Men, Dress Like Men

In a time when cultural confusion about gender identity is rampant, the call for Christian men to live, and dress according to God’s design is not merely a matter of tradition or taste, but of faithful obedience. The way we present ourselves outwardly is not disconnected from who we are inwardly. Thankfully, scripture does not leave us without guidance. God, who created male and female in His image (Gen. 1:27), calls us to honor the distinctions He has fixed into creation.

Deuteronomy 22:5 is perhaps the most direct command regarding gendered clothing:

“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.”

This verse reveals a moral principle that transcends cultural specifics: God cares about how men and women distinguish themselves. The prohibition is not merely ceremonial or arbitrary. It reflects a divine concern for preserving the good and created distinction between the genders. When men blur that line, whether through dress, behavior, or demeanor, we obscure God’s design. 

The Apostle Paul likewise affirms the necessity of gender distinction in 1 Corinthians 11. Though addressing head coverings and roles within worship, Paul appeals to the created order and to natural propriety. He writes, "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him?” (1 Cor. 11:14).

Though cultural expressions of masculinity vary, Paul’s appeal to “nature itself” suggests that certain outward expressions, like hair and attire, can rightly or wrongly reflect one's God-given sex.

Clothing communicates. What we wear is never morally neutral. In the Old Testament, the priests wore garments that reflected their office and calling (Ex. 28:2). In the New Testament, modesty and propriety are commended (1 Tim. 2:9), which includes not only decency but resemblance of one's role and identity.

When a man dresses like a man, he confesses what God has made him to be. He accepts the gift of manhood and publicly embodies it. Conversely, when a man dresses effeminately or adopts sinful styles that blur masculine lines, he confuses what God has ordered. Such confusion is not a small matter—it is a denial, in practice, of a fundamental truth about God’s creation.

The culture today celebrates ambiguity, fluidity, and rebellion against gender norms, but Christian men are not to be conformed to this world (Rom. 12:2). Instead, they are called to be sober-minded, watchful, and strong (1 Cor. 16:13). This includes every area of life. So, it matters how we work, speak, lead, and even dress.

God made men to be men. That foundational truth must shape every area of life, including our attire. In a world bent on erasing distinctions, Christians must recover the beauty and clarity of God’s design. Dressing like a man is not a matter of preference or cultural baggage, it is a matter of biblical faithfulness. Let us therefore glorify God not only with our hearts and minds, but with our bodies and how we clothe them (1 Cor. 6:20). In conclusion, let me offer a few practical applications on how the way we dress is instrumental to our Christian life and witness: 

1. Dressing Well Honors God’s Created Order

When we dress in a way that reflects our masculinity, we honor God’s created design. This outward presentation communicates an internal acceptance of our God-given identity and role. It pushes back against cultural confusion and declares that manhood is good, purposeful, and worth embracing.

2. Dressing Well Commands Respect

People tend to treat others in light of how they present themselves. A man who dresses neatly and appropriately often earns a measure of respect—whether in the workplace, the church, or the community. Well-groomed, purposeful attire signals self-discipline, maturity, and reliability. These traits are not only biblical, but they foster trust and open doors for influence.

3. Dressing Well Builds Self-Discipline and Confidence

Choosing to dress thoughtfully trains us to take responsibility for how we carry ourselves. It cultivates habits of order, self-respect, and intentionality. This discipline can translate into other areas of life—work ethic, punctuality, and leadership. Furthermore, men who dress well often carry themselves with greater confidence, which helps them lead and serve more effectively.

4. Dressing Well Sets an Example for the Next Generation

Men who model dignified and distinctly masculine dress help young men understand what manhood looks like. In a fatherless and identity-confused age, even clothing becomes a tool for discipleship. Boys and young men need visible models of honorable, masculine presence—starting with how a man presents himself to the world.

5. Dressing Well Enhances a Man’s Witness in the World

Christians are called to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16). The way a man dresses can either enhance or hinder his witness. A man who dresses sloppily, sensually, or ambiguously may detract from the gospel he professes. But when he presents himself with dignity and purpose, he communicates that he takes life, and the Lord he serves, seriously.

Matt Adams is the senior minister of First Presbyterian Church in Dillon, SC, and serves as an editor for Reforming Men.