Different Mormon Garments and What They Mean

Many people might not know that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as LDS or Mormons) wear different Mormon garments for religious reasons. Like many world religions, they wear sacred ceremonial clothing during the most important rites of their faith. But this outerwear is reserved to be worn only in LDS temples. Outside the temple, Latter-day Saints continue to wear religious clothing, but it’s under their regular street clothes. 

Latter-day Saints call this underclothing the temple garment. To those unfamiliar with the faith, Mormon garments might seem unusual or secretive. But to members, they are sacred and deeply meaningful.

What Are Temple Garments?

Temple garments are a type of simple underclothing worn by adult members of the Church after they participate in a special temple ceremony called the endowment. This ceremony includes making promises (also called covenants) with God to live a life dedicated to Jesus Christ.

During this ceremony, members are authorized to wear the temple garment, also known as the garment of the Holy Priesthood. It looks like a simple white undershirt and shorts. After the ceremony, members wear these garments under their regular clothes every day and night for the rest of their lives (with a few practical exceptions). 

The reason for Mormon the garment is to remind the wearer constantly of their commitment to God. These garments are not meant to be visible to others, and members don’t usually talk about them in public because they are very personal and sacred.

What Do Mormon Garments Mean?

To Latter-day Saints, temple garments are a symbol of their commitment to following Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments. Wearing the garment is a personal reminder of the promises one makes in the endowment ceremony to live a moral life, serve others, and stay close to God.

Leaders of the Church have said that wearing the garment is like putting on a symbol of Jesus Christ every day. It demonstrates an inner commitment to follow Him. Similar to how wedding rings remind people of their marriage promises, the Mormon sacred garment reminds members of their covenants with God.

The garment also represents things like:

• Modesty – encouraging members to dress in a respectful, God-honoring way
  
• Purity – keeping their lives clean and focused on virtuous things
  
• Spiritual strength – reminding them to do what’s right even when it’s hard
  

Where Did This Idea Come From?

The idea of wearing sacred clothing as part of one’s religion is not new. Many world religions have used similar practices in the past and present day, including the ancient Hebrews. In the Bible, God gave Adam and Eve special clothes before they left the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21). Later, priests in Old Testament temples also wore sacred garments to show that they were doing God’s work (see Exodus 28).

Latter-day Saints continue this tradition today. When they go to an LDS temple, they wear both:

• Mormon Garments – worn all the time under everyday clothing.
  
• Ceremonial Temple Robes – worn only in the temple during ceremonies like the endowment and marriages. These robes have many symbolic similarities to the robes of the high priest given to Aaron in Exodus.
  

Many religions have priests, monks, or other holy individuals who wear special clothing. However, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, everyone in the temple wears similar clothing, not just leaders. This symbolizes that all members are seen as equals in their commitment to serve God.

When Do Mormons Wear the Garment?

Members of the Church are asked to wear the Mormon sacred garments day and night under their regular clothes. But this doesn’t mean they can’t ever be taken off. Exceptional circumstances include:

• Medical Necessity – like for surgeries or medical devices
  
• Bathing and Marital Intimacy
  
• Jobs with strictly regimented uniforms – like being in the military, police, or firefighting
  
• Some athletic activities – like swimming or intense sports where wearing the garment wouldn’t be practical

Even when they aren’t wearing it, members are encouraged to stay focused on the promises they’ve made in the temple. Church leaders teach that God cares most about what’s in one’s heart and their desire to do what’s right.

How Are Garments Made and Distributed?

Garments Mormons are made by a Church-owned company called Beehive Clothing. They come in several types of contemporary fabrics to fit people’s needs. Members buy them at affordable prices from official distribution centers or online, but they’re not sold to the public.

Garments are meant to be comfortable and modest. They’re always white, which symbolizes purity and reminds members to live a clean and honest life.

Are Garments Secret?

Because of the reverence and discretion Mormons use when talking about garments, there’s a common misconception that they’re strange or secret. Sometimes people outside the Church wonder, “what do Mormon Garments look like?”. Some even disrespectfully call them “Mormon magic underwear.” 

The truth is that garments are not secret or magical, but highly sacred. That’s why Latter-day Saints don’t usually show or talk about them, and why they ask for the same respect any person of goodwill would give to someone’s right to practice their religion.

How Garments Represent Everyday Discipleship

For Latter-day Saints, temple garments are much more than clothing. They are a sign of deep commitment, a reminder of sacred promises, and a symbol of a close relationship with God. 

Understanding this practice of different Mormon garments can help build more respect and kindness between people of different beliefs. Just like other faith traditions have special clothing or rituals, this is one way Latter-day Saints live out their religion every day—quietly, respectfully, and personally.

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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