Modesty describes a set of culturally determined values that relate to the presentation of the self to others. Modesty is closely related to shame and humility.

One meaning is playing down or not mentioning one's own accomplishments, sometimes to the point of "false modesty", a form of boasting through excessive self-denigration.

The other meaning, also called body modesty, is the wish or requirement not to expose too much of the human body; this applies to the bare skin, but also to hair and to the display of undergarment, and especially to the intimate parts; this is accomplished by suitable clothing, special ways of changing clothes (see beach), closing or locking the door when changing or taking a shower, etc.; it varies according to who could see it, with categories such as:

• spouse, partner
• friend or family of the same sex
• strangers of the same sex
• friends or family including those of the opposite sex
• people in general

Table of contents

1 Western norms of body modesty 2 Wearing less 3 Wearing more 4 External link

Western norms of body modesty

Western culture in general requires the intimate parts of the body to be covered in public places at all times. Exceptions are made for situations such as public changing rooms, which tend to be single-sex venues.

In general, there is an expectation that shoes, shirt and trousers (or dress etc.) be worn in public places.

Wearing less

Other cultures, such as some African cultures and traditional Australian aboriginal culture have far less requirement for body modesty, though how much exposure is acceptable varies greatly, from nothing for some women, to everything except the glans penis for men of some tribes, see foreskin.

In the West, the sub-culture of nudism regards complete nudity as acceptable within the nudist community.

Wearing more

Many religious and cultural traditions have greater restrictions. Islam, and the Amish culture, for example, require "modest dress" to be worn by both sexes. Many Muslim women wear the Islamic headscarf or hijab as a way of expressing modesty, although there is nothing in Islamic scriptures that requires this.

In some Islamic sub-cultures, this is taken to extremes, in particular in some Islamic countries where some women wear the burka, an all-encompassing garment intended to conceal every part of the body, including the eyes.

In most Islamic countries, such expressions of modesty are voluntary. In others, such as Afghanistan under the Taliban, they were enforced under pain of death.

Orthodox Judaism and Sikhism both require men to wear a head covering, in the form of a yarmulke or turban respectively. Orthodox Judaism expects married women to cover their hair; this is achieved by scarves, hats, or - in many communities - wigs ("sheitel"). The Jewish "dress code" is referred to as Tzeniut.

See also:

• nudism
• exhibitionism