For people who live in a climate that encompasses all four seasons, chances are that once the warmer months start rolling around, one could assume many are dying to ditch the thick pants and winter boots for some shorts and a cute pair of sandals.
But that isn't always the truth for everyone.
For some, religious beliefs call for them to dress modestly. For others, sensitivity to the sun or additional skin conditions could propel them to cover up. Aside from that, there are just people who don't care to bare it all once the weather heats up.
Regardless of anyone's reasoning, everyone should be able to have the option to wear what makes them feel most confident, while still feeling cool and comfortable when they want to enjoy the warmer temperature outside.
Canadian fashionista Charlene Yeboah, one of three designers at clothing line broke&living, agrees.
broke&living designer Charlene Yeboah
"Right now, for me, modesty in fashion is synonymous with both minimalism and inclusion," she tells the Huffington Post Canada. "In the past, and for a very long time, the term was usually centered around religion and never fashion. It seemed like a tool used by some to shame others into feeling less worthy of respect for their clothing choices.
"Over the last few years, I've seen several brands starting to pop up that have shown me that modesty and fashion can be one in the same."
When it comes to her own brand, which is completely gender neutral, she says including modest looks has always been a no-brainer.
"We want [our customers] to feel like they're wearing a one-of-a-kind piece that can be worn anywhere, at any time by anyone," the Toronto native explains. "There has never been a time where we've sat down and said 'OK, we need to be modest this time.' The pieces just need to connect and be functional for an everyday wearer and often. The focus is more on style, inclusivity and longevity."
"Right now, for me, modesty in fashion is synonymous with both minimalism and inclusion."
And for designers or retailers who may frown upon including these looks in their spring/summer lines — it could cost them in the long-run.
In March, Forbes reported that Muslim consumers will spend about US$368 billion on modest clothing alone within the next few years, so Yeboah notes that having an array of items to choose from is not only the right thing to do, but it's quite profitable as well.
Luckily, we're seeing more types of modest wear on the market. And many pieces are quite affordable.
Take a look at some of our faves below.
When looking for these pieces, especially if it's hot outside, think light, breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen. And go for more flowy staples, like wide leg pants and maxi pleated skirts, that will allow your skin to get some air.
"Creating modest pieces for summer is an exercise in creativity," Yeboah explains. "Ditch the layers, keep it simple, and think outside the box."
And while we can see that this type of fashion is definitely well on its way in, with major retailers like Uniqlo collaborating with designer Hana Tajima to create a line primarily for Muslim women, when it comes to diversity on all fronts, Yeboah says companies need to think bigger picture when it comes to their hiring practices.
"Creating modest pieces for summer is an exercise in creativity."
This includes working with talent that comes from a variety of backgrounds, including age range, weight, gender identity, physical limitations, ethnicity and other factors.
"Too often, brands are trying to target these demographics with tone deaf marketing strategies and it continues to happen because the diversity behind the scenes isn't enough to influence any sort of change," the designer shares. "You can’t tell a story that isn’t yours. So hire someone who can."
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