Author Topic: THE MARYLIKE STANDARDS FOR MODESTY IN DRESS (Read 1368 times)

Cantarella · « **on:** October 14, 2015, 12:03:05 PM »

A reminder that Catholic ladies (since early girlhood) are supposed to hold the standards of Catholic Mary - like modesty and decorum:

THE MARYLIKE STANDARDS FOR MODESTY IN DRESS

WHAT ARE THE MARYLIKE STANDARDS?

"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers' breadth under the pit of the throat;; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent material are improper." (The Cardinal vicar of Pope Pius XI)

1. Marylike is modest without compromise, "like Mary", Christ's Mother.

2. Marylike dresses have sleeves extending at least to the elbows; and skirts reaching below the knees. (NOTE: Because of market conditions, quarter-length sleeves are temporarily tolerated with Ecclesiastical Approval, until Christian womanhood again turns to Mary as the model of modesty in dress.)

3. Marylike dresses require full coverage for the bodice, chest, shoulders and back; except for a cut-out about the neck not exceeding two inches below the neckline in front and in the back, and a corresponding two inches on the shoulders.

4. Marylike dresses do not admit as modest coverage transparent fabrics, laces, nets, organdy, nylons, etc. unless sufficient backing is added. However, their moderate use as trimmings is acceptable.

5. Marylike dresses avoid the improper use of flesh colored fabrics.

6. Marylike dresses conceal rather than reveal the figure of the wearer; they do not emphasize, unduly, parts of the body.

7. Marylike dresses provide full coverage, even after jacket, cape or stole are removed and after assuming a sitting position.

http://www.catholicmodesty.com/MarylikeStandardsofModestyinDress.html

Jaynek · « **Reply #1 on:** October 14, 2015, 01:00:13 PM »

It is always nice to see a reminder about this. Surprisingly enough, I have seen people argue against this, even among supposedly traditional Catholics.

jen51 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 14, 2015, 01:47:01 PM »

Thankyou, Cantarella. These rules truly aren't that limiting. I don't see why so many Catholics, even trads, have a problem with them.

Ladislaus · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2015, 03:08:10 PM »

Quote from: Jaynek

It is always nice to see a reminder about this. Surprisingly enough, I have seen people argue against this, even among supposedly traditional Catholics.

And some clown just downthumbed Cantarella's post.

Jaynek · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2015, 03:34:09 PM »

Quote from: Ladislaus

Quote from: Jaynek
It is always nice to see a reminder about this. Surprisingly enough, I have seen people argue against this, even among supposedly traditional Catholics.

And some clown just downthumbed Cantarella's post.

It is hard to believe, isn't it? How does this happen on a trad forum?

Disputaciones · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2015, 06:46:34 PM »

#2 in that list always seemed ridiculous to me.

"Market conditions"? What does that mean? And where's the "ecclesiastical approval" source?

Jaynek · « **Reply #6 on:** October 15, 2015, 06:38:23 AM »

Quote from: Disputaciones

#2 in that list always seemed ridiculous to me.

"Market conditions"? What does that mean? And where's the "ecclesiastical approval" source?

It means that it is often difficult to find sleeves of the recommended length in the clothing that is sold in stores (and not everyone can sew her own) so the standard was relaxed a bit.

Ava · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2015, 10:55:50 AM »

I've always found these very reasonable, however it is challenging to find dresses and blouses with high enough necklines to meet that requirement. I often have to add a sweater or at least a neck scarf.