In a playful effort to encourage modest dress, the saying, “modest is hottest,” might be used. However, this phrase, if carefully considered, manifests a root problem. The saying is paradoxical. The concept of modesty in attire, and the slang use of the word “hot,” lie at opposite ends of the wardrobe spectrum. “Modest is hottest,” suggests that being the “hottest” is the goal. This is the exact opposite end of the command for modesty in scripture. The use of the phrase shows either an indifference, or ignorance of the matter of modest apparel, and the reason behind it.

“Hot” is a slang term used for sexy, attractive, or lustful. Its use is common among both sexes when describing a member of the opposite sex. The term, along with others, is to be reserved for the marriage relationship. For it speaks of an appearance that should only exist, and be viewed, in the marriage chambers. When it is used by one to describe another who is not their spouse it reflects an ungodly thought process. Sadly, it is a term used regularly by many Christians. Using such language, although harmless and innocent by worldly standards, is unfit for a disciple of the Lord.

Paul instructs “that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is vital to understand modest apparel as a reflection of the inner man. It is that “which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” The ungodly or godly woman is in part manifest by her outer appearance. A woman unconcerned with spiritual things will let her “adornment be merely outward” (1 Peter 3:3). She has a materialistic mind and is only surface deep. The godly woman shows depth of character by letting her adornment “be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). The godly woman understands the beauty of her true person – she is a child of God (cf. 1 John 3:2)! She needs not clothe herself in ostentatious apparel for that pales in comparison to the importance of the inner man, and is vain. Yet, modesty reaches beyond excess in dress to include insufficiency in dress.

The orderly arrangement of the outer garments that reflects the inner man necessitates the proper amount of cover. The body was created by God with sexual attraction. However, this is designed to be exhibited in the private confines of the marriage relationship (cf. Proverbs 5:15-20; Hebrews 13:4). Public exposure of nakedness is sinful. This is manifest by the accompaniment of shame with nakedness. The Lord said to the church at Laodicea, “buy from Me…white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed” (Revelation 3:18). And so the godly woman adorns herself in modest apparel, “with propriety.” The KJV uses the word “shamefacedness.” Strong defines this as, “a sense of shame or honor, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect.” The common apparel is far from bashful. People have forgotten how to blush (cf. Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). For this reason, they do not dress with “moderation” – “soundness of mind; self-control” (Strong). Society has protected its citizens from shame brought upon themselves by exposure of nakedness, and has therefore contributed to their lack of self-restraint.

The societal praise of “hotness” has infiltrated the church. Instead of dressing to cover the shame of nakedness people dress to impress, or more accurately, to sexually attract. God calls for modesty. For purity. The harlot attracts with bare skin. A woman of honor, whose character delves beneath the surface of the skin, attracts with professed godliness. The end goal of modesty is not to be the “hottest,” but to avoid provoking the thought of sexual attraction in the opposite sex, thus displaying the innermost parts.

It is pertinent to note the inclusion of men in the context of modesty. Logic that suggests men may wear shorts that uncover the thigh and leave their shirts at home comes from human wisdom, not God. God made a tunic for both Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness (cf. Genesis 3:21). The priests covered their nakedness with linen trousers which reached from the waist to the thigh (cf. Exodus 28:40-43). God uses no double standard. Modest apparel is a must for all Christians.