Introduction
Modest clothing is more than just a fashion choice—it’s a personal statement, a tool of empowerment, and an expression of confidence. It was once viewed as a limiting style, but modest clothing surges in demand as women prioritize their comfort and self-expression by seeking these styles. But what exactly defines modest fashion, and who can participate? This blog will discuss what it means to dress modestly, its significance, and why it’s growing in popularity worldwide.
Definition of Modest Clothing
Modest clothing is any style of clothing that prioritizes coverage and comfort. It traditionally fits loosely, has high coverage, and is simple in design. Historically, modest clothing has had some adherence to culture and religion; however, today, modest clothing is modernizing, especially as it is gaining popularity. Today, modest clothing can range anywhere from traditional and cultural to modest and mainstream and has been a growing trend since its historical roots.
It is important to note that modest clothing is for anyone, not just religious or cultural reasons. Modest clothing can express your style in a way that challenges mainstream fashion. The demand for modest clothing is growing as more women prioritize comfort, personal style, and confidence in their fashion choices. Modest clothing should not be seen as limiting but as a tool to empower yourself and express yourself in a way that you feel comfortable.
Reasons Why People Choose Modest Clothing
Modest clothing has historically varied with different cultures and religions. In Islamic fashion, modesty is represented with the hijab. In Christianity and Judaism, modest wear is typically expressed with long skirts and blouses to cover the shoulders and, sometimes, a veil that covers the head. Culturally, people in the Middle East and Africa observe modesty through variations of the abaya, such as the kaftan, thobe, jalabiya, and jilbab. In South Asian cultures, the shalwar kameez is a popular modest style known for its color, texture, and style variations that also provide modesty. In Western cultures, modesty is typically observed in myriad ways, often emphasizing layering techniques and drawing inspiration from various cultures to create a unique look.
Outside of faith and cultural norms, modesty can be a personal preference for those interested in comfort, privacy, and self-expression. Loose-fitting clothes can provide additional comfort throughout the day, making oneself feel secure. Modesty dressing can be mentally comforting, as it draws personal attention away from appearance and offers more attention to self-satisfaction and comfort. It can also provide privacy and a sense of self-expression for those interested.
Contrary to popular belief that modest clothing is plain and baggy, it has become a stylish and dynamic movement. Modern modest clothing pulls in elements from ethnic wear while blending with stylish fashion trends in mainstream fashion. For example, Tatreez embroidered abayas have been a cultural staple in the Middle East. Still, today, we are seeing this element blended with modern clothing like tatreez jumpsuits in pastels and tatreez jackets as a layering element. Furthermore, abayas have melded to adjust to mainstream fashion by coming in many colors and styles. An example is a shimmery chiffon purple or pleated baby blue abaya, sold here at noureem.com. Combining different elements of modest fashion allows one to express one's taste in a modern and trendy way.
Styling Modest Clothing
Modest styling can be challenging, but these tips will simplify styling modestly. The first tip is to emphasize layering. Layering is a central style in the West, often done with cardigans, jackets, sweaters, and kimonos. Layering with abayas is very similar and can give an ethnic feel to an otherwise modern look. For example, throw a colored abaya over jeans and a white blouse. Layering will give your look a more elegant feel while maintaining modesty. To dress up your modest look, switch out the jeans for colorful/patterned trousers, or change out the undergarments completely with a dress. Pairing this with an abaya can deliver a classy look that is very unique and empowering. An advantage of using abayas to style your looks is that they are lightweight and breathable. These features make it easy to style year-round and less troublesome in the hotter months.
A second tip to elevate a modest look is with color. Traditionally, modest clothing tends to be solid in color and simple in design. Adding colorful elements, such as a bold-colored hijab or a brightly colored abaya, can modernize a modest look quickly. You can also play with color by pairing fun accessories with your outfits. Colored belts or jewelry can elevate a modest look by offering more dimension. Another way you can elevate a look is with handbags. Sometimes, handbags alone can turn a casual look into a dressed-up one. Use handbags, and don't be afraid to try colorful pieces to make your look more unique.
The last tip is that modest clothing shouldn’t feel limiting; almost any dress can be modest. For example, you can wear a tank top and still make it modest. Pair your tank top with a long-sleeved shirt to go under, with high-waisted pants or jeans. Opt for a long jean skirt with a cute ruffled blouse if you want to wear a dress. The opportunities to style modest clothing can be endless; it just takes creativity, and your efforts will be well worth it.
The Popularity of Modest Fashion
In recent years, modest fashion has been trending upward globally. Once considered a niche, modest clothing is trending as women embrace dressing more comfortably and express more interest in body-positive movements. This demand reflects a shift in more inclusive fashion choices and challenges the status quo of mainstream fashion, which tends to be less modest. We have seen this through an uptick of fashion brands and influencers embracing modest styles. Ten years ago, finding modest fashion brands was nearly impossible, and people often had to rely on themselves or relatives traveling to their home country to access cultural wear. With the introduction and use of social media, modest cultural fashion trends have morphed into unique and modern styles. The trend towards modernized modest fashion has promoted brands to develop their modest clothing lines, feeding the fashion industry with more inclusive looks.
How to Shop for Modest Clothing
When shopping for modest looks, it is essential to prioritize high-quality fabrics, versatile pieces, and clothing that feels right for you. Choosing high-quality fabrics is paramount, as lower-quality ones can unravel, stain, and sometimes even cause irritation. High-quality fabrics will give your outfit an elegant look and maintain its durability. Be sure to properly care for these fabrics, as each has unique guidelines. Check out this blog post for more details on choosing between different fabrics.
Another priority when shopping for modest looks is to prioritize versatile pieces. Basics are essential and adaptable because of their neutral tones and simplistic design. High-quality T-shirts, tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans are crucial elements of a modest look. These are easily layer-able with abayas or other modest styles, allowing you to express yourself creatively with your accessories. Versatile pieces will enable you to switch up your looks so it doesn’t get stale quickly. Buying multiple colors of some basics can also be a good idea, so you have variability in your styling.
The last priority is choosing clothing that reflects personal values and beliefs. The saying “buy it if you love it” holds for a reason; we only wear the clothes we love, which makes us feel good. It is always fun to push the boundaries of your style. You should always feel empowered to do so, but no one knows you better than yourself, and if there are certain styles you don’t gravitate toward, there is no need to force it. Modestly dressing is much more than just covering up; it’s about dressing in a way that empowers you. Experiment with your styles, and do so in your comfort that reflects your values and preferences.
