Throughout history, a variety of outside influences and internal preferences have motivated women across the globe concerning their choices in clothing. While obvious factors, such as protection and warmth are some of the reasons why a woman puts on the attire she chooses in the morning, clothing also serves as a powerful way to express and communicate identity. Below you will find some of the reasoning behind today's clothing selections and fashion pertaining to women.

While the concept of modesty is different for each and every place in time, over the years it has played an important role in women's fashion. In various parts of the world and time periods, it was frowned upon or forbidden for a woman to show off her legs, shoulders, back, and cleavage. While the United States no longer enforces strict social policies on women and the clothes they wear, some cultures still uphold the aspect of modesty in women's fashion.

For instance, Muslim cultures expect women to cover most of their body while in public. This has created a wide-ranging market of lengthy and concealing garments in cotton, wool, polyester, silk, rayon, and denim. Common attire includes Hijab underscarves, long lycra gloves, abayas (long cloak-like garments); and jilbabs (outer- and over garments including long robes and coats).