Hi. I'm Beka. My husband and I have been married for 3 1/2 year and have 2 kids whom I stay home with.
Lately God has been teaching me more about modesty and femininity. I was mostly modest before, but am now questioning certain shirts and especially swimwear. I have also started wearing skirts 99% of the time.
I by far don't think its the only way to dress femininly, but its what I feel is important for my family and I. Its been an adjustment. I didn't used to wear skirts at all. In fact sometimes I would wear a pair of jeans and one of my husband's shirts (very unfeminin). I thought all skirts were uncomfortable and made me look bulky (I'm overweight and never found any that worked with my figure). I have since found some wonderful skirts at second hand shops that are quite comfortable. My mom thinks its wonderful. My in laws will begin to notice soon that I haven't worn pants in a while. I'm worried they'll think I'm being legalistic (trust me, that is very much not the case). My husband loves it!
Anyways, have any of you ladies been down the same road? Also, have you found any good options for swimsuits that don't show cleavage, stomach or upper thighs?
I only had a couple of what I would call immodest shirts, so it was easy to just get rid of them. As far as skirts, I just felt like I needed to make that change all at once. I was able to go and get 3 skirts at a second hand shop, and I got 2 more over the next week. Five skirts is plenty for me. I still have 2 or 3 pairs of pants in my drawer. We don't have snow around here much at all, but next month we will be going to michigan for Christmas. I will probably wear a pair of jeans then, only for a couple of hours to play in the snow with my 2 year old.
To me modest skirts don't cling too close and are at least below the knee. When I sit down my skirt should still be able to cover my knees, to be sure nothing under my skirt is showing. All of my skirts right now are mid calf-ankle length. That's what I feel most comfortable in. I do wear short sleeve shirts, though I'm cutting my sleeveless shirts out of my wardrobe.
I would love to make my own skirts. In fact I have a couple in progress. However with everything going on in life right now I just don't have time to put more work into them right now.
Here's my hang up with bathing suits lately: I wouldn't want to reveal my thighs any other time, so why on the beach or at the pool? Perhaps its okay because I'd be wearing a "more modest" version of what's acceptable attire for that event? I am just unsure. Thankfully its winter, so I have a few months to think and pray on it.
One thing I have realized over the years, is GOD provides! When he gives you something to follow or convicts he, when we obey, he provides! He will give you peace when you are confronted and words to say as well.
All that said, I've dressed modest, mostly in skirts my whole life. My inlaws are all large and they dress modest and quite stylish as well. They love 2nd hand stores. I don't swim, I don't like water, so I haven't worried much about swimwear, but my inlaws do (I have 4 SIL's).. They have tried different things, they don't swim in public for one, some things just can't be done completely modest lol.. They swim amonst family and girls. Not a lot, but a few times a year. They have suits that look more like a dress with a leotard type thing underneath. Something along the lines of this site
I think this is the one that actually sells the patterns too. One of my SILs bought the pattern and made her own.
I do have pants to wear when I need them. I live in MI so it can be cold. I don't play in the snow much, but shoveling or working outside it is helpful. I can easily wear a skirt over them as well. I wish I had a picture of just the girls, but they are always in the group and you can't see their skirts lol. My hubby is the oldest of 7 living kids..
If you have sewing questions, I'd be happy to help. We also have a Sewing Modest group on here that offers ideas too.
JenD SAHM, Homeschooling, Baking, Sewing, Conservative, Green momma of 4 great kids. Join me on my blog and Cafe Mom groups: Christian Frugal Living . Sewing Modest
I recently went through the same thing! I have numerous skirts now, most I made myself this one being the first one!
It is a circle skirt pattern, I made the pattern myself (which took some time, but now I have it) and then I made another one that wasn't quite as full. I found a beautiful ankle length skirt at a consignment shop, I bought it for $9, and looked it up, it is a $150 Eileen Fisher skirt. (didn't know who eileen fisher was until I looked it up online lol) I still have a couple of pairs of jeans, it gets cold here and it snows, and there are certain times Hubby doesn't want me wearing a skirt.
Like you I didn't wear skirts and dresses for a long time b/c I am overweight, and according to "fashion" overweight women should wear pencil skirts, which I HATE with a passion lol Now that I have found some that I love there is definitely something different about me when I put one on.
AS for swim wear, I was prepared to tell you to not swim in pubilc, but after looking at that website, I would totally wear one of those, if they fit me, I will have to lose some weight so I can get one of those!
They have suits that look more like a dress with a leotard type thing underneath. Something along the lines of this siteI did come across that website. I like that style and am kind of leaning towards it. I saw what the Duggars wear on an episode of their show, wholesome wear. It seems to take it a little far. But if I'm honest with myself my biggest problem with it is truly that it will draw attention to my daughter and I because it is much more old fashioned and concervative. I feel aweful for admitting this, but I'd prefer a way to honor God in my dress that doesn't cause people to stare, point and laugh. I'm afraid that may happen with the wholesome wear =(
We really don't swim a lot, but I do enjoy it when we do.
Wholesome Wear is I believe where my SIL got her pattern. I just don't see the point lol, I mean I will look just as obvious is a dress short dress with shorts under it, except like I forgot my suit not like I spent way to much money on a special one. But like I said, i don't swim hardly ever..
AutumnDreamer LOVE the skirt. Was it a pre-made patchwork or did you do that too?? I made a circle skirt for my DD, they take aLOT of material but are so comfy. Panel or Prairie skirts are great too. We call them scrap skirts since we can mix several colors. Here is a pic of some cheap dresses I made for my girls. My youngest is wearing $1 yd material from Walmart I made into dresses and my oldest is wearing a skirt from the clearance rack that was $2 but way to big. So I added straps. Just simple and quick!
13Plum, don't be surprised if after a while he decides he likes you better in skirts! My hubby used to bug me about wearing pants, but now he likes me in a skirt. I feel more feminine and it shows!
Yeah, since I switched to skirts I learned my husband seems to prefer me in them. I think husbands like to see their wives dress femininly. I think men like pants because they show off the butt and the legs, but they can certainly learn to love a woman in skirts.
I have to add this, just because I think its funny. My husband is more liberal than I am. He just wants me to follow my personal convictions and encourages me to do so (and I love him for that). Since I've started wearing skirts (and of course I'm already a SAHM) he has started making "sexist" comments, lol. The other day I said I was going to run out for something. He told me I already went out once and wasn't allowed to again, and I should get my butt in the kitchen. He was totally joking. We tend to joke that way more now, lol. All in good fun.
The material was pre made in patchwork, I don't have the patience to make the patchwork and then the skirt lol
trying new things to keep cool
- bekalynne440
on Nov. 26, 2011 at 9:26 PM