Religion, dress and the body

the long version

"This book investigates dress in American religious communities as a vital component of the social control of cultures, and also examines how people express themselves despite religious constraints. Gender issues feature prominently since the control of female sexuality within religious communities is a matter of vital concern to members. Drawing on rich ethnographic case studies, this wide-ranging and interdisciplinary book represents a major contribution to the study of both religion and dress."--Jacket.