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Original poster

Help me understand...”Modest Fashion”

634 replies

OhDear2200 · 13/11/2019 13:54

www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-50067975

There is something that bugs me about this and I need the MN feminists to help me out (be gentle it’s my first post in this area though a regular reader).

Sooo what is it that bugs me?

Why do we need commentary on women (yep no mention of men) and what we wear? Or am I over reacting is it just a conversation about fashion?

But if a man wore baggy trousers it’s not called modest is it??! It’s called wearing baggy trousers. Why is a woman modest or not modest.

Help me either get a grip or understand this better???

OP posts:
Original poster
OhDear2200 · 13/11/2019 14:11

Fuck so as I sit here in my skinnies I’m being unkind to men.

OP posts:
Original poster
OhDear2200 · 13/11/2019 14:11

Just to clarify I have no issue with the clothes and agree they look lovely (though I do have an issue with cold ankles).

But you know what I also think someone in a short skirt looks lovely.

However the most important point is that surely it’s none of my business what people wear.

OP posts:
BertrandRussell · 13/11/2019 14:08

“Modest” fashion is not about women dressing how they want to dress. It’s about women taking responsibility for the behaviour of men. Not putting temptation their way. I’ve seen it described as being “kind” to men.

picklemepopcorn · 13/11/2019 14:03

Will hang around and find out why I'm wrong, but...

I like it. I like clothes which look smart and fashionable but aren't attempting to look sexy.

I agree they shouldn't need a name.

Too much women's fashion is designed for the male gaze. This pushes back.

BernardBlacksWineIceLolly · 13/11/2019 14:03

The word ‘modest’ is generally a sign that something’s up

30to50FeralHogs · 13/11/2019 14:02

I think the reason ‘modest’ as a descriptor is uncomfortable is exactly that - the opposite is seen as tarty or immodest. It’s a value judgment - modesty is a virtue. So all the women who are not dressing ‘modestly’ are not virtuous.

I think it’s a mild version of why some women find hijabs or burkas uncomfortable - that the ‘choice’ to wear them is not a real choice - it’s being imposed upon them to ensure they are seen as virtuous. And that those who don’t wear them are seen as ‘asking for it’ in terms of unwanted attention etc.

BernardBlacksWineIceLolly · 13/11/2019 14:01

Clicky link

www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-50067975

Links don’t automatically get made clicky in opening posts to deter spammers

Put around your link and it will be clicky

Original poster
OhDear2200 · 13/11/2019 13:57

Also if I decide to wear a short skirt and tight trousers what does that make me? A tart? Immodest?

Surely modesty is not a concrete concept and who is setting the definition?

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Original poster
OhDear2200 · 13/11/2019 13:55

Sorry link not worked, don’t know what I’m doing wrong?

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