How should a Christian view fashion?

Answer

The Bible does not specifically mention the word fashion in its text. However, it does address how we should dress and perceive the significance of adornment in our lives. Here are some insights we can consider for guidance:

The purpose of clothing:

Clothing was originally intended to cover our nakedness, which became an issue in Genesis 3. Additionally, clothing serves to protect us from the elements. The diversity of styles, colors, and textures in clothing has led to the development of various fashions. Moreover, due to the presence of different cultures worldwide, distinct fashions have emerged among different ethnic groups: for example, lederhosen and dirndls in southern Germany and Austria; kilts in Scotland; saris in India; kolts in Scandinavia; and ghos and kiras in Bhutan.

Another aspect of “fashion” involves clothing that signifies affiliation with a specific group. For instance, law enforcement officers wear particular uniforms to denote their role in society. Various church denominations have prescribed attire for their clergy. During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees wore long robes adorned with tassels and phylacteries as mentioned in Matthew 23:5.

Furthermore, there is fashion pursued for its own sake. Designers and wearers may view clothing as a form of art, a means of expression, or a way to attract attention. Such trends are often transient and subject to rapid changes. The majority of individuals do not have the luxury to engage extensively in high fashion; their primary concern is functionality. Clothing, originally provided by God to Adam and Eve, is now obtained through more conventional means by people worldwide. The fundamental purpose of clothing is not centered on fashion but on coverage and protection.

Guidelines for dressing:

We are encouraged to dress modestly. In 1 Timothy 2:9–10, it states, “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds.”

Deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

We are to dress in a way that covers ourselves appropriately and does not advertise ourselves as sex objects, as a prostitute might dress. Certain fashions and styles of clothing are meant to inflame lust and communicate a readiness to engage in immorality see Proverbs 7:10.

We are also to dress in a manner appropriate for our biological sex. Transvestism and androgyny are wrong. In other words, if you’re a girl, you should dress in a way that people can tell you are a girl. And, if you are a boy, you should dress in a way that people know you are a boy. There should be no confusion or ambiguity as to what your gender is.

How we should view the fashion industry:

The fashion industry does not set the standard for beauty. That standard is set by God alone and is unchanging. In fact, beauty has nothing really to do with clothing or fashion, per se. First Peter 3:3–4 says, “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.”

Fashion should never become an idol in our lives. The fashion industry and its products should not be something we worship. The vicissitudes of the fashion world reflect the fleeting nature of the world in general: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” «And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. », (1 John 2:17).

It isn’t wrong to wear nice things. It isn’t wrong for a Christian to be fashionable or operate in the world of fashion. But there’s more to life than fashion. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (Luke 12:22-26).

will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes” (Luke 12:22-23). It is not wrong to be fashionable as long as we keep things in perspective and the fashions we choose do not contradict biblical standards. Styles that are immodest, selfishly draw attention to oneself, or blur the lines of gender are off-limits.

We live in this world but are not of this world. We must shine a light for Christ. Styles that require us to set Christ and His Word to the side, even momentarily, should be avoided. First and foremost in our lives is Christ. We do not have to discard all fashionable trends. But we do have to pick and choose. In the end, we must purpose in our hearts to never discard Christ.