Introduction:

As our Creator and Redeemer, God has given us certain recommendations for our benefit. The information included will be followed by women of faith who desire physical and spiritual health. It has been gathered either from the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, Ernie’s unpublished dreams, or from online. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you.

The female was God’s final act of creation. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan has attacked this final creation. He wants women to dress in one extreme or the other, either in an ultra-conservative style to where they are a “gazing stock” or a “freak” (as shown in one of Ernie’s dreams) or in an ultra-liberal style. One extreme is wearing dresses all the time with slacks underneath. The other extreme is wearing skin-tight shorts with a skin-tight shirt revealing a thick pushup bra that creates cleavage. God wants His women to be balanced in their dress.

The Spirit of Prophecy includes the following principles on dress:  health, modesty, neatness, simplicity, comfort, and appropriateness for the age.

Spirit of Prophecy quotes on dress:

Healthful Living, p. 118
Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing-stock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them. If the world introduces a modest, convenient, and healthful mode of dress, which is in accordance with the Bible, it will not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God's word. They should shun extremes.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, p. 92
If Christian women would lead out in the good work, and set the example of dressing with neatness and simplicity, and with regard to health, there would be a universal reform. If they would work from an elevated standpoint, they could bring their habits of life into conformity with the laws of their being, and live in obedience to both the physical and the moral requirements of God. Then there would be less money, less nerve force, less physical strength, squandered for artificial decorations, to the sacrifice of natural beauty. We should have more practical wives and mothers, and in many families that are now wretched because of their incorrect ideas of life, there would be a happy change.

Ibid. p. 159
We as a people do not believe it our duty to go out of the world in order to be out of fashion. If we have a plain, neat, modest, comfortable style of dress, and others choose to adopt it, shall we change our dress in order to be different from them?--No; we should not be singular in our dress for the sake of differing from the world: they would despise us for so doing. Christians are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Their dress should be neat and modest, their conversation chaste and heavenly, and their deportment blameless.

Ibid. p. 91
Mother, do you want your child to live and wear the bloom of health? Then teach her to dress healthfully. If you love her and desire her good, why do you teach her by your example that it is no sin to mar the human form divine? What reason can you render to the Creator for deforming his handiwork? Turn away from the fashion plates, and study the human organism. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and we are to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God. How can Christian mothers be worshipers at the shrine of fashion, and yet preserve their loyalty to the God of heaven? It is impossible; "ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Ibid. p. 85
Satan, the instigator and prime mover in the ever-changing, never-satisfying decrees of fashion, is always busy devising something new that shall prove an injury to physical and moral health; and he triumphs that his devices succeed so well. Death laughs that the health-destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshipers at fashion's shrine bring them so easily under his dominion. Happiness and the favor of God are laid upon her altar.

Healthful Living, p. 119
Simple dress should be the word; try your talent, my sisters, in this essential reform. . . . Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, in having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for the age; and let not the dress question fill the mind.

Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 254
Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind. . . .

The following definitions give a clearer understanding of how to interpret the Spirit of Prophecy principles as they apply to this day and age. A principle is flexible and can be applied to different situations.  A rule is not flexible and is called a law.

Definitions:

MODEST:  Moderate (make less intense); not extreme; quiet and humble in appearance and style; not pretentious (making claim to or creating an appearance of often undeserved importance or distinction; intended to attract notice and impress others.)

The root word for "modest" comes from the word "middle." Staying in the middle is how to stay "balanced."

MIDDLE:  Halfway between two given points, times, limits, etc.; also, equally distant from all sides or extremities; in the center.

CHASTE:  Restrained and simple in style; not ornate.

Jeans, slacks, and shorts:

• Buy from the women’s rack only, not the men’s rack. They have been made to fit women.
• Should be feminine.
• Simple in style.
• A common color (light colors are best in the summer; dark in the winter).
• Should fit snug yet not skin-tight and not loose or baggy.
• Should be in style as much as possible.
• Should not be below the waist unless a woman has a short waist.
• Should be appropriate for the woman’s build, surroundings, and climate.

Shirts, blouses, dresses, and skirts:

• Buy from the women’s rack only, not the men’s rack.
• Should be feminine.
• Simple in style.
• A common color (light colors are best in the summer; dark in the winter).
• Should fit snug yet not skin-tight and not loose or baggy.
• Should be in style as much as possible.
• Should be appropriate for the woman’s build, surroundings, and climate.
• For church, wear your best. It is preferable not to wear slacks unless the weather demands it or that is all you have to wear. Jeans should not be worn in church. Dresses or skirts should not be so short as to be a distraction. Tops should have sleeves.

