hi, in my community I find it is very normalized to wear a slit as long as it doesn’t reach the knee. I wanted to know if there is any rabbi or source that claims it is ok to do so? I also find that many people permit slits in front of the skirt and not at the back when it comes to knee-length skirts... please could you get back to me with sources for what’s permitted? thank you so much

Shalom, Thank you for your question. The question of modest clothing addresses a combination of several issues. Firstly, the definition of the parts of the body that halacha requires be covered for reasons of modesty. Secondly, wearing clothing (even if it covers those parts), that is considered as “modest” and not drawing inappropriate attention, or appearing alluring. Thirdly, wearing clothing that conforms with community norms. All three of these issues have halachic basis. In relation to the first issue – there is much discussion about what part of a women’s legs need to be covered. The Talmud (Berachot 24a) states that a women’s “shok” is considered as nakedness and needs to be covered. There are two opinions as to what the Shok is – either the thigh (down to and including the knee), or the lower leg from the knee down to the ankle. The Mishna Brurah (75, 1 , 2) rules that it is the upper portion of the leg, down to, and including, the knee – but below this one does not have to cover at all. Others disagree and rule that it is the lower leg (see Chazon Ish OC 15,8 amongst others). Those who rule it is the lower leg would require long dresses or skirts, or wearing of stockings or socks to cover the lower leg (there are all types of discussions as to how thick these would need to be). Based on this, those who rely on the Mishna Brurah (for example large segments of the Religious Zionist community in Israel and abroad), would not have an issue with a slit below the knee, that revealed the lower leg, in relation to this first issue of covering the parts of the body that are considered “nakedness”. Those who follow the stricter opinion would object to a slit (even below the knee) if it releveled the lower leg – unless the leg was covered with a sock or stocking, in which case there would be no issue of revealing “nakedness”. In relation to the second issue – wearing “modest” clothing. Even if all the parts of the body are covered, one still needs to wear clothing that is considered “modest”. Certain tight fitting or “loud” garments, would still be forbidden even if they covered all the body (a skin tight sheer clinging dress would be forbidden). Are slits immodest in this sense? There are those who believe so – as Rabbi Adler wrote in his previous answer on this site “The issue of the slits has to do with the fashion industry's desire for women to be "suggestive" of her body form by "daring" the male viewer to "peek" here and there.” Several major Rabbis are quoted as holding this opinion also. However, it has been pointed out me (by some women) that not all slits “are created equally”. Whilst there certainly are slits that are designed to be alluring, some slits are designed merely for comfort, and to allow a longer stride when walking. Also, after slits become commonly accepted in society, they may lose their provocative impact. As long as they are not revealing actual “nakedness” (as we wrote above), if in fact they are not alluring and suggestive to men, then they too would not be forbidden as “immodest”. So, in this issue, the answer is “it depends” – some slits would be inappropriate, and others could be considered as immodest. In this issue, from a halachic perspective, it is very difficult to draw clear lines as to permitted and forbidden. Lastly, we mentioned the issue of community norms. If a person is part of a particular community – which used to be defined by the place one lived (e.g. the town of Belz, Ukraine, or Fez, Morocco), but today more by the community one feels part of (e.g. Chabad, or Modern Orthodox) – then halacha requires of them to accept the norms of dress of that community. In the Mishna Brurah (quoted above) where he rules that the lower leg is not “nakedness” and therefore does not need to be covered, he adds “And in a place where they are accustomed to cover [the lower leg]”, they must do so. This would mean that, after the first two issues we addressed are taken into consideration, if your community has a practice to not wear skirts with slits, this would be halachic binding. But if not, then (as long as the other issues were met), the fact that other communities have a stricter practice would not obligate you. In short – based on what we wrote above, there are grounds to allow wearing a skirt with a slit below the knee. This will depend on the ruling about the lower leg, the modesty of the skirt / slit, and the community practice. I hope this is of some help. You might be interested in a very good and clear website that explains these (and other issues) called deracheha.org . It is run by very learned religious women and allows for a much deeper learning of the sources and issues we mentioned here. I highly recommend it. Blessings.