Trousers for women: To wear or not to wear? [Part ii]

WHAT DOES DEUT 22:5 SAY?

Just so they don’t accuse us of trying to shy away from it.

Observe that in distinguishing between the outfits of men and women, the text (Deut 22:5) didn’t state exactly what kind of outfit belongs to the man and what kind of outfit belongs to the woman. It simply says the woman shouldn’t wear what pertains to the man and vice-versa.

How then do we determine what outfit(s) belong to which? Note that in talking about the variation in outfits, it didn’t mention the word ‘trousers’ neither did it state that trousers are the exclusive preserve of men while women are bound to wear skirt always. It’s therefore mischievous to use this text as a basis for barring women from wearing trousers. Apart from this seemingly controversial text, you’ll never find a portion in the bible that categorically states what kind of outfit is meant for the different sexes.

Since we can’t situate such distinction in outfits biblically, how then do we judge the matter?

IT’S CULTURALLY DETERMINED

In order to do justice to the matter, we’ll have to be able to make distinctions between what is culturally obtained and what is spiritually obtained. For instance, as touching women trousers by women, it’s primarily determined by what is considered moral and accepted by the culture/custom prevalent in a place.

What the different sexes wore was dictated by their cultures and what seemed appropriate to those cultures. For instance, it will interest you to know that during the bible days, in the Jewish culture, men wore skirts. See texts like DEUT22:30, 27:20, 1SAM24:4, HAG2:12, ZECH8:23 for confirmation.

Now, it’s absurd to see men wear skirts in the present times. However, in those days, men did. Also, during that period in history, men wore garments (what ladies refer to as GOWN nowadays). In our contemporary world, we observe that there is a variation in how the different genders dress depending on the society.

For instance, in the Western world, men and women wear trousers alike. What distinguishes the male trouser from that of the female is the style/manner in which they are sewn. As for the African culture, gone are the days when people tend to look down on women who wear trousers. In recent times, the practise has come to be generally acceptable.

THE REAL ISSUE

The real issue is not the appropriateness of trousers for women. Rather, it’s the appropriateness of their manner of appearance, be it in skirts or trousers. It’s about decency in the choice of outfit. To say that skirts are the only decent wear for a woman is purely self-deceit.

Perhaps those who say trousers are not decent wears for women haven’t stepped out of the compounds in which they are born, all their lives. Otherwise, they will acknowledge that many skirts worn by women are far from being desirable. I speak of the kind of skirts that are really tight fitting and reveals the contour of the woman waist downwards…the type that is hyper-mini and slits in such a way that it exposes sensitive parts of the body.

WHAT THEN?

1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel…

1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

MODESTY IS THE KEY

Note that there is no mention of what kind of outfit meant for a woman in the passages. Also, observe that the key here is MODESTY (dress properly). What’s more, what they (women) should adorn themselves with is good works and not outward items. Attention is to be paid to the inward man and not the outward but not to the neglect of the outward appearance. While you go about looking good (whether in trousers or skirts), be particular about your true inner self. Your outward appearance should bother on modesty/decency and also be subservient to the adorning of the spirit man.

If wearing of trousers by women doesn’t affect their spirituality or relationship with God, why should it be an issue? Meanwhile, there is no issue about where a woman should wear a particular outfit. If what you wear is modest and decent enough to be worn in public, it should be decent enough to be worn in a spiritual gathering (church and all). Otherwise, it will be sheer hypocrisy to wear what you can’t wear to church to other places.

IN CONCLUSION

Folks who have issues with believing women who wear trousers should quit using the bible as pretext for their sentiments. Either they don’t just like the idea or they don’t feel comfortable wearing it. However, just because an idea doesn’t appeal to you doesn’t necessarily make it sinful or wrong. It’s hypocrisy to criticize another for looking good and modest in what she wears. Put on whatever makes you comfortable and do so decently and modestly. Let everyone be fully convinced in his own mind (concerning what she chooses to wear).

Written by Ayansola Ibukun Ademola

Ayansola Ibukun Ademola is a graduate of English. Among other things, he is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. You may reach him via