time or skill -yet- to make your own!!   She'll also sew dresses from YOUR fabrics!  May the LORD bless her efforts to provide beautiful modest clothing. 
 Hope Chest Legacy
Handiwork skills
a young lady should know...

This site is especially dear to me as Rebekah has encouraged in our home the establishment of "the Hope Chest"  a family tradition, legacy and heirlooms for our sons & daughters

Seven Sisters Sewing
Modest, feminine clothing for Ladies' and Girls that is Christ honoring and distinctly different  from the world.

emmes  garden
We have a variety of beautiful,
hand-crafted Waldorf-style dolls,
clothing and textiles
available for purchase.
-

 Rachel's Modesty
Hats 'n Bonnets - Custom sewing and Vintage Patterns



Modest Handmaidens is adding fabric, patterns, modest & feminine homemaking resources & products
to their custom and ready-made, modest clothing line.  New books and resources are also available.
 

Simply Graceful  (Closed until further notice)
We have the highest respect for the owners of Simply Graceful.  They offer beautifully modest clothing for little girls & young ladies and jumpers for women. Please contact them for clothing or candle orders...  Occasionally there are delays in orders, please be forbearing as this family is working under health difficulties and circumstances.

www.SewModest.org 
This is the place to either purchase modest clothing or to list and sell modest clothing you have made. This would be a great source if you do not have the desire to maintain your own modest clothing website and would like to sell your items.

Handmaid of the Lord Designs
Modest clothing for mothers and daughters

Plain 'n Simple Headcoverings 
Proclaim the plain and simple truth
that you are a woman of God...
much more than simply a head covering site

 

Shepherd's Hill 
...
articles, instruction, aprons, plain clothes

Katie's Mercantile
Ready Made Comfortable Modest
Clothing for Women and Children

NEW!

This online store will appeal to younger,
more  "fashion conscious" women. 

See also  "Brook's Closet
for gently worn, pre-owned clothing
for women and girls.

Blessed Designs
patterns, clothing & custom pattern drafting for you. Plus, other topics and articles of interest.

Fashionable Designs for Today's Ladies
modest dresses by Jen


Vessels of Mercy
The Dress Shoppe
Tasteful clothing (readymade for you!)
plus articles and links featuring the
Pilgrim's Pathway Newsletter
 

Mom of 9's Place presents:

Heather Valley Designs
Sarah's pretty headcoverings

Plainly Dressed
Modest Ladies' and Girls' Clothing
Sleepwear, Underthings, stockings & more!
 

This site is an inspiration for your
sewing & quilting!
Home & Heritage Designs
you'll be blessed and encouraged in your
sewing as you view instructions & illustrations.  Quilting kits.

Made with Love
Bobbie Sue Johnson and Tabitha Quinn

Simply Modest
"At Simply Modest, one of our goals is to provide a place where families can come to find wholesome, feminine, and modest pre-owned garments at the most inexpensive prices possible."  (Babies, Toddlers, Girls, Misses and Women's sizes, too!)

Bakerlane
Practical Femininity ~ Old Fashioned Elegance

Butter and Honey
  
Butter and honey shall he eat, that He may know how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
Isaiah 7:15
modest clothes, cloth diapers to kitchen items
and great books and more.

Hannah Lise
Modest Apparel for Women and Girls
Now featuring "Plus" sizes!

"We strive to find the most beautiful,
quality garments, while adhering to
our high standard of modesty."

Works of the Heart
handmade feminine, modest apparel and Tropical Breeze fabric in assorted colours and prints which you may purchase by the yard!   You'll find beautiful dresses, jumpers, other 'essentials' & darling baby clothes at  reasonable prices! 

The Kings Daughters
Custom-made high-quality modest apparel
"The King's Daughter is all glorious within:
her clothing is of wrought gold" Psalm 45:13

Modest Custom Clothing
Tinuviel Designs Custom Clothing
a very interesting site I've just
recently discovered!  Retro and
old fashioned clothing.

New Little Blessing
Quality products and resources for
 mothers and mothers to be!

Common Sense Patterns
A place for you to buy patterns for your whole family that are modest & feminine for women, conservative in appearance & style!  Bubbling Creek,FriendsPatterns,Prairie Clothing& more.  I'm sure you'll be pleased with this company!

 Little Blessings
Little Blessings designs custom children's
clothing for all occasions. Choose from sun dresses, Capri and short sets, matching brother and sister clothing, matching mother and daughter outfits and an expanding boys line.