Health issues of the bra:

This section will discuss the subject of bras and the problems they cause to women’s health.

The tightness and heat of a bra may contribute to breast cancer. For more information on bras and other undergarments, please go to the following websites:

www.womenforgodsglory.com (a Seventh-day Adventist website)
http://all-natural.com/womens-health/bras/

http://maps.thefullwiki.org/Underwire_bra
Several health conditions have been associated with the use of an underwire bra such as breast pain, breast infection during lactation, and allergic reactions to the metal underwire. Wearing an underwire bra can cause inconvenience and extra scrutiny at security checkpoints and metal detectors in airports and prisons, often subjecting the wearer to special inspection procedures, including removal of the underwire or bra entirely, to verify that there is no weapon hidden in the undergarment. The underwire of a bra has played a part in various accidents and attacks. Metallic underwires, which attract and conduct electricity, can put a woman at risk of burning or death during electrical storms and lightning strikes….

Bible verses for going braless:

Song of Solomon 4:5 and 7:3 state that, “Thy two breasts are like two young roes” like female gazelles that leap and bounce around. This is a great description of breasts, especially when walking or running.

Song of Solomon 7:7-8
This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes.  I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine.

It is natural for breasts to hang and it was attractive in Bible times as well as today.

Spirit of Prophecy quotes for going braless:

Health Reformer, September 1, 1871
Because it is the fashion, many females place over their breasts paddings, to give the form the appearance of well-developed breasts. These appendages attract the blood to the chest, and produce a dry, irritating heat. The veins, because of unnatural heat, become contracted, and the natural circulation is obstructed. These appendages, in connection with other bad habits of dressing and eating, result in obstructing the process of nature, making a healthy development of the breasts impossible. And if these become mothers, there cannot be a natural secretion of the fluids, to have a sufficient supply of nourishment for their offspring.

Healthful Living, p. 123
Many have become lifelong invalids through their compliance with the demands of fashion. Displacements and deformities, cancers and other terrible diseases, are among the evils resulting from fashionable dress.

Ibid. May 1, 1872
Over the hips and back, fashion has introduced paniers and overskirts puffed and arranged in every conceivable shape to destroy the graceful beauty of woman's form, and to all these is added the sash, while the lower limbs are only furnished with one or two thicknesses of light material.

In one of Ernie’s dreams, he was shown that none of the following wore a bra: Eve, Mary (the mother of Jesus), Ellen White, or many other women.

History of the bra:

• http://www.ebrasetc.com/bra_history.htm
  In 1863, Luman L Chapman patented a corset substitute with breast puffs and shoulder-brace straps that tied in back. The first bra was born.

• Then in 1893, Marie Tucek patented the "Breast Supporter" - the first garment similar to the modern-day bra that used shoulder straps with a hook-and-eye closure to support the breasts in pockets of fabric.

• In 1904, the Charles R. DeBevoise Company first labeled a woman's bra-like garment a 'brassiere.' It was actually a lightly boned camisole that helped stabilize the breasts.

• By 1907, the term "brassiere" began to show up in high profile women's magazines and eventually, around 1912, it appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary.

• In 1913, Mary's Secret appeared. Mary Phelps Jacob, a new York socialite, made a 'backless brasierre' from two silk handkerchiefs and some ribbon. Her friends were sold on this innovative idea and encouraged Mary to apply for a patent for her "Backless Brassiere" design. Within a short time, Mary lost interest in the garment business and sold her patent to Warner Brother's Corset Company for $1,500.00. Today, Warner Brother's are a leading name brand manufacturer of bras.

• http://www.essortment.com/history-bra-brassiere-21340/
  It should be noted that Jacob's brassiere design was intended to flatten the breasts and not enhance them.

• http://www.ebrasetc.com/bra_history.htm
  By 1928, entrepreneurs William and Ida Rosenthal took the bra to its next stage by introducing cup sizes and bras for all stages of a woman's life. Several years later, Warner added the A to D sizing system which became the standard in 1935.

• In 1943 Howard Hughes, famous billionaire and genuine lover of cleavage designed a cantilevered bra to better show off Jane Russell's cleavage in the movie “The Outlaw.”

