What I Wear Affects How I Feel
Lately, I’ve been becoming much more aware of what my clothing is made of—and how it actually makes me feel.
I didn’t always think about it. I used to wear whatever looked nice, felt soft, or fit the budget. But now—just like I’ve learned to read the ingredients on my food—I’ve started reading the tags on my clothes too. And what I discovered surprised me.
Polyester is plastic.
Literally. It’s made from petroleum, engineered in a lab, and first became popular in the mid-1900s as a cheap, wrinkle-free option for mass-produced clothing. It can feel soft and cool when you first touch it, but once it’s on my body—especially in the summer—I notice it traps heat, moisture, and even a kind of static energy that doesn’t feel good.
Living near the sea in Israel, summers here are hot and humid, and wearing plastic on my skin just doesn’t feel right anymore. I started to notice that even when a piece of clothing looked beautiful or modest on the outside, if it was made of synthetic fabric like polyester, it made me feel sticky, heavy, and disconnected.
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.”
— Miuccia Prada
Natural Fibers Feel Different—And Better
The more I pay attention, the more I notice how natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp support me. They breathe. They move with me. They help my skin regulate heat and moisture, and they just feel lighter.
For this climate, lightweight cotton and linen have been my go-tos. When I wear them, I feel clean, cool, and free—not just physically, but energetically. My nervous system is calmer. My body doesn’t feel trapped. I feel like I can move through the day with more ease and presence.
Modesty That Honors the Body and Soul
As a religious Jewish woman, I choose to dress modestly. Not out of pressure, but from a place of inner dignity. For me, modesty is not about covering up—it’s about honoring.
When I dress in a way that aligns with Torah values, I genuinely feel like a princess—or even a queen. Not because of expensive clothing or dramatic fashion, but because of how I’m carrying my body, and how I’m dressing my soul.
And yes, it’s absolutely possible to dress modestly and still stay cool in the heat. The secret is in the fabric and the flow. Loose-fitting clothes made of breathable natural fibers are far more comfortable in summer than tight-fitting synthetics, no matter how much skin they show.
Some of my summer favorites include:
- Linen maxi skirts that catch the breeze
- Flowy cotton dresses with sleeves
- Bamboo undershirts that don’t cling or overheat
- Light scarves or wide-brimmed hats for sun protection
Modesty, for me, isn’t restrictive—it’s deeply empowering.
“Modesty is not about hiding ourselves, it’s about revealing our dignity.”
— Jessica Rey (entrepreneur and modest fashion advocate)
Dressing Well Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
I’ve been exploring secondhand stores, and I’m finding beautiful, natural-fiber pieces for just a few shekels. It takes a little patience and a lot of label-reading, but I’ve come across treasures I truly love.
I’m also starting to explore upcycling—taking clothing with good fabric and turning it into something new. It’s creative, mindful, and sustainable. I want to be more intentional with how I clothe my body. I don’t want to just consume—I want to co-create.
Color Carries Frequency, Too
Just like fabrics have energy, so do colors. I’ve been paying attention to how different colors make me feel—not just how they look. Some lift my spirit, others calm me, and some ground me in my day.
Lately I’ve been drawn to whites, light blues, golden tones, and soft earth colors—they help me feel open and peaceful, especially in the humid summer air. It’s like my body knows what it needs, not just in food or rest, but in color too.
I’ll write more about color therapy soon, but for now, I’m letting my choices come from intuition and soul—not just fashion trends.
Clothing as Sacred Expression
I’m not trying to be perfect. I still have some polyester in my closet. But I’m learning to notice, and slowly, lovingly, I’m choosing differently.
When I get dressed now, I pause and ask:
Does this support my body?
Does this reflect who I really am?
Does it feel peaceful, breathable, holy?
Does it carry the frequency of who I want to be?
Our clothing is with us all day long. It covers our hearts, our bellies, our movement, our stillness. For me, it’s become more than just something I wear. It’s part of my spiritual journey—a way to live in alignment with Hashem, with nature, and with my inner royalty.
This is just the beginning. I’ll be sharing more soon as I explore upcycling, color, design, and dressing for both body and soul. For now, I’m simply grateful to be tuning in, one outfit at a time.
“Let the way you dress be an extension of your values, not a distraction from them.”
— Mindy Rubenstein
Why It Matters
- Natural fabrics keep your body cool and energetic in hot, humid summers.
- Modest cuts allow you to feel dignified, sacred, and confident—truly regal, without sacrificing comfort.
- Upcycling brings creativity and sustainability into your wardrobe, turning clothes into personal expressions of beauty and intention.
Quick Tips Checklist
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 100% Natural Fiber (cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo) | Breathable, soothing, and supportive for your body |
| Maxi or midi length + sleeves | Modest, elegant, and cool |
| Subtle natural colors | Light tones reflect heat; earth tones ground your energy |
| Pockets + practical elements | Modest dressing shouldn’t mean inconveniencing yourself |
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