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 | Jul 14, 2024 | modest clothing, Modest Dresses, Modest Fashion, Religious Modesty standards
How to Teach Girls to Dress Modestly!Teaching girls make clothing choices that are respectful, appropriate for various settings, and aligned with societal values in today’s world is not always easy. We want to prepare our children for a world where external appearances can influence perceptions. Here are some strategies for teaching girls to dress modestly:
Start Early: Begin teaching girls about appropriate clothing choices from a young age. Even children as young as three can understand simple concepts as they learn to dress themselves.
Explain the Reasons: Help girls understand why the way we dress is important and how it contributes to their self-respect, dignity, and relationships with others. Talk about how your religious beliefs, culture, environment and values. It is crucial in navigating these discussions to foster open and honest communication.
Set Clear Guidelines: Establish clear guidelines for appropriate attire in different settings, such as at home, school, religious gatherings, and social events. Offer them guidance on selecting clothing items that provide adequate coverage and are respectful of their bodies.
Encourage Self-Expression: Allow girls to express their personal style and preferences within the boundaries of what’s acceptable. Encourage them to choose clothing that reflects their individuality while also respecting cultural norms and social expectations.
Teach Dress Codes: Familiarize girls with dress codes at their school, religious institution, or other places they frequent. Help them understand the reasons behind these dress codes and how to comply with them while still expressing some individuality.
Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and guidance when girls are selecting clothing or putting together outfits. Encourage them to consider factors such as fit, length, shirt necklines, and overall coverage when making clothing choices. 
Be a Role Model: Lead by example with your own clothing choices and behavior. Girls often learn from their mothers. Teach your daughters to dress with confidence and self-assurance.
Discuss Media Influence: Talk to girls about the influence of media, fashion trends, and peer pressure on clothing choices. Help them develop critical thinking skills to navigate messages about beauty, body image and self-worth in the media.
By incorporating these strategies into your parenting approach, you can help girls develop a sense of modesty and make respectful clothing choices that reflect their values, individuality, and self-respect.
by Kosher Casual Team | Jun 1, 2024 | Modest Plus Size, Plus Size
Ten Myths of Modest Plus Size Dressing!
Dressing modestly and feeling confident in your clothes is important for everyone, regardless of size. Here are some tips specifically for plus-size women to dispel some common myths and help you feel your best. Plus-size women can dress stylishly, modestly and still look fabulous!
Myth: Modest clothing means wearing baggy, shapeless outfits.
Modest clothing can be stylish and flattering. Tailored pieces, wrap dresses, and structured garments can provide a polished look while maintaining modesty.
Myth: Dark colors are the only slimming option.
Don’t shy away from bright colors or prints! Choose ones that make you feel vibrant and confident. Avoid Big loud prints and choose smaller prints patterns. While dark colors can be slimming, so can well-fitted clothes in lighter shades.
Myth: Plus-size women should avoid prints and patterns.
Prints and patterns can be very flattering. The key is choosing the right size and placement of the pattern. Larger prints can work well, and patterns can be used to highlight or downplay certain areas.
Myth: Modest dressing for plus sizes means long skirts and high-necked tops only.
Modesty is about coverage, not necessarily specific trend or styles. You can wear knee length or midi skirts, high-waisted pants, or tops with interesting details like embroidery, raw edging or reverse seaming and work well for even the curviest woman.
Myth: Plus-size women can’t wear trendy clothes.
Plus-size women can embrace fashion just like anyone else. Many brands offer trendy, plus-size options that are also modest. Don’t feel restricted by fashion rules. Adapt trends to suit your style and comfort level.
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Myth: Layering adds bulk and makes plus-size women look bigger.
Smart layering can actually enhance your look. Using layers adds depth to your outfits. Long cardigans, blazers, and duster coats can add structure and length to your ensemble.
Myth: Belts and waist-defining garments are not for plus-size women.
Belts and waist-defining garments can be very flattering. They can highlight your curves and create a balanced silhouette. Ideally, belts should be worn empire style (under the bust) or at the natural waist.
Myth: Plus-size women should avoid clingy fabrics.
The fit and cut of the clothing are more important than the fabric. Close fitting fabrics can look beautiful on plus-size women with the linings and tailoring. Even affordable clothes can look high-end when they fit perfectly.
Myth: Modest plus-size fashion is limited and hard to find.
There are many brands and designers now catering to plus-size, modest fashion. Online shopping has also made it easier to find a wide variety of options. Read reviews and view actual plus size women wearing the clothing to get a good idea of the fit.
Myth: Plus-size women can’t wear fitted clothes.
Embrace your curves! Fitted clothes can look very elegant on plus-size women. The key is ensuring garments are sized right, wearing comfortable shapewear and avoiding skin-tight fabrics.
By understanding and debunking these myths, plus-size women can embrace modest fashion that makes them feel vibrant, confident and stylish. Fashion is personal, and the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and happy.
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.
