Orthodox Christian Clothing

Recently I was discussing with some other Orthodox Christians the subject of attire both in and out of church.  Interestingly the men in the conversation were very defensive of women dressing liberally both in and out of church (with many calling the church’s encouragement of women to wear skirts antiquated), while the women in the conversation were very defensive of the Church’s position that women should wear skirts and cover their head in church.  A topic that didn’t come up much was men’s attire which surprised me as well.  My understanding has always been that men should dress modestly as well and avoid anything which would show chest or arm hair (IE a nice long sleeve shirt or sweater, pants, and dress shoes at a minimum).  So long story short I thought I would make a list of both Scriptural, and Church opinions on the matter of Orthodox Christian Clothing, as well as  list of wear to find some.

What does Holy Scripture Say About Male & Female Attire?

In so far as I can tell, and many church web sites mention this as well, Orthodox Christians should dress modestly, and woman and men should dress appropriately to their gender and not androgynously.

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God. – Deuteronomy 22:5

Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; – 1 Peter 3:3

Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for [her] hair is given her for a covering. - 1 Corinthians 11:13-15

Where can an Orthodox Christian find appropriate attire for Church or Daily Wear?