Orthodox women dress modestly, both in church and in daily life, as an expression of reverence before God. That’s the simple answer. But what does modesty actually mean in practice, and why does it matter?
The principle is straightforward: we dress in a way that honors the sacredness of worship and reflects our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit. When you walk into the Divine Liturgy, you’re entering the throne room of God. You’re not going to Target or meeting friends for coffee. The way we dress acknowledges that reality.
In Church
Most Antiochian parishes ask women to wear dresses or skirts that cover the knee, with tops that cover the shoulders and don’t have low necklines. No tank tops, no strapless dresses, nothing skin-tight or transparent. Think of it as dressing for the most important meeting of your week, because that’s what it is.
Some women wear dress pants, and some parishes are fine with that. Others prefer skirts. If you’re visiting or new, a knee-length skirt and a modest top will work anywhere.
Head coverings are a different matter. Some Orthodox women wear them, some don’t. It’s an ancient custom rooted in 1 Corinthians 11, and you’ll see it practiced more in some parishes than others. In most Antiochian churches in America, it’s optional. Women are free to cover their heads if they feel called to that practice, but it’s not required. Don’t let it become a stumbling block if you’re just learning about Orthodoxy.
One practical note: blot your lipstick before venerating icons or receiving Communion. Nobody wants to see lip prints on the cross.
In Daily Life
Modesty doesn’t stop at the church door. We’re Orthodox all week, not just on Sunday morning. That doesn’t mean you need to dress like you’re attending Liturgy when you’re running errands in the Beaumont heat. It means carrying the same principle of dignity and reverence into everyday choices.
Shorts, tank tops, leggings as pants, anything too tight or too revealing, these don’t align with how we’re called to present ourselves as Orthodox Christians. I know it’s hot here. August in Southeast Texas is brutal. But there are ways to dress modestly and stay cool: loose cotton dresses, linen skirts, breathable fabrics in lighter colors.
This isn’t about following arbitrary rules. It’s about recognizing that our bodies are gifts from God, temples of the Holy Spirit. We don’t flaunt them or hide them in shame. We treat them with dignity.
Why It Matters
Modesty is theological before it’s practical. When we dress modestly, we’re saying something about who we are and Whose we are. We’re saying that we belong to Christ, that we’re being transformed into His likeness, that we’re not shaped by the world’s obsession with sexuality and self-display.
St. Maria of Paris once said that we should “offer Christ our best” in everything. That includes how we dress. Not because God cares about hemlines, but because our outward choices reflect our inward orientation. Are we trying to draw attention to ourselves, or are we trying to fade into the background so Christ can be seen?
This isn’t legalism. Legalism is when you make rules the point, when you measure spirituality by skirt length or judge other women for their clothing choices. That’s not what we’re after. We’re after hearts that want to honor God, and clothing choices that flow naturally from that desire.
Different parishes have different customs. Some are stricter, some more relaxed. What matters is the principle: dress in a way that shows reverence, that doesn’t distract others from worship, that reflects the dignity of your calling as a daughter of God.
If you’re just visiting an Orthodox church for the first time, don’t panic about getting it exactly right. Wear something respectful and modest by normal standards, and you’ll be fine. Watch what other women in the parish wear. Ask questions. Most Orthodox women are happy to help newcomers figure this out, and many of us remember being confused about it ourselves when we first came into the Church.