• http://www.fashion-era.com/bras_after_1950.htm
  Fashion history has shown that by the 1950s glamour was what women wanted most. They had been deprived in the war and they had seen the Hollywood stars that had uplift that almost reached their necks. … The conical bra was the bra that gave the support silhouette for girls who longed to emulate the curves of film star sweater girls like Lana Turner and Jane Russell.

• Memorable bra history was made when Gossard launched its Wonderbra campaign in 1968. The byline went something like this - 'makes 34 look 36, makes 36 look pow...'. It was and is still true. … They just hoped for the best and as the breasts were all pushed to the front a little pain was worth it to get the cleavage that no other bra could produce.

• http://www.ebrasetc.com/bra_history.htm
  The 1970s saw the development of the Ah-h Bra (1972) from Sears, and the sports bra in 1977 created by Lisa Lindahl and Polly Smith who sewed two jockstraps together and named it the Jogbra!

• http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/27/1085641649163.html
  When the Wonderbra was re-released in the late 1980s, women who "had it" (bosoms, that is, not the bra) were urged to "flaunt it," and those who didn't, could simply shovel their modest assets into this miracle worker for an instant, va-va voom cleavage.

• http://www.ebrasetc.com/bra_history.htm
  And then in the 1990s, the bra industry leaped to a new level in the quest for cleavage by utilizing water, air and silicone pads. Improvements in these developments take us on into the 21st century with companies like Fashion Forms which are mostly about breast management and enhancement. In the 1990s when silicone breast implants and other implants caused scares, many women looked to bras to improve their breast size.

• http://www.counselheal.com/articles/4852/20130411/bras-make-breasts-saggier-15-year-french-study-reveals.htm
  “Women have long been told that a good bra can help support the chest, relieve back pain and prevent sagging. However, a new 15-year French study reveals the opposite: bras do little to reduce back pain and, over time, they can actually make breasts sag even more.”

Conclusion: Wearing a bra can make a woman pretentious, unnatural, immodest, immoral, unhealthy, uncomfortable, and hides the natural form that God created.

If you feel you need temporary support, such as while in church or while exercising, wear a thin bra but for as short a time as possible. However, do not be afraid to allow your breasts to be braless while exercising. This allows your breasts to experience their natural range of motion and allows for unrestricted lymphatic flow. As an added benefit, increased fitness and activity will reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Women’s breasts are not sexual objects; however, Satan has made them to appear that way. They are actually secondary sexual characteristics, defined as traits that distinguish the two sexes of a species, but that are not directly part of the reproductive system.

Definition of sex organs:

A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined, is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction.

Definition of breasts:

Either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman. Although the primary biologic function of the breast is to make milk to feed a baby, the breast has for many centuries been a symbol of femininity and beauty.

Q: Do men lust after a woman who does not wear a bra?

A: No. What it does do is show them the natural form that God created. They see a feminine woman, a lady, the gentler sex. Personal studies have already been done to show that it brings out the “gentleman” in men. The bra has helped to bring about the endangered species of gentlemen. Do not be concerned about what people think. Remember, that when some women wear a thin bra, the nipples show anyway.

Q: Do men lust after a woman who wears a bra that enhances the size, produces unnatural cleavage and lift of the breasts?

A: Yes. Cleavage sends a message to men that you are “available.”

Q: Has Satan “picked on” women since the beginning of time?

A: Yes. Satan is jealous because he cannot create and women can procreate. He especially does not like the female because she bears the children and feeds them. Women need not concern themselves with being braless, because it is not immoral. Breasts were created by God to His glory and as a vital source of life for women’s offspring.

Q: Does this dress information go against the book, Creeping Compromise?

A: No, because we have applied the principles just as much as we have from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Joe Crews grew up in a day when women dressed differently than today. We must ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us as to what is law and what is principle for today. Wearing just slacks was not done in Ellen White’s day nor was it common in Joe Crew’s time. However, these are now “appropriate for the age.” God has seen fit to share this information with us now, because He is attempting to gather the 144,000 and they need all the help they can get, not only for their health but for their safety. Remember that those women today who dress in the extreme are and will be targeted. They are seen as belonging to a cult.

An online testimony:

http://www.feministezine.com/feminist/modern/History-ofthe-Bra.html
I personally find bralessness to be of ultimate comfort. What I had to get over was my self-consciousness of being braless in public. That took time. But was well worth the effort when I consider how much nicer it feels not to have my breasts ‘supported' into a fixed position all day.