 

4 modesty.com
fashionably modest clothing
I didn't notice a large selection of clothing
and the pricing is comparable to retail stores

(I'm not sure this store is in business any longer???)
 

Practically Pretty
by design

Modest, Feminine Clothing for Young Ladies

Made with Love
Bobbie Sue Johnson & Tabitha Quinn
specialize in sewing modest clothing.
See their site:
Made with TLC.com

BUSINESS IS FOR SALE
Lydia of Purple
 Clothing sewn by Christian Seamstresses. Custom Patterns - Dresses: Original Wedding, Betrothal, Attire;  Maternity & Nursing wear; Jumpers, blouse-slips, skirts, blouses, matching garments, American Girl 18",  bloomers, flannel nightgowns, veils, etc.
BUSINESS IS FOR SALE
 

She Maketh Herself Coverings
headcoverings.com

ModestApparel USA
Dresses, Jumpers  & Nursing Dresses
plus, you can order the book
by Elizabeth Rice Handford
 "Your Clothes Say It For You"

Ringger Clothing
Custom made Modest Clothing for your family

Lilies of the Field
Dresses are for girls, young ladies & women including scarves, headcoverings, and sweaters, petticoats. The catalog has "black & white" drawings & descriptions, and views of fabrics and finished dresses in the center.   You'll like the quality and service and the ability to "custom order" to meet special needs.  Request a catalog, that contains colour photos: 
Lilies of the Field 
6809 West Mills Ave.  Hutchinson, KS  67501-8895

liliesapparel.com

Little Touch of Elegance
Affordable dresses for you & your daughters.
Attractive and appropriately designed for women and girls who are looking for "ready-to-wear" dresses for every day or special occasions.

jumpin bloomers
"modest clothing for girls of all ages"
jumpers, bloomers, aprons, and
old-fashioned nightgowns

The Vermont Country Store
Modest Dresses and Jumpers

new here! Skirts - Skirts - Skirts
For many styles of more tailored skirts:
New Creation Women's Apparel

new here!  Dressing for His Glory
modest clothing with style
skorts, culottes, swim clothes
plus+ sizes also

SweetMarie'sModestDresses
Modest Lady-like dresses for those seeking feminine clothing for their daughters; featuring dolls & custom orders

 
     
 

modest  underpinnings and swim-wear

 

Lavender Closets
Softly the scent of lavender fills the evening air.  Slips, nightgowns and bloomers

Sewn By Di
Custom made modest swim wear
& sports wear for girls & women

Lydia of Purple
Unders, slips, bloomers, flannel nightgowns, veils & more.
BUSINESS IS FOR SALE

Stitchin' Times
modest slips and swimwear
a home-based sewing and fabrics business. This site was recommended
by a visitor to our website.

Swim Modest
modest swim suits and swim shirts

 

Plainly Dressed
Sleepwear, Underthings,
stockings and more!
 

Storybook Heirlooms
Pettiblouse for Mothers
While there are probably some modest dresses, etc., my purpose for recommending this site is my personal experience with the wonderful "Pettiblouse" my husband bought for me from Storybook Heirlooms.  I wear it under dressier jumpers and am very pleased; after many washings and wearing's it still looks brand new when ironed.

Swimwear Solutions
Modest Swimsuit Pattern  

Meant to be Modest  new here! 

“Vessels for Honor”

2 Timothy 2:12
Modest Swimsuits for Ladies and Girls

 Wholesome Wear 
SWIMMING SUITS
"Modest Clothing for Wearever"

 


Modest Clothing Patterns

Here's a new site to me... The Paisley Pincushion  "The patterns from The Paisley Pincushion were first created out of a feeling of necessity.  The feeling arose from a realization that women don't have many choices for well fitting, detailed garments.  The clothes available to buy in "ready to wear" are often immodest, and patterns to sew tend to be big and sacky.  By contrast, The Paisley Pincushion patterns are cut to fit, and have a sweet feminine flair, with more style than what's available in the main stream pattern lines.  We have also provided detailed instructions to make sewing these patterns an option even for the novice sewer.  Along the way we have expanded our offerings to include more than just clothing. So here we are, The Paisley Pincushion, we hope you enjoy our line."

 Homestead  Specialties Patterns are sewing patterns for women's and girls creative clothing designed by Cheryl Weiderspahn.  They feature reversible and detachable pieces for multiple wearing options and possibilities.

