by Kosher Casual Team | Sep 22, 2024 | modest clothing, Religious Modesty standards, Running Skirts, Sports Skirt, workout clothing
Modest Skirt Wearers Can Run Fast!!!
Can I run in a skirt? Absolutely, you can run in a skirt! Many people find it comfortable and stylish. Just make sure it’s a design that allows for movement, like a skort or a running skirt with built-in shorts. It’s all about what makes you feel good while you run! Modest running skirts offer several advantages for those who prefer a more covered style while staying active. Those who prioritize modesty for personal, cultural and religious reasons can still fully enjoy exercise, outdoor recreation or leisure activities.
Several famous female runners have worn skirts during races, either for comfort, style, or sponsorship reasons. Some of them include:
Deena Kastor, Shalane Flanagan and Joan Benoit Samuelson long distance runners and Olympic medalists- have all trained and worn running skirts in races. Beatie Deutsch is an American-Israeli marathon runner who lives in Israel. An Orthodox Jewish mother of five, she only wears sport skirts with leggings or shorts. She has competed in marathons all over Israel and in Berlin, Germany, Tokyo, Japan, Seville, Spain and Cape Town, South Africa often winning first or second place!
How to Select Great Running Skirts
Skirt Design
Look for skirts specifically designed for athletic activities and cuts that allow for a full range of motion.
Choose a skirt length that doesn’t impede your stride, knee-length or slightly above can be ideal. Ensure the fit is not too tight around the hips and thighs to allow for easy movement. Select a length that you find comfortable and that provides adequate coverage for your activity. Find a style that’s versatile! A skirt suitable for running and can be worn during the day with a t-shirt as well as by night with a blouse.
Fabrics
Many sport skirts now are made with moisture-wicking fabric – keeping you dry and comfortable by drawing sweat away from the skin. Some have mesh panels or vents that enhance airflow and prevents chafing.
Four-way stretch fabric offers maximum stretch and durability and will withstand the rigors of training and racing. Another great feature is fabrics that offer UVF protection from the sun. Fabrics should be lightweight and but also opaque (not see through), there are also heavier weight fabrics for fall and winter.
Features
Pockets, who doesn’t love pockets! Who wants to carry a purse? Deep pockets with zippers that have enough room for a cell phone or keys are essential. Another great feature in sport skirts are adjustable waistbands either stretch elastic waistbands or drawstring.
Sport/Swim Skirts should be made for with double stitched seams and hems to be resilient on concrete, hard ground and a range of activities and travel. For early morning or evening runs clothing with reflective elements for safety and visibility is essential. Finally for marathon runners, test your skirt with a shorter run or jog to ensure it’s comfortable and doesn’t cause any issues before running.
Yes, modest skirt wearers can run fast, but there are some aspects to consider to ensure comfort and safety. Many brands offer a variety of styles and fits to cater to different preferences and needs.
What do you want in a running skirt?
by Kosher Casual Team | Sep 18, 2024 | Dress Code, Dress Code, Girls Knee Length Skirts
Are School Dress Codes Modest?
School dress codes vary widely depending on the institution and its location, so the level of modesty can differ significantly. Dress codes are designed to maintain a sense of decorum and reduce distractions in the learning environment. Common religious school guidelines often include:
- Jewish schools might have guidelines that align with tzniut, which typically includes long skirts, sleeves covering the elbows, and avoiding see through blouses or shirts.
- Christian schools might require skirts or dresses for girls, often knee-length or longer, and may prohibit certain types of clothing like sleeveless tops, tight-fitting clothes, or anything deemed too revealing.
- Muslim schools might require hijab for girls, along with loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Sometimes mandating specific types of clothing, like uniforms, which can inherently be more modest.
- Some dress codes aim for practicality and safety rather than modesty, like requiring closed-toe shoes or banning certain types of jewelry.
While these dress codes are designed to meet the standards of modesty within the school’s religious framework, opinions on what is considered “modest enough” can still vary. Some might find these dress codes perfectly aligned with their values, while others might feel they are either too strict or not strict enough, depending on their personal or community standards.
- Prohibiting clothing that reveals too much skin, such as crop tops, short shorts, and low-cut tops.
- Requiring skirts and shorts to be a certain length, usually no shorter than mid-thigh.
- Banning clothing with offensive or inappropriate graphics or language.
- Prohibited items: Some schools ban clothing with offensive language, images, or references to drugs, alcohol, or violence.
