tzniut

Asked by SA · July 24, 2003 · Other

Question

2 QUESTIONS: 1. YOU'VE CLARIFIED ONCE THAT WOMEN MUST COVER THEIR ARMS AT LEAST TILL THE ELBOW. CAN THE SLEEVE (I.E., COVERING) BE MADE OF A RAYON MATERIAL, ORGANZA, OR MESH/NET-LIKE MATERIAL WHERE THE ARM IS STILL SOMEWHAT VISIBLE? OR MUST IT BE A THICK, NON-SEE-THRU MATERIAL? 2. REGARDING PANTS: I'VE READ THRU THE Q&A ON THIS AND MY QUESTION IS -- SINCE WOMEN WEARING PANTS DO NOT VIOLATE THE CROSS-GENDER DRESS RESTRICTION (LO YILBASH), ARE THEY NEVERTHELESS NOT ALLOWED TO WEAR PANTS BECAUSE OF TZNIUT (MODESTY)? (ASSUME THEY LIVE IN A COMMUNITY WHERE "RELIGIOUS" STANDARDS ARE SET THAT WOMEN DO NOT WEAR PANTS.) I'M NOT ASKING TO COMPARE WEARING PANTS WITH SHORT SKIRTS. ALSO, DOES THERE EXIST TODAY AN INDEPENDENT PROHIBITION AGAINST WOMEN WEARING PANTS (INDEPENDENT OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS). THANK YOU.

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

1) Hard to really know without seeing the material, but it doesn't sound good. 2) If the minhag was based on an acceptance of stricter Tzniut standards, it is not allowed. If it is based on the misconception that it is a man's clothing, it shouldn't be a problem. 3) No AA