For centuries, people of many faiths have used sacred clothing to symbolize their devotion to God. Sacred clothing takes a wide variety of forms in different cultures and religions—consider, for example, the nun’s habit, the priest’s cassock, the Jewish prayer shawl, the Muslim’s skullcap, and the robes of the Buddhist monk. For devout Latter-day Saints, sacred clothing includes Mormon sacred garments, as well as temple robes, which are worn only inside Mormon temples.
What Are Mormon Sacred Garments?
Mormon sacred garments are worn only by adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have made sacred promises of fidelity to the gospel of Jesus Christ in holy temples. The garment LDS members wear is similar in design to typical modest underclothing. It is white, comes in two pieces, and is worn daily underneath regular clothing.
To Latter-day Saints, these sacred undergarments Mormon members wear are a constant physical reminder of a personal spiritual commitment. They are not to be confused with everyday clothing, as these garments in Mormonism are deeply symbolic and personal. The question “What are Mormon garments?” is often asked, but the answer lies in their sacred significance.
The Mormon temple garment is a reminder of sacred covenants made with the Lord in His holy house. It acts as a protective covering for the body and a symbol of the modesty of dress and living that should characterize the lives of all humble followers of Christ. For female Mormon garments, as well as those for men, the design focuses on simplicity and modesty, creating no distinction between rank or status.Mocking sacred temple clothing or referring to it as “magic underwear” is highly offensive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon sacred undergarments are personal and deserve the same respect afforded to religious clothing of other faiths. For those asking, “What is the garment Mormon members wear?”—it is a sacred symbol, not something to be trivialized.
What Are Temple Robes?
Unlike Mormon underwear garments, which faithful members wear daily, temple robes are worn only inside temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also referred to as the robes of the holy priesthood, these Mormon temple garments are reserved for the highest sacraments of the faith.
The white of the robes signifies purity. There is no insignia or rank on temple robes—men and women wear similar clothing, and the robes are the same for everyone, from the newest member to the most senior Church leader. The robes are simple vestments that combine religious symbolism with echoes of ancient priestly tradition, as recorded in the Old Testament.In Spanish, garments are known as garments mormones. This reflects the global nature of the Church and the significance of these sacred items across languages and cultures.
The Historical Background of Temple Garments
Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37–41). For Latter-day Saints, garments Mormon members wear serve a similar purpose.These sacred garments Mormon members use have historical roots, resonating with practices of integrating worship with daily living. For instance, garments in Mormonism remind wearers of the covenants they’ve made and inspire them to live honorable lives. They are sacred and deeply meaningful, as shown through their continued use in the Church.
Temple Garments: A Sacred Symbol and Daily Reminder
Among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have participated in the endowment ceremony, temple garments, or “garments of the holy priesthood,” hold deep spiritual significance. These garments are available in various styles and fabrics, tailored to meet individual preferences and needs. While a one-piece design exists, the more common two-piece garment consists of a top resembling a t-shirt and bottoms akin to boxer shorts that extend above the knee.
The sacred garment Mormon symbolizes sacred covenants made in the temple and serves as daily reminders of promises to follow Jesus Christ. Rooted in scriptural tradition, they are linked to the “coats of skins” God provided Adam and Eve as they left the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21). Just as those garments represented a covering for physical nakedness, temple garments symbolize the spiritual covering offered by Christ’s atonement. They serve as a shield of faith, enabling wearers to stand unashamed before God (Romans 10:10-11; 1 John 2:28).
More than mere clothing, Mormon sacred garments foster respect for the divine and reinforce modesty. Their design naturally ensures that the clothing worn over them adheres to principles of propriety. As Elder Boyd K. Packer taught, “The garment represents sacred covenants. It fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer.”
Importantly, members are entrusted with the responsibility of wearing the mormon sacred undergarments day and night, with allowances for certain activities like swimming, during which the garment is temporarily removed. This practice reflects a principle taught by Joseph Smith: “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” Members are encouraged to wear the garment faithfully, not because of external enforcement, but out of a personal commitment to live by the covenants they have made with God.
The Mormon temple garment also aligns with the Apostle Paul’s metaphor of the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17). Just as ancient soldiers relied on helmets, shields, and breastplates for physical protection, Latter-day Saints wear the garment as spiritual armor. It serves as a daily reminder to stand firm against the “fiery darts” of temptation and evil influences. The garment thus becomes a tangible expression of an inward devotion to gospel principles.
The historical use of sacred clothing further enriches the understanding of garments in Mormonism. In the Old Testament, holy garments were central to the priesthood, signifying consecration and divine service. Moses was commanded to create “holy garments for Aaron…for glory and for beauty” (Exodus 28:2). Similarly, the white garments worn today by Latter-day Saints signify purity, modesty, and dedication to God’s commandments.
Modern prophets have emphasized the sacred nature of Mormon sacred garments. The First Presidency has counseled members to treat the garment with respect, wear it as a daily reminder of covenants, and avoid removing it unnecessarily. President Joseph F. Smith urged members to resist altering the garment to align with worldly fashions, reminding them of the spiritual significance tied to its proper use.
For many, the Mormon holy garments represent a tangible link to the temple’s sacred teachings and a way to carry its spirit into daily life. It becomes a quiet but constant reminder of faith, offering not only physical protection but also spiritual fortitude. By honoring the garment, members reaffirm their commitment to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, embracing its principles with humility and devotion.
In wearing the garment Mormon underwear, members partake in a timeless tradition, rooted in scripture and prophetic guidance, symbolizing a life of discipleship and service to God.
The Mormon temple garments serve as a reminder of the promises made in the temple and are often referred to as Mormon underwear garments due to their function as sacred undergarments. As Latter-day Saints wear them, they uphold the sacred nature of these garments, which represent a constant spiritual commitment to the faith and a visual reminder of the teachings of the gospel.
How Should Media Report on Sacred Garments?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in garment production, and LDS temple garments are no exception. Manufacturers are exploring eco-friendly materials and processes, including recycled fibers and low-impact dyes, to minimize the environmental impact of their products. This shift towards greener practices aligns with broader environmental consciousness and provides a sustainable option for conscientious consumers.
In summary, technological advancements in LDS garment fabric and design have brought significant improvements to comfort, durability, and functionality. From moisture-wicking materials and enhanced durability to tailored fits and eco-friendly options, these innovations reflect a commitment to quality and the evolving needs of wearers. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further enhancements that will continue to make LDS garments a comfortable and practical choice for members of the Church.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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