When I was 12 I was a very devout LDS kid. I wanted to be “worthy” and tried my best to follow every rule and expectation. At my 13 year old “worthiness” interview with the bishop, he told me that he needed to talk to my grandma (who I lived with) about the modesty of my clothing. He said that every time I bent over in church he could see down my dress and clear to my belly button.
I was absolutely horrified! I always tried to dress modestly and was already self conscious about my developing body. I did everything I could to hide my breasts (which were on the large side for my age) and I would never dream of wearing something low cut or revealing.
When my grandma picked me up from the interview I told her what the bishop had said. She was also shocked and horrified. Fortunately, she was supportive and told me that she did not find any of my church clothes to be immodest and also said that the bishop had no business looking down anyone’s dress in the first place. She said that she would talk to him. I don’t know if she ever did. While she was supportive of me, she wasn’t one to question church “authority”. I am now 41 years old and am extremely self conscious about what I am wearing. Even though I don’t wear revealing clothes, I am always paranoid that someone is going to be looking down my dress or shirt. I left the LDS church and this was only one of many reasons. I am so glad I will never be subjected to this kind of treatment from a religious leader again.