Encountering criticism or suggestions regarding your attire can be challenging, especially when dealing with modesty remarks. How you respond can significantly impact the situation, reflecting your values and comfort level. Here, we explore several strategies for addressing such comments in a polite yet firm manner.

Polite Acknowledgment

The most common and user-friendly approach is to acknowledge the comment politely while asserting your comfort level with your appearance. You can say:

"I appreciate your concern but I feel comfortable in what I'm wearing."

This response acknowledges the awareness and intent behind the comment while maintaining your personal boundaries.

Request for Clarification

At times, understanding the specific reasons behind the comment can help.

"Can you explain what you mean by ‘more modestly’? I'd like to understand your perspective."

This not only allows you to understand the basis of the comment but also shows a willingness to communicate and resolve any misunderstandings.

Setting Boundaries

When you feel the need to define your personal space more firmly, setting boundaries is effective.

"I understand that modesty can mean different things to different people but I prefer to express myself through my clothing."

This response clarifies your preferences and shows that you are not seeking external approval, only your own comfort and individuality.

Humorous Response

Adding a touch of humor can also offer a light-hearted and eye-catching way to respond to such comments.

"Thanks for the suggestion! I'll add 'modesty' to my list of fashion goals!"

This humorous response diffuses the situation and can turn a potentially uncomfortable interaction into a more friendly one.

Direct Rejection

When the interaction becomes confrontational or when you feel strongly against the comment, a direct rejection might be the most appropriate choice.

"I don’t believe it’s necessary for me to dress according to someone else’s standards. I choose to wear what makes me feel good."

This response clearly states your principle and leaves no room for the other person to impose their standards on you.

A Personal Story

Often, sharing personal experiences can provide context and make the advice more relatable. For instance, Dr. Pragya Sarwaiya's response to a question about socially unacceptable actions can be enlightening.

"Thank you for your kind advice next time Ill keep this in mind I will say this with a smile and move away from such person. But Ill still wear the clothes which I like whether he/she likes it or not. I have learnt this from my experience that such mentality is fixed in some minds and it wont get washed away no matter how much I try. I am also not in support with the revealing clothes which shows cleavage but - I very well know when and which parts of my body are meant to be covered and which part is meant to leave uncovered!"

Dr. Sarwaiya's response illustrates the importance of standing by your personal choices and understanding that some people's opinions might not change, no matter the effort.

A Final Warning

It can be tempting to engage in debates or discussions about your clothing choices, but these can often escalate to uncomfortable or negative interactions. Instead, it might be more effective to redirect the conversation or even respectfully distance yourself from such individuals.

"If you find my clothes offending then take your ideal body and standards away from me you dont need to stay and have a closure to my body and judge whether I am dressed well or not."

This final warning can serve as a clear boundary while still maintaining respect and dignity.