Here are a few new pattern / fabric sites for YOU!
Here's a neat one I have just come across: 
Favourite Things
"....an independent pattern company with a collection of designs drawn from memories past & present, offering an inventory of bags, clothing, gift sets, hats, slippers, home decor and much more!"

and then...
here's a neat offering from Keepers of the Faith

Sense & Sensibility
Winsome Clothing patterns with an old fashioned appeal

Past Patterns
**********Common Sense Patterns: 
commonsensepatterns.com  

Friends Patterns   
 Candle on the Hill patterns  
Custom Sewing by
Lydia of Purple: modestapparel.com     
Wendys Modest Dress  wendysmodestdress.com 

Lilies of the Field  liliesapparel.com    
Wardrobe Classics    wardrobeclassics.com
Quiltware Embellishments and Patterns   
Jumpers at oldpatterns.com  
Kwik Sew
Jumper Pattern

Quick Stitches - Sewing Kits

 

Second Hand Rose... by any other name... would.be.as.neat.

What do I wear and what do I look for when I go shopping for clothes at Second Hand / Thrift Stores?? 

I look for WELL MADE home-sewn clothing and then have some favourite brands of dresses and skirts that I *know* work really well for us --- women and girls.  Here are the brands I always look for to purchase modest clothes for myself and our daughters.  And for our boys and men, I look for brand names such as Eddie Bauer, Levi's, Land's End, Old Navy, Gap, Bugle Boy, Carhartt, etc., etc.  The fabrics used are generally of heavier weight and the stitching, snaps & buttons are better quality.

Erika, Erika & Co.  - Dresses, Jumpers
Christopher & Banks - Skirts, Jumpers, Sweaters
Carole Anderson
- Dresses (the straight dresses
tend to run narrow at the hips - so choose size according
to your body shape)

Villager
- tops, sweaters, skirts
April Cornell
- Dresses, Sweaters, Blouses!
AKS  - Straight Jumpers
Sostanza
- Dresses
Dress Barn -dresses
Worldly Design - Jumpers (porcelain buttons)
appear to be "homemade"
Coldwater Creek - dresses, skirts, blouses
StoryBook Heirlooms

LLBean - jumpers, sweaters, T-shirts
LandsEnd - T-shirts, Jackets, shoes

Rieker - Shoes;     Ecco - Shoes;  
Birkenstock
- Shoes       Arcopedico - Shoes

 


Retail & Online Stores where I've found beautiful & feminine clothing
 

April Cornell
When our son got married, I wore an April Cornell dress from a quaint shop in LaConner.  You can take a look at this company's beautiful and very feminine dresses!  There *are* some modest ones!! They're a little pricey, but very well made.  Things for your home, also! We don't endorse all all styles of clothing offered.

Storybook Heirlooms
Most of the styles will likely not be appropriate or of interest, but there are modest, special occasion dresses that are lovely for mothers and daughters.  My husband purchased a pettiblouse for me that is really beautiful and very practical.  It's a blouse and slip in one to wear under dressier jumpers.
Pettiblouse for Mothers


you'll have to locate a shopnearest your home.  There is no "online store" or
online shopping available. Click here for store locations!  Now Christopher and Banks has larger size clothing available at CJ Banks stores.

Blair!
Some of the prettiest and most reasonably priced clothing you'll find online.  View modest women's dresses, skirts & dress clothes online or you can write for a catalogue to be sent to your home. This is not a private, Christian home-based company...  but I recommend it for the modest dresses they offer

Willow Ridge
a "catalogue" type of site---all types
of clothing, shoes and accessories. 

Chadwicks.com

Northern Reflections
not necessarily most "modest" as for dresses, but great tops, sweaters and blouses.

Orvis.com
you can find feminine and
high quality, outdoorsy clothing

 
 

 There are many wonderful magazines, websites and teachers who are so encouraging, but these are a couple of the magazines that I know of that continually encourage modest dress and godly womanhood.

Crowned With Silver and  Keepers At Home
and another wonderful magazine An Encouraging Word

and the final "why" of modest/feminine dress is:
Male and female created HE them...  genesis 1.27 
The Bible describes it as abomination for a man to wear that which pertains to a woman...
why would the opposite NOT be abomination to us?

      

even the world knows there's a difference.  just look.

And finally...

Man looks on the outward and God looks on the heart...
shouldn't what man sees be a reflection of what God is doing in the heart?---ps
 

 
 

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