There are over 87 verses in the Bible that touch upon or deal with this subject. Please note that we are obviously talking about the lower part of dresses as well. What follows applies to both women and men.
The Bible says in Exodus 28:42:
“And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover…from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach.”
There’s the answer: “breeches…from the loins to the thighs.” Let’s take a closer look at this passage of Scripture.
First, what are the “loins”? II Samuel 20:8 says: “…a sword fastened upon his loins….” We all know where a sword is worn. We’ve all seen sword-fighting scenes in pirate movies. A sword is worn at the waist. The loins refer to the waist. So, a skirt and a man’s pair of pants start at the waist. Therefore, these garments must extend at least (they can be longer) “from the waist to the thighs.” Now, the word “thighs” has been in use since before 1100 A.D. (see Webster’s dictionary). The meaning of the word “thighs” has not changed in over 900 years. Here is a part of Webster’s definition: “…limb extending…to the knee[s]….” Therefore, a skirt and a man’s pair of pants must extend at least (they can be longer) “from the waist to the knees.” Now, the word “breeches” also has been in use since before 1100 A.D. (see Webster’s dictionary). The meaning of the word “breeches” also has not changed in over 900 years. Here’s a part of Webster’s definition: “short pants…fitting snugly at the lower edges….” This tells us that WHATEVER YOU WEAR MUST PREVENT ANYONE FROM SEEING BENEATH YOUR GARMENT. Obviously, on a grown woman, a knee-length garment is not going to be long enough in certain situations.
Now, you might be a little confused. We proved that one’s garment only needs to extend down to the knees and now we’re saying that it has to be longer. Read on. The verse above says: “BREECHES…from the waist to the knees.” So, yes, a woman can wear a skirt that extends down to the knees and a man can wear pants that extend down to the knees…BUT, IF SO, THE BOTTOM OF THE SKIRT OR PANTS MUST END IN TWO PANTS LEGS THAT FIT “SNUGLY AT THE LOWER EDGES” OF EACH OF THE TWO PANTS LEGS. If you don’t want to wear a skirt or pants ending in two pants legs that fit “snugly at the lower edges” of each of the two pants legs, you must wear a garment that extends down LOW ENOUGH TO PREVENT ANYONE FROM SEEING BENEATH YOUR GARMENT IN EVERY SITUATION. This means, in part, that the garment must extend BELOW THE KNEES while one is sitting and SUITABLY LONGER IF ONE WERE LYING DOWN IN PUBLIC.