Fashion and Ethics – JSS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

Fashion ethics is the way we use clothing to show respect for ourselves and for the people around us.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define fashion ethics, modesty, decency and cultural sensitivity.
2. State the difference between modesty and decency.
3. Choose suitable clothes for different occasions, such as school, worship and parties.
4. Name some Nigerian traditional attires and fabrics and the cultures they come from.
5. Explain why ethical dressing matters for safety, work and peace in society.

What are the three pillars of fashion ethics?

The three pillars of fashion ethics are modesty, decency and cultural sensitivity.

• Modesty: how much of the body our clothes reveal.
• Decency: dressing in a way that suits the place and the occasion.
• Cultural sensitivity: respecting the dress traditions of our own culture and of others.

• Clothes do more than cover the body. They say something about who we are.
• At JSS3 you are growing into a young adult. How you dress affects how people treat you and how you feel about yourself.

What is modesty in dressing?

Modesty is choosing clothes that show self-respect and do not expose private parts of the body.

• Meaning: modest clothes do not make other people uncomfortable or send the wrong message.
• Style: modest clothes can still be colourful, fashionable and attractive.
• Why it matters: people focus on your character and your intelligence, not only your body.
• In practice: choose a skirt of proper length.
• In practice: avoid shirts that are too tight or see-through.

What is decency in dressing?

Decency is dressing in a way that suits the place and the occasion.

• Link to modesty: the two ideas are close, but decency depends on the occasion.
• Example: a swimsuit is fine at the beach, but it is not decent in a classroom or a place of worship.
• Golden rule of decency: always dress according to where you are going.

Examples of indecent dressing

• Sagging trousers: trousers worn so low that underwear shows.
• Offensive slogans: clothes with rude or offensive words written on them.
• Badly torn clothes: outfits torn on purpose in inappropriate places.

Suitable dress for different occasions

What is the difference between modesty and decency?

Modesty is about how much of the body is covered. Decency is about whether the outfit suits the occasion.

What is cultural sensitivity in fashion?

Cultural sensitivity is being careful not to disrespect another person’s culture through the clothes we wear.

• Nigeria’s cultures: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw and many more. Each has its own way of dressing with deep meaning.
• Respecting traditional attire: if you wear an Agbada, Isiagu or wrapper, wear it properly.
• Respecting traditional attire: do not mix it with other items in a way that makes fun of the tradition.
• Global awareness: in some cultures, wearing shoes inside a house is disrespectful.
• Global awareness: in other cultures, covering the head is a sign of honour.
• Global awareness: being sensitive means learning these rules so we do not offend people by accident.
• Fashion as identity: fabrics such as Aso-Oke and Akwete are symbols of our history, and we should wear them with pride.

Examples of Nigerian traditional dress and fabrics

Why does fashion ethics matter?

Fashion ethics matters because our dress choices affect our safety, our future work and the peace of our society.

1. Safety and protection: decent dressing can help us avoid unwanted attention and negative peer pressure.
2. Professionalism: to be taken seriously in a job interview or meeting later in life, you must learn these rules now.
3. Social harmony: when we respect cultural dress codes, we reduce tension and build peace with our neighbours.

How can you dress ethically on a small budget?

You can dress ethically without spending much money, because neat and respectful clothing matters more than costly clothing.

• Keep clothes clean: wash and iron your clothes.
• Keep clothes neat: mend torn seams and replace missing buttons.
• Choose the right fit: clothes of the right size and length look better than expensive but unsuitable ones.
• Remember: clean, neat and respectful clothing takes you further than expensive but indecent fashion.

Evaluation

1. Define fashion ethics and name its three pillars.
2. State two differences between modesty and decency.
3. Give three examples of indecent dressing.
4. What does cultural sensitivity mean? Give one example.
5. Why do some people find it difficult to dress modestly in the modern world?

Assignment

1. Look at a fashion magazine or a music video. Pick one outfit and explain whether it follows the rules of modesty and decency for a school environment.
2. Describe a traditional outfit from your village and say when it is usually worn.