Why Finding Truly Modest Formalwear Is Hard - and How I’m Fixing It

Because you deserve to feel beautiful and confident — without compromising your values

The Struggle We All Know Too Well

You’ve been invited to a wedding.
The excitement hits you first! - Picturing the decor, the food, the laughter, catching up with old friends and family you haven't seen in years.
Then comes the sinking feeling...

You know the search begins: What am I going to wear?
Scrolling through endless dresses that are too sheer, too tight, too short… or impossible to pray in. You tell yourself you’ll make it work, maybe layer something underneath, maybe skip certain movements in prayer, maybe avoid praying altogether until you get home.

But deep down, you wish there was a brand that truly understood you - one that designed with your faith in mind

My Story

When I was growing up, I always struggled to find modestwear that truly aligned with my faith, felt stylish, didn’t look overly traditional and not something that everyone had.

I’ve always been drawn to modern, unique, fashion-forward styles, pieces that feel fresh and exciting - but the search was frustrating. Time and time again, I’d walk into a store or browse online and see the same problems:

• Dresses that were beautiful but too sheer

• Stunning gowns with necklines that dipped too low

• Pieces that were overly embellished and felt heavy or outdated

• Styles that were too tight making me feel self conscious, restricting movement, and making prayer impossible

It often meant one of two things: I’d either walk away empty-handed… or I’d compromise.

And when I compromised, I paid for it later - not in dollars, but in how I felt. Outfits that made it impossible to pray left me feeling guilty and unfulfilled.

Why Most Formalwear Misses the Mark

Living in Australia, there’s no shortage of beautiful brands - both emerging and established. But most formalwear focuses on being fitted, overly embellished, and high-maintenance.

It’s designed for photographs and red carpets, not for women who want to enjoy their evening without constantly adjusting their outfit or worrying about prayer.

The truth?
You can look elegant, modern, and breathtaking without compromising your duties and values. But finding those pieces is harder than it should be.

The Subjectivity of Modest Fashion

Modest fashion means different things to different people - shaped by culture, faith, personal values, and location.

As a Muslim woman, I design from what I know and believe - my pieces are a reflection of my own standards. And cultural differences play a huge role: what’s modest in one country may be too fitted or revealing in another. 

The Sizing Gap No One Talks About

Too many brands focus on the “Instagram look” - slim silhouettes in small sizes - leaving out a huge portion of women.

At Modestly, we’re committed to inclusive sizing and are slowly working towards tall-friendly designs so every woman can feel confident and comfortable in clothing that fits your body.

How I’m Fixing It

When I launched Modestly, my mission was simple:
To design high-quality, premium modestwear for women who want to look and feel beautiful - without compromising on their values or duties.

That means:
Opaque fabrics — no unexpected sheerness
Full lining where needed
Loose cuts & flowy silhouettes for comfort and ease
Prayer & wudhu in mind from the first sketch
Elegant drape, texture, and details that make a piece special

And yes, every design is unique. We make sure each piece has a signature Modestly twist you won’t find anywhere else.

Our Design Process

It all starts with an idea.
I sketch, brainstorm, and think about fabric feel and movement. I work with a designer to create a tech pack - a blueprint with every measurement and detail.

From there:

1. We send it to our manufacturer for sampling.

2. We test opacity, stitching, fit, drape, and colour

3. We adjust & resample until it’s perfect.

This process is repeated as many times as needed - because you deserve nothing less❤️

Why This Matters

For me, modesty isn’t just clothing - it’s about keeping my faith front of mind in everything I do. Being able to pray anytime, anywhere, without stress or compromise, is priceless.

I often ask: "Have you ever regretted praying?"
The answer is always no.

But many women remember a time they regretted not praying because their outfit made it awkward or impossible.

You Deserve Better

You can be the best dressed in the room, feel confident, and honour your values - all at the same time.

That’s why I created Modestly:
So the next time you’re invited to a wedding, a gala, or a formal event, you won’t have to choose between style and faith.

Because modesty isn’t a compromise - it’s a standard. And you deserve clothing that rises to meet it.

Always love xx
Shama Seafike
Co-founder

P.S Next time you get that invite, let your outfit reflect both beauty and belief