And I had to get honest with myself. It wasn't that my breasts preferred to be strapped into a bra – an excuse you may have used yourself – but rather my fear of not following the status quo. According to your North American fashion tradition, women wear bras. Why? Because if we didn't, an entire industry would collapse. Don't kid yourself. Bras are an invention, not a need.

Experiment with bralessness. If you are unsure, start out around your home. I found that after a couple of months, I was venturing forth, slightly self-conscious but not enough to stop me. No one seemed to notice. Now, several months into my experiment, I rarely wear a bra. Rarely equals once a week, for a short period of time because of the clothing I've chosen, not the occasion.

I see this as wonderful self-development. Be brave and give going braless a try.

It is highly recommended that you purchase and read the book Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer. It may be purchased online through Amazon or elsewhere.

Underwear:

Ernie has also been shown that the wearing of underwear should be avoided as much as possible due to health issues. Other loose-fitting undergarments may be worn, such as silk pettipants.

Here are some recommendations from websites that do not support and are not affiliated with any religious organizations that we are aware of:

 

http://www.redbookmag.com/health-wellness/advice/nerve-damage-from-tight-underwear#slide-2
Nerve damage and other problems
Too-frequent use of shapewear and other tight-fitting undergarments can bring on urinary tract infections, says Consumer Reports medical advisor Orly Avitzur, M.D.

http://www.vaxa.com/candidaalbicansyeastinfections-wearnounderwear.cfm
If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, or even if you have just talked about it with your doctor or friends, you may have been told that one way to deal with candida albincans (yeast infections) is to wear no underwear. Although it may seem like a simple and unusual recommendation, this advice is actually quite useful. One possible cause of a yeast infection is wearing clothing that is too tight, especially materials other than cotton. This tight clothing holds in moisture and even dirt, creating the perfect environment for yeast to breed. However, if you wear no underwear, then candida albincans (yeast infections) does not have the moist, dark environment it loves.
 
…Although cotton underwear can help, the best course of action for candida albincans (yeast infections) is generally agreed to be simply to wear no underwear.

You may need to wear underwear if you are having your menstrual period and are using menstrual pads or pantiliners, which should be made of organic and natural cotton when possible. Also try to use cotton underwear that does not have elastic touching your skin.

Below is information on an alternative to tampons:
http://www.womenforgodsglory.com/hygiene.html - Menstrual_Cup

Menstrual Cup

This is a great alternative to tampons or pads. The menstrual cup is a reusable device around two inches long and made from soft silicone or rubber. It is worn internally like a tampon but collects the menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Menstrual cups generally hold around 30ml of fluid, which is roughly one third of the average total fluid shed each period. A light seal is formed with the vaginal walls allowing menstrual fluid to pass into the cup without leakage or odor.

Besides being a healthier alternative, menstrual cups are more economical than pads and tampons as they can last for up to ten years if properly cared for. They are great for people who travel as well.

Advantages

• Contains no bleaches, deodorizers or absorbency gels
• Does not interfere with your healthy vaginal environment
• Has not been associated with toxic shock syndrome
• Will not cause irritation and is suitable for women with sensitive skin, thrush, eczema or allergies
• Will not deposit fibers in your vaginal wall

Below are some links to sites that sell menstrual cups:

http://www.ladycup.eu/
http://www.femmecup.com/thecup.html
https://lunette.com.au
http://www.divacup.com/
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/
http://www.thekeeper.com.au/

Pantyhose:

If you wear pantyhose for a short time, such as to church, you can wear the regular type. However, if you wear pantyhose a lot, they should be loose at the waist and crotchless. (It is interesting to note that in Ellen White’s time, there were bloomers that were crotchless.) These may be purchased in specialty stores or online. You may also purchase thigh highs in most department stores; however, these tend to be too tight in the thighs, so these are best for short-term use.

High heels:

High-heeled shoes are a health hazard as well as a sex symbol and should not be worn. Flat shoes are the best or with heels no higher than one inch.