Secular School dress codes in the USA vary widely by district, school, and sometimes even by grade. While there is no standard dress code that applies to all schools, many do have policies intended to promote a level of appropriateness in the school environment. These often include parameters such as:
- No revealing clothing: This can include prohibitions on items like crop tops, short shorts, low-cut tops, and skirts or dresses that are too short (often defined as needing to be fingertip length or longer).
- No visible underwear: Students are usually required to ensure that their underwear is not visible, which means sagging pants or very low-rise jeans may be prohibited.
- Appropriate coverage: Shirts typically need to cover the midriff, and tank tops often need to have straps of a certain width (e.g., no spaghetti straps).
Challenges and Controversies
- Student Expression: Some argue that strict dress codes limit students’ ability to express their individuality.
- Fashion Trends: Fashion trends can influence how students wear their uniforms, sometimes leading to modifications that result in shorter skirts.
- Gender Disparity: Many dress codes are criticized for being more restrictive toward female students. Rules often focus on covering shoulders, legs, and cleavage, while similar restrictions aren’t always applied to male students.
School dress codes generally aim to be modest, but whether they succeed depends on cultural norms, personal beliefs and values. There is an evolving debate about what should be considered modest and how strictly school dress codes should be implemented. Using these guidelines, schools and families can create a dress code that is fair, respectful, and accommodating and strike a healthy balance between fashion and modesty.
by Kosher Casual Team | Sep 18, 2024 | Business Casual, Dress Code, Modest Business Casual, modest clothing, Modest Skirts, Uncategorized
Decoding Business Casual!
What is Business Casual? With a few simple guidelines, you can decipher your workplace’s specific dress code. Business casual setting comes with its own set of challenges, but with careful planning, you can create stylish, modest, comfortable and workplace appropriate outfits.
Observe your workplace culture. Pay attention to what colleagues and superiors are wearing. It can provide clues about the expected. Is denim acceptable? Are sweatshirts or hoodies ok? Is there a certain measure of decorum expected? The key is to find a balance that aligns with your personal style and corporate culture. If it’s unclear, consult with HR to ensure your outfits align with company expectations.
Avoid ripped fabrics or tops with slogans or words. Choose instead trendy prints, statement jewelry, scarves, or stylish handbags to add a fashionable touch to your outfit without compromising your personal style or modesty. Party or club wear, while still casual is not business casual.
Opt for skirts and dresses that fall below the knee when standing or sitting. Midi and maxi pencil or A-line skirts can be excellent choices for a business casual wardrobe. Even a sporty knee length pencil skirt with a subdued top is fine. Avoid overly tight or fitted body con clothing for a polished and professional look. If your clothing is made of sheer or semi-opaque fabric, consider pairing it with a layering tank or shell. This adds coverage while maintaining a work place suitable appearance. A lightweight, long-sleeved blouse can also be a versatile option.
Avoid low-cut or skin baring styles in general. Look for tops with crew necklines, elbow or ¾ sleeves. You can also layer with cardigans or blazers for added style and coverage. Go for soft comfortable fabrics and well-fitted pieces. Fabrics with stretch can provide both comfort and a sophisticated look.
If your workplace has casual Fridays, you can incorporate more relaxed elements, such as leggings paired with a tunic or a casual dress. Ensure that your interpretation of “casual” still aligns with a professional appearance. Don’t wear flip flops or back less sandals. Closed-toe shoes, such as flats, loafers, clean gym shoes or boots are suitable.
Remember, the key is to find a balance that aligns with your personal style, company culture, and the expectations of your workplace. Always prioritize comfort, professionalism, and modesty when assembling your business casual wardrobe.
Do you have business casual at your workplace? What is your ideal business casual outfit?
by Kosher Casual Team | Feb 5, 2024 | modest clothing, Pencil Skirts, Tunic Tops
Adding pops of color to modest clothing can be a delightful way to express your personal style while maintaining coverage. Here are some suggestions for infusing vibrant hues into your modest wardrobe:
Bright Accessories:
Use accessories like colorful belts, exotic print scarves, or statement jewelry to introduce shiny metals and vibrant jewel tones to glam up your outfits. Wear a cuff bracelet or a set of stacked bracelets on one wrist. Even small accessories can add a touch of glamour without being overwhelming.
Contrast Colors Outfits:
Create visually interesting outfits by color-blocking with opposing colors on the color wheel. Pair yellow with navy, coral with turquoise, green and reds, etc., pairing them together for a modern and modest look.
Combine Pattern and Textures
If you’re comfortable with it, mix subtle patterns and textures in the same color shades and hues. For example, pair a ribbed baby blue top with a navy plaid skirt, consequently the colors will complement each other.
