How to start dressing more modestly, one piece at a time

Step one: layer what you have

Layering costs little and works with most of your current wardrobe.

• A thin long-sleeved top or high-necked vest under dresses and tops that are sleeveless or open at the neck.
• Straight trousers, jeans or leggings under dresses and skirts that are shorter than you want. Our article on wearing a dress over trousers shows the lengths that look intended.
• A long cardigan, open shirt or light coat over closer-cut pieces.
• A slip or camisole under anything that is slightly see-through.
• A scarf or dupatta to cover the neckline, whatever you wear on your head.

Step two: change what you buy next

As things wear out, replace them with pieces that already meet your standard, so that layering becomes a choice instead of a necessity. The details to look for are a higher neckline, sleeves to the elbow or wrist, a hem at the knee or below, and a cut with enough room that the fabric does not cling. Fabric matters as much as cut: a dense cotton or crepe hangs away from the body where a thin jersey follows it, and our guide to non see-through fabrics explains a simple test.

Our article on modest sleeves, necklines and lengths shows how the three choices balance each other, so that one longer piece can do the work of two layers.

Step three: three first pieces to have made

Made to measure is useful here because shop sizes often give length or sleeve cover only by adding width everywhere. If you have pieces made, these three tend to do the most work.

• A long kurta or tunic with full sleeves. Knee length or below, with side slits, wearable over jeans, trousers or a skirt.
• Straight or wide trousers in a neutral. They go under that kurta, under dresses and under shorter tops you already own.
• A long dress or an abaya. A maxi dress with sleeves, or an open abaya worn as a coat, covers whatever you wear underneath. We make abayas to measure if that is the direction you want.

Keep your own style

Dressing more modestly does not mean giving up colour, prints or the shapes you like. If you love bright colours, keep them and change the length. If you wear mostly jeans and shirts, a long shirt and a longer cardigan may be all you need. The pieces that last are the ones that still feel like you. Our modest capsule wardrobe article shows where you might end up once the change is complete.

Asking for the changes when you order

If you see a design you like that is too short, too open or too closely cut, you can send it to us with the changes you want: longer sleeves, a higher neck, a lining, a longer hem. Use Send Your Design and request a quote; we confirm the details in writing before anything is cut.