Jewelry:

This includes rings and bracelets of any type, including watches that draw attention to the person. Regarding wedding rings, please read the Spirit of Prophecy quote below:

Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers (Series A, No. 3), pp. 180-181
Some have had a burden in regard to the wearing of a marriage ring, feeling that the wives of our ministers should conform to this custom. All this is unnecessary. Let the ministers' wives have the golden link which binds their souls to Jesus Christ, a pure and holy character, the true love and meekness and godliness that are the fruit borne upon the Christian tree, and their influence will be secure anywhere. The fact that a disregard of the custom occasions remark is no good reason for adopting it. Americans can make their position understood by plainly stating that the custom is not regarded as obligatory in our country. We need not wear the sign, for we are not untrue to our marriage vow, and the wearing of the ring would be no evidence that we were true. I feel deeply over this leavening process which seems to be going on among us, in the conformity to custom and fashion. Not one penny should be spent for a circlet of gold to testify that we are married. In countries where the custom is imperative, we have no burden to condemn those who have their marriage ring; let them wear it if they can do so conscientiously; but let not our missionaries feel that the wearing of the ring will increase their influence one jot or tittle. If they are Christians, it will be manifest in their Christlikeness of character, in their words, in their works, in the home, in association with others; it will be evinced by their patience and long-suffering and kindliness. They will manifest the spirit of the Master, they will possess His beauty of character, His loveliness of disposition, His sympathetic heart.

Makeup:

Facial makeup should not be noticeable or bring attention to yourself but should look natural. Avoid colorful makeup like blush, eye shadow, and lipstick. It is alright to use foundation to cover blemishes, but try to purchase those with natural, organic ingredients that do not contain harsh chemicals or heavy metals.

Cosmetics:

Face cream may be used for dry skin but should be as natural as possible, such as coconut oil. Natural, clear lip balm may be used for dry lips.

Nails:

Fingernails should not be kept so long that they become a distraction or a nuisance.

It is best to avoid nail polish. Not only are there health hazards but it is usually used because of vanity. Additionally, it is better to keep your nails short rather than using clear nail polish to strengthen the nails.

https://www.hellomotherhood.com/can-nail-polish-harm-baby-12021245.html

• Dibutyl Phthalates are chemicals found in most nail polishes. DBPs have been linked to early puberty in girls and uterine problems in women, according to carefair.com. … Pregnant women are warned about birth defects cause by Dibutyl Phthalates.

• Toluene is a chemical used in nail polish. … This dangerous chemical has been known to affect the function of the central nervous system, according to greenlivingtips.com. … This chemical in nail polish has also been linked to kidney and liver failure.

• One of the ingredients in nail polish is formaldehyde. … However, formaldehyde can cause dangerous health effects. … Skin irritation and rashes occur from exposure to this chemical.

http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Study-finds-hazardous-chemicals-in-some-nail-3472582.php
Nail polishes that claim to be free of harsh chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and fertility problems may contain the hazardous ingredients anyway….

…salons found that some products labeled as "three-free" - meaning they did not contain the three chemicals most commonly associated with negative health effects - often had at least trace amounts of one of the hazardous substances.

In fact, products that claimed to be free of the "toxic trio" of hazardous chemicals - toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde - were actually more likely to contain those ingredients than products that made no such claims.

Nail salons are best avoided unless you are not able to care for your own nails.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/nail-care/health/5-nail-salon-infections1.htm
This website discusses the top five infections a person can pick up at nail salons: warts, Swine flu, and staph infection from hand-to-hand contact and/or used utensils as well as fungal and bacterial infections from foot baths.

Hair:

Hair should not be colored but should reflect your age and experience. It is important to age with grace. Hair products such as shampoo and conditioner should be as natural and organic as possible. Most popular hair products contain certain ingredients that are harmful, especially parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.

Hairstyles should not bring undue attention to yourself. Do not spend excessive time or money on styling your hair. Wigs should not be worn except under extreme cases such as baldness or very thin hair.

Grooming:

Some grooming is necessary such as keeping your hair and teeth clean. Other grooming like shaving is preferable but optional and is left up to each individual. Ernie was shown how God created Adam and Eve without body hair from the shoulders down. (Incidentally, Adam did not have a mustache or beard, but God does not consider it a sin if men prefer to have those.) The presence of leg, underarm, and pubic hair is a result of sin. Additionally, because of hormonal imbalances and other degeneration over thousands of years, unsightly upper lip hair, chin hair, an overabundance of eyebrows such as a unibrow, etc. may also be removed.

Conclusion:

Signs of the Times, Sept. 16, 1886
Women of firm principle and decided character are needed, women who believe that we are indeed living in the last days... These are the ones who will correctly represent the religion of Christ…

~God bless you as you dress for Him~

Dress for Today by Becky Knoll