Why Latter-day Saints Have Mormon Burial Clothes

When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called LDS or Mormons) pass away, many are buried in sacred Mormon burial clothes. To those unfamiliar with the faith, this tradition may appear unusual or mysterious. However, to Latter-day Saints, this practice is a meaningful expression of personal faith, commitment to God, and belief in life beyond the grave.

Here is an explanation of the symbolism and significance of this religious clothing in Latter-day Saint belief.

A Life of Sacred Commitment

Latter-day Saint burial clothing is rooted in temple worship. LDS temples are different from their regular Sunday meetinghouses. While anyone is welcome to worship in a regular chapel, only members of the Church who have spiritually prepared themselves to participate in the most sacred rites of the faith may enter a temple. There, they make covenants with God, learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and participate in ceremonies meant to spiritually prepare them to return to God’s presence after death.

One of these ceremonies is called the endowment. In a way, it’s similar to a graduation ceremony—the participants come prepared to progress to a higher level of responsibility in life. They wear symbolic clothing meant for the occasion and use specific words and gestures to represent their progression. 

Temple Garments and Ceremonial Clothing

There are two main types of sacred clothing associated with Latter-day Saint temple worship:

1. The Temple Garment: Sometimes called “Mormon Garments,” this white, modest underclothing is worn daily by adult members who have participated in the endowment. It symbolizes the covenants made in the temple and serves as a constant reminder of one’s personal commitment to God. While the garment is worn under everyday clothes, its significance is deeply spiritual.
   
2. Temple Ceremonial Clothing: Sometimes called “robes of the holy priesthood,” these are special white robes worn only inside temples during specific ceremonies. All members wear similar white clothing in the temple, symbolizing purity and equality before God.

Because the ceremonial robes of the temple are considered highly sacred, they are not worn outside the temple except in one circumstance: at death.

Burial in Temple Clothing

When a Latter-day Saint who has received their temple endowment dies, Church policy encourages burial or cremation in ceremonial temple clothing when possible. This custom reflects the LDS belief that death is not the end of a person’s existence. Instead, it’s a transition into the afterlife, another phase on that person’s journey through eternity. Being dressed in sacred clothing is seen as a symbolic preparation to enter God’s presence.

The official Church handbook states that an endowed person may be buried in their own temple clothing, as long as it is clean and in good condition. The dressing of the deceased is usually done by an endowed family member of the same gender, or by an endowed member of the deceased’s congregation invited by local Church leaders. In some places in the world, only licensed funeral personnel may handle a deceased body. In this case, an endowed member ensures the ceremonial clothing is placed correctly.

Men are typically dressed in Mormon the garment and a white shirt, tie, pants, socks, and shoes or slippers. Women wear the garment, a modest white dress or skirt and blouse, and appropriate footwear. Over these clothes, the ceremonial temple robes are placed in a specific, meaningful arrangement learned during the endowment ceremony.

If burial in temple clothing is culturally inappropriate or logistically difficult, the clothing may be folded and placed respectfully beside the body.

Exceptions and Considerations

Not every Latter-day Saint is buried in temple clothing. Only those who have received the temple endowment—a personal and voluntary step in a member’s faith journey—are eligible. In some cases, a family may request temple clothing for someone who had stopped wearing the Mormon sacred garment prior to death. However, individuals who had their Church membership withdrawn and didn’t have it restored before their death are not permitted to be buried in temple attire.

Importantly, someone who dies by suicide may still be buried in temple clothing if they were endowed. This reflects the Church’s compassionate stance and belief in the complexity of mental illness and human suffering.

The Symbolism Behind Mormon Burial Clothes

Like many religious traditions around the world, sacred clothing in Latter-day Saint temples is rich with symbolic meaning. A white robe, cap or veil, sash, and apron are part of the ceremonial attire. The white color signifies purity, and uniformity in dress highlights spiritual equality. These symbols echo religious themes found in the Bible and other ancient traditions.

In fact, many global religions in the present day use special clothing to express devotion and reverence: the nun’s habit, the Sikh dastar, the Jewish prayer shawl, or the saffron robe of a Buddhist monk. Mormon sacred garments function similarly. They’re intended to help the wearer draw closer to the divine through sacred symbolism and personal commitment.

A Quiet, Sacred Practice

Because Latter-day Saints view temple worship as highly sacred, they do not discuss the details of the ceremonies outside the temple. This sense of reverence is not about secrecy, but about preserving the sanctity of what they believe to be God’s house. The practice of burial in temple clothing is not meant to mystify, but to reflect deeply held convictions about God, the purpose of life, and the promise of resurrection.

For Latter-day Saints, burial in ceremonial clothing reflects the values and principles that were most important to them in life. It’s an expression of love for God and belief in life after death.

A Belief in Eternal Life

The practice of dressing deceased members in ceremonial temple clothing stems from a crucial Latter-day Saint belief: that families can be together eternally, and that death is a step in a larger spiritual journey. Temples serve as monuments to the belief that the soul lives on, and that those who die faithful to their covenants will eventually be reunited with loved ones and with God.

Members of the Church wearing Mormon burial clothes at death, then, is both a personal testament of faith and a preparation for what lies beyond.

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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