Where in the Bible does it say that trousers are exclusively male clothing? And what about the robe (kanzu)? Since robes are similar to gowns and worn by men, why can’t women wear trousers too?
Answer:
The first mention of trousers in the Bible refers to the garments worn by the priests. God commanded the priests to wear trousers that were distinct in their design. They were told to make short trousers (called “kaptula”), as well as longer ones that extended down to cover their legs fully.
Exodus 28:41-43 (ESV) states:
“And you shall put them on Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, and shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. And you shall make linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh; they shall reach from the hips to the thighs. And Aaron and his sons shall wear them when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, lest they bear guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his offspring after him.”
In Israel, there were no female priests—all priests were men. Therefore, these trousers were male garments by divine design (see also Exodus 39:27 and Leviticus 6:10).
We also see this confirmed in the time of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When King Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the fiery furnace, the Scriptures say they were wearing their trousers along with their robes and coats.
Daniel 3:21-22 (ESV):
“Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were men not women and nowhere in Scripture are women described as wearing trousers or commanded to wear them like the priests. This clearly indicates trousers were male-specific garments.
The Bible further commands:
Deuteronomy 22:5 (ESV) says:
“A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
A woman wearing trousers would be going against God’s design and command. Trousers are not intended to cover or modestly clothe a woman. Instead, a woman wearing trousers would not appear modest but rather dishonored or exposed. The Bible calls women to dress modestly and with propriety.
1 Timothy 2:9 (ESV) teaches:
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.”
Thus, women should avoid trousers or any tight or body-revealing clothing.
What about the robe (kanzu)?
The robe was not a female garment. It was a type of outerwear worn by men, somewhat like a coat. This is why Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego wore robes over their trousers in the furnace. A robe is different from a gown, which is specifically designed for women according to their natural form. Christian women are biblically encouraged to wear gowns or long skirts that reflect modesty and femininity.
In conclusion:
You may not have known before that trousers are a male garment, but now you do. If you have trousers in your wardrobe, I encourage you not to wear them if you are a woman. Instead, discard them and seek modest skirts or gowns. Don’t fear appearing old-fashioned or unfashionable in the eyes of the world. It is better to be seen as plain and modest while walking in obedience to God than to be “fashionable” but out of God’s will.
May the Lord bless you.
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