Tight Skirts and Skinny Jeans

Read: Titus 2:6-15

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.                                    Titus 2:14

     A lot of the emphasis on modesty is placed on women to make sure they dress appropriately. They are called upon to dress in a way that pleases the Lord and does not excite lust in a man. Women are exhorted not to wear skirts that are too short or too tight, and they are taught that how tight or low their shirts are is of utmost importance in being modest. But there is a rising epidemic among young men that also must be addressed with just as much vigor: the skinny jeans craze that has taken over the clothing industry by force. Christian young men, who would agree that women should dress modestly, are now prancing around in jeans that are tighter than a pair of young ladies’ leggings. Often, the pants are hanging half-way down the person’s backside because they are too tight to be worn in the upright position.

     There are several problems with skinny jeans (and fads just like it). First of all, the issue of modesty must be addressed. If a young lady is to wear things that do not accentuate her body, then a young man must be expected to do at least the same. While many women are not directly attracted by the sight of a young man in revealing jeans, the homosexual revolution has proven that there are those who are. Typically men have not had a problem with wearing modest clothing because most normal men’s clothing is designed in a way that does not excite lust in a woman (or others). A second problem with the “skinny jeans movement” is that it is the world taking its opportunity to discredit everything masculine and strip men of one of their most enduring qualities – masculinity. A young man in skinny jeans does not inspire the confidence of a young lady who needs to be protected, and he doesn’t project the image of one ready to stand up boldly to any opposing force. He takes on the air of a weak coward who will hide in the shadows when danger is near. Another problem is that the one wearing skinny jeans is often then wearing a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled half-way up, a floppy stocking cap hanging off the back of his head (so his perfectly styled floppy hair does not get messed up), and, often, body piercings and tattoos. In other words, they are doing everything they can to fit in with what society has now defined as the way a young man should dress.

     It is time for young men to determine they will just be different from the world and stand up on the issue of masculinity in our culture.

Quote of the day: “First find the manliness in yourself if you will inspire manliness in others.” – Amos Alcott