Many of us well-intentioned Christians find ourselves asking “what does the Bible say about clothing?” While this is a good sign, as it indicates we strive to please God, the truth is... there are very few precise answers spelled out for us in God’s Word, such as whether or not a woman should wear t-shirts. As is the case with the entire book, determining what God desires of us involves more than reading the words on a page. The presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit are needed. In specific passages in the Bible, clothing is discussed in terms of what to wear on our physical body and what not to wear. A few scriptures do highlight other topics, however, including: What to wear spiritually speaking, how God is clothed, and what specific people wore throughout God’s holy book.

What the Bible Says About Physical Garments

The scriptures about appropriate Christian women’s clothing make a few things clear. There is no direction so specific, however, that it could be used as a shopping list of what to buy. Prayer and a personal connection with God is needed to translate the scriptures and understand what our garments should look like today, if we want to please God with our wardrobe.

What the Bible Says About What Women Should Wear

While at first glance the Bible may seem to contradict itself on the topic of clothing for Christian women, a close examination of the text will make it clear that it does not. Understanding context and perspective often helps in untangling verses that seem to clash. The following are scriptures that speak directly to what clothing women should put on their physical body:

Proverbs 31:22b ESV

“Her clothing is fine linen and purple.”

This passage suggests that the “Proverbs 31 Woman” wears quality clothing in beautiful colors. When comparing this with the next passage regarding what the Bible says about women’s clothing, they may seem at odds. They key in sorting it out, however, is determining whose wishes are being communicated.

1 Timothy 2:8-10

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves with 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.”

This verse helps us outline a few do’s and don’ts. Before going into what TO DO or what NOT TO DO with regards to clothing, remember that this passage of scripture begins with Paul saying “I desire.” He does not claim that these are God’s specific instructions. By carefully studying related verses though, we can determine that Paul’s statement highlights a running theme in the Bible about how to dress.

DO adorn yourself, as a woman who professes godliness, with respectable apparel, using modesty and self-control as guidelines.

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.

What the Bible Says About What Not to Wear

1 Peter 3:3-4 ESV

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”

Again, we see that the internal makeup of a person’s character is more important than the garments we put on our body. However, the clothes a woman wears should accurately reflect her relationship with God and what sort of person she is in her heart.

Other Types of Clothing Described in the Bible

Other Bible verses that reference clothing discuss what a follower of God “puts on” spiritually, with regards to behaviors and attitudes. We find once again that this metaphorical clothing seems more important than the physical apparel on our body. In fact, in Matthew 6:25-34, we are instructed not to be anxious about what to put on the body.

The following are some excerpts from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible, describing how to best clothe ourselves spiritually:

• Ephesians 4:24 says, “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
• Colossians 3:12-13 reads, “put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Many more insights about what to put on and what to put off can be found in this great resource.

Where to Get Women’s Christian T-Shirts

Between your own prayers and what the Bible says about clothing, we hope you reach an answer from God regarding what’s right for you. If you conclude that wearing women’s Christian tee shirts is a great way to convey and strengthen your relationship with God, Corinthian’s Corner has good news for you! We have a variety of beautiful, inspirational, and comfortable t-shirts, all of which are designed to reinforce your relationship with God. Check out our most popular Biblical women's shirts here.