Layered Color:
Experiment with layering different colored pieces. For example, you can layer a colorful long-sleeved cardigan over a crisp white shirt or neutral blouse. Pair neutral-colored clothing items with one or two vibrant pieces. Generally feel free to experiment with different color combinations to discover what resonates with your personal style.
Print Blouses or Tunics
Buy three quarter tops or tunics in bold print patterns that can be paired with skirts or trousers for a chic and colorful look. Choose trendy animal, tie dye or ethnic prints for a modest and lively look.
Embellished Footwear
Choose flats, heels or boots with embellishments, such as studs, embroidery, or metallic details, to add a dash of style to your footwear. However avoid bright colors as these may overpower the rest of your outfit.
Colored Hats or Headscarves
If you cover your hair, choose bright colors in various shades to add a pop of color to your outfit. Adding color can add an element of fun or in a formal setting an elegant stylish accessory. Coordinating colors with one item in your outfit provides a nice intentional and cohesive appearance.
Remember that personal style is subjective, and these suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your preferences and the occasion. The key is to add elements that make you feel especially confident and express your unique style while maintaining modesty.
by Kosher Casual | Oct 15, 2018 | Dress, Fashion Must-Haves, Fashion Philosophy, Kosher Casual, modest clothing, Modest Fashion, Skirts, Tops
Dressing modestly isn’t always easy, especially when there are so many immodest clothing options to choose from and fewer clothing items that will actually cover you up. Luckily, modest fashion can be achievable if you know what basics you need and how to build upon them. Here at Kosher Casual, we have all of these basics and more!
1. Layering Shirts
With a layering shirt, you can transform practically any sleeveless dress or top into a piece of modest clothing that you’ll feel comfortable wearing. A layering shirt can also be the base for fabulous accessories! Owning several in a range of colors ensures that you’ll be able to complete an outfit without having to think too hard about it.
2. Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts are a modest basic that can be worn all year round. During the warmer months of the year, this basic can be dressed up with a pair of heels or made completely casual with your favorite pair of comfortable sneakers. In the fall and winter throw on some cozy tights and a pair of boots and you’re ready to go!
3. Maxi Skirts
Perhaps the ultimate modest basic, long skirts (or maxi skirts) should be in every modest woman’s closet. A black maxi skirt can work with practically any top, and it’s comfortable enough for most activities. Or switch things up a bit and choose a bold color maxi to wear with a neutral colored top. However you choose to do it, we know you’ll look great!
4. Tunics
A tunic is an essential basic for day-to-day wear. Paired with a pencil skirt, you’re guaranteed a put-together look that you can take from the store to the office, and it will keep you going into the evening without having to change your clothes! Tunics offer a great look without being clingy and the added length provides great coverage of the areas you’d prefer to keep hidden ;).
5. T-Shirt Dresses
If you really want to keep your outfit simple, a t-shirt dress is the way to go. This basic is an entire outfit in one piece! All you have to worry about is deciding on the shoes that are most appropriate for your plans. A knee-length dress can be cool and comfortable during the summer, but paired with a cardigan, leggings, and boots, it will also keep you warm in the winter.
Adding the basics to your modest wardrobe is the best way to ensure that you’re comfortable and covered every day. Check out our best sellers at Kosher Casual.
by Kosher Casual Team | Jul 13, 2017 | Fashion Must-Haves, Fashion Philosophy, modest clothing, Skirts
Dressing modestly and staying fashionable means finding clothing that fits your body well, just as it would for any woman that wants to look modern and stylish. That means knowing your body shape and finding skirts that flatter your natural curves or lack thereof!
When it comes to skirts, there are a variety of designs to choose from, including A-line, high-waisted, form-fitting, pencil skirts and more. Finding the right style starts with looking at the different types of body shapes.
Apple shape which generally means you have a slim lower body and carry your weight around your middle works best with high-waisted skirts. The high waistband will hit the smallest part of the torso and mask the mid-section. If you can find a skirt that is flouncy or has pleats than that will only add more to the total image and help give a lengthened look to the body shape.
The Banana shape (similar width for the waist, hip, and shoulders) does best with form-fitting skirts. Body-conscious skirts with a fun or loud pattern compliment this body type. Keep the shape of your skirts narrow and that will allow your natural curves to speak on their own.
The hourglass is that iconic shape that looks so great in a long pencil skirt. This body shape with a heavier bottom and a well-defined waist has a skirt specifically designed for her. Skirts with a peplum look especially great as they draw all the attention to your waist and give a perfect space for your lower half. Don’t get caught up in the office style of these pencil skirts, patterns and textured fabrics allow you to take advantage of all the length.
