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Summary of Question:	Arms And Legs Covered For Women?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Thursday, 9/26/2002 3:24 PM MDT

Firstly i want 2 say how wonderful youre site is and i really do mean it. It has helped me through a diffucult part of my life.

Anyway my question is can a Sikh woman or man 4 that matter show their arms but not their legs. I've always been told this, that I can't wear sleeveless tops but i can wear tops that show parts of my arms but i have 2 wear full length trousers. If this is the case then why can u show arms but not legs.It is all your body. Plus how can a Sikh woman dress in the most appropiate way in a westernized way 4 work etcetra.
Thank you greatly.

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. THe way I have always understood it from Yogi Bhajan, women cover their legs to protect their aura and regulate the body temperature through COMFORTABLE leg coverings. Calcium distribution throughout the body is governed in the thigh area. It is a science. I am a woman and have never understood it as being about body coverage because men shouldn't see women's legs. Perhaps it is culturally so in Indian societies, but it's not in the West.

Anyway, dressing for work: wear indian suits (kurta and salvars (sp?)) or kurta/churridars. Lots of Sikh women in the USA dress this way for work. It is graceful and comfortable. Once a woman has given up pantyhose and leg shaving (as American women who adopt Sikhi do) they will NEVER go back; it's not worth it! In the USA, practically speaking, people are so acculturated to women shaving legs and armpits, that showing your hair in these areas can actually work against you in a work environment. In my own experience: my legs are always covered and I wear short sleeves (no sleeveless) in summer. Also, of course, necklines should not be too low. If you want to wear western dress, then knee-length or longer skirts/dresses with cotton-based tights (not pantyhose) and appropriate tops. You can also wear pant suits or dress slacks with sweaters and suit jackets. Fortunately, except for CEO-level women, mid- and low-level women employees have many options for how to dress for work and look professional!