John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 22:12

"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four borders of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself." — Deuteronomy 22:12 (ASV)

This was also an aspect of chastity: to have regard for modesty in dress. Because the thighs were then uncovered, a door was thus opened to many improprieties if the upper garments were not kept closed. Many people, as if by accident, would have misused this situation, if it had been permitted, as an encouragement to licentiousness. For we see that many rush into such excesses of lewdness as to boast in their shame.

God, therefore, willed that the flaps of their gowns be drawn together with ties or fastenings, so that not even by chance could those parts be uncovered which cannot be looked upon decently or modestly.

But if divine provisions were made even concerning their garments, so that the chosen people should cultivate decency and diligently guard against everything immodest, it is abundantly clear that not only were adulteries condemned, but also whatever is contrary to purity and chastity.

This passage is incorrectly applied to the fringes that were sewn onto their garments to renew the remembrance of the Law, since decency and modesty are the sole considerations here.