What does the Bible say about dress?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that dress should reflect modesty, purity, reverence for God, and loving concern for others rather than pride or sensual display. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, women are especially urged to adorn themselves with respectable apparel and good works, showing that godliness matters more than costly outward display. Deuteronomy 22:5 affirms honoring God’s created distinction between men and women, while Exodus 28:4 shows that clothing may fittingly express beauty and dignity in worship and service. Leviticus 19:28 warns against practices tied to pagan identity, and 1 Corinthians 10:31 calls believers to do all things for God’s glory. Christian dress is therefore neither legalistic uniformity nor self-expression without restraint, but grateful obedience shaped by holiness and love.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Exodus 28:4
These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
- 1 Timothy 2:10
but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Of fig leaves Genesis 3:7
- Of skins Genesis 3:21
- Of other materials
- See HAIR
- See GOATS’ HAIR
- See LEATHER
- See LINEN
- See SACKCLOTH
- See SILK
- See WOOL
- Mixed materials in, forbidden Deuteronomy 22:11
- Men forbidden to wear women’s, and women forbidden to wear men’s Deuteronomy 22:5
- Rules with respect to women’s 1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 3:3
- Not to be held overnight as a pledge for debt Exodus 22:26
- Ceremonial purification of Leviticus 11:32; Leviticus 13:47-59; Numbers 31:20
- The ripping of
- See MOURNING
- Of the head
- Bonnets (R. V., head-tires), prescribed by Moses, for the priests Exodus 28:40; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 39:28
- By Ezekiel Ezekiel 44:18
- Hats (turbans, R. V. margin), worn by men Daniel 3:21
- Bonnets (R. V., head-tires), worn by women Isaiah 3:20; Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:23
- Hoods (turban, R. V.) Isaiah 3:23
- Kerchiefs Ezekiel 13:18; Ezekiel 13:21
- Various articles of
- Mantle Ezra 9:3; 1 Kings 19:13; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Job 1:20
- Many-colored 2 Samuel 13:18
- Purple John 19:2; John 19:5
- Robe Exodus 28:4; 1 Samuel 18:4
- Shawls Isaiah 3:22
- Embroidered coat Exodus 28:4; Exodus 28:40; 1 Samuel 2:19; Daniel 3:21
- Sleeveless shirt, called coat Matthew 5:40; Luke 6:29; John 19:23; Acts 9:39
- Cloak 2 Timothy 4:13; John 19:2; John 19:5
- Hosen Daniel 3:21
- Skirts Ezekiel 5:3
- Mufflers Isaiah 3:19
- Wimples (satchels, R. V.) Isaiah 3:22
- Sashes (R. V.) Isaiah 3:20
- See VAIL
- Changes of clothes, the folly of excessive Job 27:16
Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about dress and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about dress