Does Deuteronomy 22:5 forbid women to wear pants?
“A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 22:5
The Bible sets forth clear instruction on the principle of dress for both men and women: modesty mixed with humility (1 Corinthians 12:23, Matthew 18:6–7, 1 Timothy 2:9), and we should be certain not to offend God by dressing indecently.
There is no Scripture, however, that prohibits woman from wearing “pants”—outer garments that cover the body from the waist to the ankles, with separate parts for each leg—simply because pants did not exist during the days the Holy Scriptures were written. Still, some today claim pants are strictly male attire, and they use Deuteronomy 22:5 to denounce women who wear pants as sinful.
Deuteronomy 22:5 does not forbid the wearing of pants. At the time of Moses’ writing, both men and women wore long robes and tunics. Like any generation and culture, certain articles of clothing were designed for men, while others were for women.
What does this text reveal to us as an abomination to God? Cross-dressing and gender confusion that blurs the distinctions of the His Creation order. Moses uses the same word “abomination” to describe God’s view of homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). Disguising gender by what we wear promotes an evil, satanic confusion, and is a practice God detests (Proverbs 6:16–19).
God created men and women as equals in dignity, creating them in His image (Genesis 1:26–28). But He also designed them to be distinctly different in role, makeup, and purpose. As Creator, God makes no mistakes. It is essential we adhere to the divine order God established in regard to gender specificity and uniqueness. In today’s culture of gender confusion, it is imperative we stand on His revealed will in the Bible. Our Creator set His design and plans in nature for men and women, and going against what is natural in the eyes of God can lead nowhere good (Romans 1:26–32).
When it comes to appropriate attire for either male or female, we must consider the culture in which they live. In Scotland it is culturally celebrated and accepted for men to wear kilts (male skirts), and in some countries men continue to wear long, dress-like robes. In other cultures, the wearing of pants by women is accepted as respectable clothing. What one culture deems inappropriate may not necessarily be an issue in another. We need to be sensible about our judgment of non-salvation issues.
In conclusion, the clear instruction of Deuteronomy 22:5 is that men should look like men and women should look like women.
The Bible does not address the specific styles or kinds of clothing, but no matter the culture, the way in which we dress should be according to God’s principles. We should dress modestly, and in a manner that does not promote gender confusion. May we shape our lives around these divine principles.