There have been many discussions lately about modest dressing or whether specific garments are modest or immodest. High heels, which are thought to symbolize elegance, beauty, and status, are now also at the center of immodest dressing. Although they can also help women feel more confident and sexy, the big question about high-heeled shoes is whether they are immodest.
High heels can be immodest, but not always. Some people believe high heels are immodest because they make a woman’s legs more visible and accentuate her backside. They argue that high heels cause women to walk more provocatively and cause men (and other women) to have sinful thoughts about them.
Others believe that high heels aren’t immodest because they’re not inherently sexual and can be worn by men and women. Therefore, in this article, I will discuss at length when heels can be modest or immodest.
What Is Immodesty?
The word “modesty” comes from the Latin word modestus, which has two parts: modus (measure) and esse (to exist). So, modesty means “measured existence” or “proper measure.” Modesty is the quality of being discreet and reserved in speech and action, the opposite of immodesty. It is a virtue that reflects an inner beauty of character and self-control.
Modesty means decent dress, behavior, speech, and thought to avoid offending or leading others into wrong desires. The Bible does not say that wearing high heels is immodest. However, it encourages us to dress with moderation.
High heels have also been associated with being sexy since they accentuate certain body parts like your legs, ankles, hips, and buttocks, which are all considered sexually attractive body parts according to evolutionary theory.
How Can High Heels Be Immodest?
There is no doubt that high heels are sexy and attractive. However, wearing them can be an issue when it comes to modesty. When high heels are immodest, it depends on the circumstances in which you are wearing them and the type of attire you have on your body.
Now that we know what modesty is and how it helps us avoid immorality, let’s look at some specific ways high heels can be immodest.
1. When high heels show a sign of vanity
High heels tend to show pride in oneself and how one looks (and not just because they make you taller). They are used as accessories to be worn solely for their visual effect. They aren’t always comfortable or practical, which means that some people wear them strictly because they want to feel good about themselves when they look in the mirror.
Therefore, wearing high heels just to show off how expensive they are and how wealthy you are may be considered immodest.
2. Wearing high heels to show a sign of sexual immorality
Wearing shoes that lift your body makes it easier for men or women to notice what parts of your body would usually be covered by clothing. High heels make it easier for people to see up your skirt or dress if you’re sitting down or bending over (e.g., getting into or out of your car).
This can lead to increased sexual harassment from men who have access to this view of your body parts when you don’t want them to have it.
3. In the situation where high heels emphasize a woman’s posterior
High heels emphasize a woman’s bottom, and this is not something that should be noted in public unless it is part of your occupation. For example, if you are a dancer, then there is no problem with emphasizing this part of your body. If you’re at work, it may send the wrong message to coworkers or customers (especially if they are male).
4. When high heels make a woman appear provocative
Tall, spiked heels can make a woman look more provocative than she may intend to. The higher the heel, the more pronounced her curves will be. When high heels emphasize a woman’s posterior, which many people consider to be highly sexualized, then the high heels give off an immodest vibe.
A woman who wears high-heeled shoes may appear more sexually alluring or attractive to men than she intends to be.
5. High heels sending the wrong message
When worn with certain outfits by women who are not married or dating men, high heels can send the wrong message to people who are not their boyfriends or husbands.
Even married or dating women should ask themselves if they want to give off an impression of being available for sex when they wear high heels that give this type of message outside of their homes.
If you’re single or not sure what message you want to send, avoid wearing high-heeled shoes that send the message that you are sexually available outside unless you are ready to deal with the consequences that come with them.
When Are High Heels Not Immodest?
The following are some situations when it is not inappropriate for a woman to wear high heels:
1. When you are wearing a dress that covers your legs
The easiest way to tell if high heels are modest is to look at what you are wearing. If you are wearing a dress that covers your legs, then high heels can be delicate as long as they aren’t too tall or thin.
If you have any bare skin showing, high heels may not be appropriate for that outfit because they will draw attention toward your legs and away from your face and body.
2. When you are wearing pants
High heels on pants can be modest if they do not expose too much skin above the knee or below the ankle. Nevertheless, those pants come in so many different cuts and styles that it’s impossible to say whether or not any particular pair is modest enough for high heels until you see them on someone who is wearing them properly (i.e., no bare legs showing).
3. When you are wearing a long skirt
You can also wear long skirts with heels without causing any problems. When you wear a long skirt, such as the one that comes down to your ankles or longer, no one will be able to see anything wrong.
Long skirts usually have slits, so they don’t rub against the ground when walking. But it’s still important not to let any skin show between where your skirt ends and your shoes begin (this may mean folding over the top edge of your slip or tights).
Are High Heels Appropriate for Church?
High heels can be appropriate for church as long as they are modest and not overly flashy. Also, you have to consider the culture and dress code of the specific church you’re attending. Opt for heels that are comfortable and not too high, ensuring they are suitable for a respectful and reverent environment.
Moreover, sticking to classic styles in neutral colors helps to maintain an appropriate and respectful appearance for the setting.
So why do some Christians believe that high heels are inappropriate dress for women at church? One reason is that they see high heels as an expression of sexuality. In other words, when women wear these shoes to use their bodies to attract attention, they are considered inappropriate for church.
In Conclusion
There may be a case where high heels are more modest than flats. Overall, the most sensitive way to think about modesty is with your intention. It is immodest if you wear something that focuses attention on you for the wrong reason. Even if you’re just not comfortable with the fact that you are drawing attention from others, it is immodest.
On the other hand, if you wear startlingly high heels, which do not distract people from looking at your face (when the intended focus should be on your face and body) because they are so amazed, then it might be more modest than wearing flats. The distinction here is subtle but essential.
