Tearing one's clothes was the ancient custom (still around in some cultures) that showed great mourning and sorrow about loss or about the realization of a huge transgression. In our modern era, tearing one's clothing has lost its meaning, such as when it is used as a form of vanity like in torn clothing fashions or as a form of faux humility. We need to understand the context of how biblical characters used it to show the correct attitude towards repentance. Examples include the grief of Jacob in Genesis 37 at the loss of Joseph, and the tearing of Paul's clothes in Acts 14 when the people misunderstood the point of his message and ventured into idolatry. Now we are expected to apply the analogy to rending of the heart and striving for genuine humility at the understanding of the amount of how much God contributes compared to the small amount we do and the resulting repentance and change of behavior resulting from that realization.

God's guidelines regarding clothing and dress are very general. God expects Christian women to dress in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, avoiding flamboyant or garish styles. A Christian woman should not attract undue attention by wearing provocative, suggestive, or outrageous clothing, nor should she be drab, colorless, or tasteless in her attire. As a light to the world, a Christian should exemplify balance and good taste, staying in step with societal fashions without being immodest or peculiar. Apparel should be appropriate for the occasion, such as decent swimsuits for the beach, jeans for yard work, and usually a dress or nicer outfit for special occasions. A Christian woman should especially strive to look nice for her husband and family. In the Old Testament, God declares that a woman shall not wear anything pertaining to a man, nor a man a woman's garment, as such actions are an abomination to the LORD. This pertains to transvestitism or cross-dressing, not to women wearing pants designed for them. The principle is that men should dress masculinely and women femininely. The meek and quiet spirit of a truly converted Christian woman will be reflected in her clothing choices, wearing what is appropriate and stylish for any occasion, but with proper modesty and decorum.

Baggy pants, a prevalent urban fashion statement among young people, represent a rebellious sneer at societal conventions. Worn extremely low, these oversized jeans-shorts are akin to long pants in their sagging style, often requiring the wearer to hold them up with one or both hands to walk. This trend, echoing past youth clothing styles like grunge, punk, and hippie, marks a break from parental mores as teens carve out their own identity.

In this decadent society, the constant influences from worldly styles and pornography are eroding our sense of decency. Many teenagers and young adults emulate the immodesty of admired entertainers, resulting in appearances akin to prostitutes, pimps, and gang members. In contrast, godly principles of modesty in dress are emphasized. Peter instructs that beauty should not come from outward adornment like arranging hair, wearing gold, or fine apparel, but from the hidden person of the heart, with a gentle and quiet spirit, precious in the sight of God. Paul agrees, stating that women should adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, avoiding braided hair, gold, pearls, or costly clothing, focusing instead on good works fitting for those professing godliness. This image reflects a woman clothed in humility, a principle equally applicable to men, who should also dress with humility. Immodest dress, lewdness, and pornography reveal arrogance and vanity, lacking humility. Historical examples, such as the shame associated with Noah's sons seeing him naked, underscore the importance of covering the body. Deuteronomy instructs that neither men nor women should wear clothing pertaining to the opposite sex, as cross-dressing blurs gender roles and mocks God's creative sovereignty. Paul advises avoiding anything that even appears evil, including in our attire. We are not our own to do as we desire, for we were bought at a price; therefore, we must glorify God in our body and spirit, which belong to Him. Modesty in dress serves as an outward sign of valuing God's way of life.