What are the rules for clothes in the Bible?

Author: Prof. Kyleigh Kling  |  Last update: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Christian should seek to dress modestly and in moderately. They should avoid an ostentatious display of riches, either to show off their social standing or to call attention to their person. All extremes should be avoided. In these two passages, the Bible clearly prohibits the ornamentation of the body.

Is there a dress code in the Bible?

The Holy Scriptures highlight the need to be modest in dress. Not to be someone seeking to follow trends or styles of the world, or in a way to draw attention to oneself. This doesn't mean one can't wear nice, attractive suits, dresses and other clothing. Again, modesty would be key in describing the Bible's guidance.

What can't you wear according to the Bible?

Depends on how hardcore you want to be; the Bible does forbid the wearing of wool and linen (Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 22:11) as well as blending certain fabrics or animal pelts…but these are among the many rules that even “Bible traditionalists” conveniently ignore.

What does the Bible say about what clothes to wear?

1 Timothy 2:9: “… also that the women should dress themselves in moderate clothing with reverence and self-control, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes …” Bible studies and online discussions are dominated by questions of women's clothing and modesty requirements.

What are the clothing restrictions for Christians?

There is not a universal dress code for the church around the world. A few denominations have requirements for attire—such as plain clothes for Amish and head coverings for certain apostolic groups—but the majority of communities don't have defined clothing expectations.

Can I Wear Whatever I Want As A Christian?

What fabric does the Bible say not to wear?

The relevant biblical verses (Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:11) prohibit wearing wool and linen fabrics in one garment, the blending of different species of animals, and the planting together of different kinds of seeds (collectively known as kilayim).

How does God want us to dress?

God is very specific: cover your nakedness and dress modestly, distinguishing your gender. Do not let the world determine what you will wear (Rom. 12:2; Jam. 1:27).

Does God care what I wear?

Proper clothing. God is obviously concerned with modesty even though our culture is not. The way we present ourselves is actually tied to worship (Romans 12:1-2), and as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), we ought to represent Him in a way that brings Him glory — not ourselves.

What does the Bible say about being naked?

On the other hand, from Genesis 3 onward Scripture seems to make it clear that, except in the case of sexual activity, it's a shameful thing to “uncover one's nakedness” (Genesis 9:20-27; Leviticus 18:6-18).

Why did God forbid mixed fabrics?

The broader principle of the several statutes that forbid “mixing” in various ways is that God wanted His people to pursue purity and quality.

What things can Christians not wear?

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Is cross dressing allowed in the Bible?

Most early African Christians readily accepted the injunction in Deut 22:5 that women should not put on what pertains to men and vice versa as applying to all ages and cultures. Hence, the same text is usually quoted against women who wear trousers, not even to the church but as part of their casual dressing.

Can Christians braid their hair?

In short, as long as you're not intending to draw attention to yourself in a way that puts others down, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with braiding your hair.

What does the Bible say about wearing jewelry and makeup kjv?

For instance, in 1 Timothy 2:9-10, the apostle Paul urges Christian women to emphasize their good deeds instead of their beauty, dressing modestly and not wearing “elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls.” And in 1 Peter 3, woman are urged that their beauty not “come from outward adornment” like gold jewelry (v. 3).

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

It comes down to your heart. Leviticus 19:28 says You shall not make any cuts on your body [in mourning] for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves; I am the Lord. In other scriptures, God punished the Israelites for wearing earrings because they were doing it at a feast to the idol, Baal.

What is holy attire in the Bible?

It is simply a call to dress up for worship. It parallels the call in 1 Chronicles 16:29 to “worship the LORD in holy attire!” While the word “beautiful” may be subjective to some degree, the word “holy” indicates that the Bible at least differentiates it from other clothing.

What clothes does the Bible say not to wear?

DO NOT adorn yourselves with: Braided hair, Gold, Pearls, Costly attire. Keep in mind that this is not a literal ban on the previous items, however. This list is simply meant to remind us that clothing is not meant as a means to flaunt opulence but as a way to exemplify our godliness.

Is it a sin to be a nudist?

By far, the most frequent biblical argument against Christian naturism is that if God approved of people being nude, he would not have clothed Adam and Eve after they sinned, thus making it a reminder to man that we had, in fact, sinned.

What makes a woman unclean in the Bible?

According to the Old Testament (Provisions for clean and unclean of the Mosaic Law), a woman during menstruation or a man who has sexual relations with a menstruating woman are perceived as “unclean”.

What does God say we should wear?

1 Timothy 2:9-10 - likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 3. Our clothing should be modest.

Is swearing a sin?

Cussing is viewed as inappropriate and unbecoming for believers. While the Bible discourages unwholesome speech and encourages edifying language, the focus is more on the quality and impact of words rather than labeling specific words as sinful.

Can Christians wear makeup?

So…is wearing makeup a sin? In short, God does not expressly prohibit the use of makeup. He's more concerned with matters of the heart.

Does God judge what we wear?

He cares what we wear because He cares about our bodies, as should we since they're the dwelling place of His Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20). But God also cares what we wear because He cares about our hearts.

What does the Bible say about piercings?

What Does the Bible Say about Piercings? - Piercings are somewhat debated as to the biblical interpretation of their sinfulness. Though the Bible does not specifically mention piercings as being a sin or unholy, it does condemn the practice of body mutilation such as cuts or tattoos.

What does the Bible say about showing too much skin?

“God ordained clothes to cover, and not draw attention to, our naked skin.” Our clothing is supposed to tell the truth about the gospel. It shows the world that Jesus covers our shame and makes us decent. Our clothes cover our nakedness as the clothing of Christ covers our sin (Revelation 3:18).

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