What Are the New Mormon Garments?

In October 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced changes to the Mormon sacred garments worn by many of its members. Plenty of Latter-day Saints have expressed excitement as these new changes have been released in phases throughout the world. While the garment has long been a central symbol in Latter-day Saint faith, the newly authorized styles—intended especially for women in hot and humid climates—mark a significant development in the Church’s ongoing effort to support a global and diverse membership.

But some who are not as familiar with this Latter-Day Saint practice might wonder: What are Mormon garments, exactly? Why all the talk over the changes? To understand the significance of this update, it’s helpful to first explore the purpose, history, and symbolism of Mormon garments.

A Sacred Symbol of Devotion

Temple garments are a form of religious clothing worn by adult members of the Church who have participated in a temple endowment ceremony—a deeply spiritual rite where they make covenants, or promises, with God about how they will live their lives. 

The garment is deeply personal. Because of its sacredness, it’s not displayed publicly. The garment is worn under everyday clothing, serving as a constant reminder to the wearer of their commitment to live a Christ-centered life.

The Church’s official newsroom states that temple garments are similar in appearance to modest underclothing, and should not be mistaken for anything “magical or mystical.” In fact, referring to them with terms like “magic underwear” is not only inaccurate, but also offensive to members of the faith.

Biblical and Historical Roots

The concept of wearing sacred clothing as a sign of religious devotion has deep roots in Judeo-Christian scripture and history. In the Old Testament, Israelites were instructed to wear specific, holy clothing as a reminder of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37–41). This tradition of clothing as a tangible, daily reminder of spiritual promises resonates strongly with Latter-day Saints.

President Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent LDS Church leader, reflected on this symbolism in the September 2024 issue of the Liahona magazine. He linked today’s Mormon garment symbols to the biblical “coats of skins” given to Adam and Eve as they left the Garden of Eden. “As with the coats of skins then and various items of clothing since, [God] in His mercy has clothed the obedient in a ‘robe of righteousness,’ a reminder of our promises and covenants,” he wrote.

The 2025 Garment Redesign

Recognizing the diverse needs of its global membership, the Church’s First Presidency authorized a redesign of Mormon garments specifically for women living in hot and humid climates. These new options include sleeveless tops, skirt-style bottoms, and one-piece shifts (Before, most garments featured only tops with short sleeves and fitted, knee-length bottoms). These have first been made available in regions such as Africa and the Philippines, and the changes will continue to roll out across the world through the end of 2025. 

The new styles reflect both the sacred nature of the Mormon Church garments and practical considerations for comfort and cultural adaptation. In 2025, more members of the Church live outside the United States than within it. This firmly establishes the Church as a global faith extending across many regions and cultures. 

Although the Church traditionally avoids public discussion of sacred temple matters, this announcement demonstrates a balance between doctrinal fidelity and global accessibility.

Doctrinal Consistency in Mormon Garments

Because of the high spiritual significance of Mormon the garment to many people, some have expressed concern over these changes and how they relate to Church doctrine. Encouraging a specific modesty standard is not the main purpose of the garment. However, because the garment has always covered the shoulders in the past, some members of the Church have had questions regarding the official change allowing shoulders to be exposed. However, this need not be a cause for alarm.

While the physical form of the garment has been adapted for climate and comfort, its spiritual purpose remains unchanged. In a Church communications letter dated April 12, 2024, President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors reaffirmed the doctrinal importance of the garment: “The garment of the holy priesthood is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ and is a reminder of our covenant relationship with Him and Heavenly Father.”

The Mormon sacred garment is about so much more than just encouraging members to dress a certain way. Although styles may change for the sake of practicality, the core doctrines of the Church stay consistent.

Daily Commitment and Spiritual Strength

The consistent theme from Church leaders is that temple garments are not just ritualistic. They’re not meant to be burdensome to those who wear them. Garments are daily tools of spiritual connection. Members are taught to wear them “day and night,” with exceptions only for practical reasons (e.g., bathing, swimming, or certain athletic activities).

Sister J. Anette Dennis of the Church’s Relief Society general presidency offered a deeply personal view on what wearing the garment means to her: “By keeping my covenants and obligations with God, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood, my very life can become a personal symbol of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ.”

An Ongoing Commitment

The 2024 redesign of women’s temple garments demonstrates how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints honors its global members’ needs while preserving the foundations of its doctrines. This development is more than a change in fabric or form. It reflects the Church’s belief that symbols of devotion must also serve the lived realities of believers across climates and cultures.

For Latter-day Saints, Mormon garments remain what they have always been. For members, they are a daily witness of eternal promises, a sign of discipleship, and a sacred emblem of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

About Mormonism Explained

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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