In this Bible study, we examine cross-dressing, male and female distinction, and biblical principles of godly dressing. From Deuteronomy 22:5, we consider why Christians should respect the distinction God established between male and female and allow their appearance to reflect biblical holiness and modesty.
TOPIC: Godly Dressing (Part 3): Women and the Wearing of Pants/Trousers
TEXTS: Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
AIMS
- To examine the history and changing cultural acceptance of women wearing pants or trousers.
- To teach believers to consider modesty, holiness, sensuality, and Christian witness when choosing what to wear.
INTRODUCTION
The question of women wearing pants or trousers has become a subject of considerable discussion in Christianity. In many societies today, trousers are regarded as normal women’s clothing, and many women, including Christians, wear them without considering the biblical principles that may apply to their choice of clothing. However, because Kingdom citizens are called to live according to God’s Word rather than simply follow the culture around them, this subject deserves careful examination.
Historically, trousers were predominantly associated with men in many Western societies. Women nevertheless began wearing trousers for specific practical purposes, including riding, cycling, work, and other activities. During the Second World War, many women entered factories and other jobs traditionally occupied by men. Trousers became practical work clothing, and some women even wore their husbands’ trousers while their husbands were away serving in the military. In many cases, these women wore another garment over the trousers or used them primarily as practical workwear rather than ordinary fashion.
After the war, trousers gradually became more accepted in women’s fashion. During the 1960s and 1970s, changing ideas about women’s roles, feminism, unisex fashion, and the sexual revolution contributed to the widespread acceptance of trousers as everyday women’s clothing. What had previously been regarded primarily as men’s clothing gradually became accepted as women’s fashion. In the United States, Representative Charlotte T. Reid became the first woman to wear trousers on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969.
The fact that society’s attitude toward trousers has changed raises an important question for Christians: Should changing cultural standards determine what is acceptable for a Kingdom citizen? The Bible says, “And be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). Therefore, believers must examine cultural practices in the light of God’s Word rather than automatically accepting whatever society considers normal.
Deuteronomy 22:5 says, “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment.” The passage does not specifically mention modern trousers, and therefore we should not claim that it directly uses the modern word “pants.” However, it establishes a principle concerning the distinction between male and female clothing. This principle should cause Christians to carefully consider whether their clothing preserves or deliberately removes the distinction between male and female.
This principle also applies to cross-dressing and the deliberate blurring of male and female appearance. God created humanity “male and female” (Genesis 1:27), and Deuteronomy 22:5 teaches us to respect that distinction in our clothing. In some homosexual relationships, individuals may adopt clothing or appearances traditionally associated with the opposite sex, sometimes connected with perceived sexual or relational roles. However, we should not assume that every gay or lesbian person dresses this way for that reason. The Christian should avoid deliberately using clothing to erase or confuse the distinction between male and female established by God.
Some may argue that there are now women’s pants, so trousers can no longer be considered men’s clothing. It is true that modern fashion produces trousers specifically designed and marketed for women. However, another question must be considered: What makes something female clothing? Is it simply because society has given it that label? Is it because it has been cut to emphasize the female body? Or is it because the style communicates appropriate femininity without compromising modesty?
A garment being marketed as women’s clothing does not automatically make every style modest or appropriate for a Christian woman. Some trousers are loose and modest, while others are deliberately tight and designed to emphasize the hips, buttocks, thighs, and other parts of the body. The issue therefore extends beyond the label “women’s trousers” to the principles of modesty, purity, dignity, and holiness.
The Bible teaches that our bodies belong to God. Paul says, “your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost… and ye are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, Christians should not dress merely to follow fashion or attract attention to themselves. They should consider whether their appearance glorifies God.
This is particularly important because of the increasingly sensual atmosphere that can be found even in some churches today. Clothing that deliberately emphasizes the body, exposes intimate areas, or creates a sexually suggestive appearance can sometimes be seen among people who profess to follow Christ. When the church begins to look increasingly like the world in its dress and lifestyle, its testimony can become weakened.
Our clothing can also affect our witness to those around us. Paul taught that believers should not use their liberty in a way that becomes a stumbling block to others. Although his teaching in 1 Corinthians 8:13 concerns food offered to idols and not clothing, the principle of considering how our choices affect others is important. If our appearance unnecessarily contradicts the message of holiness we preach, we should be willing to examine our choices.
Kingdom citizens are called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). If the people we are trying to reach with the Gospel, especially Muslims, regard our appearance as sensual, worldly, or inconsistent with the message we preach, we should seriously consider whether our liberty is helping or harming our witness.
Godly dressing therefore requires more than asking, “Is this allowed?” We should ask, “Does this glorify God?” and “Does my appearance reflect the holiness of Christ?” True Kingdom living requires believers to make practical choices that demonstrate that they belong to Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
- What does Deuteronomy 22:5 actually teach concerning the distinction between male and female clothing? Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 22:5.
- How has the cultural understanding of women’s trousers changed over time, and should cultural changes automatically determine Christian standards? Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-16.
- How can tight or body-revealing trousers conflict with the biblical principle of modesty? Proverbs 7:10; 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
- What principle can we learn from Paul’s statement, “if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh,” concerning Christian liberty? 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
- If the culture around us considers a particular style of clothing sensual or provocative, should a Christian consider how that perception affects the Gospel witness? Why? Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:32-33.
CONCLUSION
The history of women wearing trousers shows that clothing customs can change significantly from one generation to another. What was once strongly associated with men gradually became accepted as ordinary women’s fashion.
Deuteronomy 22:5 teaches us to recognize the distinction between male and female clothing, while 1 Timothy 2:9-10 teaches the importance of modesty, sobriety, and godliness. Although the Bible does not specifically mention modern trousers, these principles should guide our decisions concerning them.
The question is therefore not simply whether a particular garment is called “women’s clothing.” We should also consider its design, its effect on the body, the message it communicates, and whether it reflects modesty and holiness.
As Kingdom citizens, our bodies belong to God, and our appearance should honor Him. We should not deliberately dress in a way that promotes sensuality, unnecessarily draws attention to the body, or weakens our Christian testimony.
Therefore, before choosing what to wear, let us ask ourselves: Does this glorify God? Does it reflect the holiness of Christ? Does it preserve modesty and dignity? And does it strengthen or weaken my witness for the Gospel?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What does your appearance tell those around you about the Christ you represent?
MEMORY VERSE
Deuteronomy 22:5 (KJV)
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
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