What Do Mormon Garments Look Like?

In a world filled with diverse religious practices, many faith traditions use sacred clothing as a way to express devotion and remember spiritual commitments. Among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often informally referred to as LDS or Mormons), temple garments hold deep religious meaning and are considered highly sacred. These are worn under everyday clothes and aren’t often talked about publicly by members. This reverent discretion has sometimes drawn curiosity, leading people to ask: what do Mormon garments look like?

Mormon Garments’ Simple Design

Mormon sacred garments are a type of religious clothing worn by faithful adult members of the Church who have chosen to participate in a temple ceremony called the endowment. These garments are simple in form, usually consisting of two white pieces: a top that resembles a basic undershirt and a bottom that resembles modest shorts. Though unassuming in appearance, their significance is deep for members of the Church.

Sometimes called “Morman garments” or “Mormon garmets,” the white color of this religious clothing symbolizes purity and the wearer’s commitment to live a clean and virtuous life. The design also supports principles of modesty, encouraging clothing choices that are respectful and dignified. Like the Jewish tallit katan or Christian clerical vestments, they serve as a physical reminder of spiritual commitments.

A Symbol of Covenant and Discipleship

Latter-day Saints believe that covenants (sacred promises between God and individuals) are essential to drawing closer to Jesus Christ. According to the Church’s official handbook, “members who receive the endowment make a covenant to wear the temple garment throughout their lives.” Thus, wearing Mormon the garment is not merely a matter of preference, but a sign to the wearer of their ongoing spiritual commitment.

The First Presidency of the Church has taught that the garment is a symbol of Jesus Christ and a reminder of His atoning sacrifice. In their words: “When you put on your garment, you put on a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ. Wearing it is an outward expression of your inner commitment to follow Him.”

These garments serve a similar function to sacred clothing in other faiths by integrating worship into daily life. For Latter-day Saints, every time the garment is worn, it becomes a visual and tactile affirmation of their desire to live a Christlike life.

When and How Garments Are Worn

Church members are instructed to wear the garment day and night throughout their lives. However, there are reasonable exceptions. For example, Mormon holy undergarments may be removed for swimming, strenuous exercise, medical treatment, and other situations in which wearing the garment is not practical or possible. Still, when these circumstances occur, members are encouraged to restore the garment as soon as reasonably possible.

Members are instructed not to modify the garment to match fashion trends or alternative clothing styles. However, there are accommodations available for specific life circumstances. Unique garment styles exist for pregnant or nursing women, for individuals with medical conditions, and even for those who are bedridden or terminally ill. The Church provides multiple fabric options to meet the diverse needs of members, including breathable cotton styles and garments designed for extreme climates.

The wearing of temple garments is deeply personal. It is not a topic Latter-day Saints typically discuss openly, not because it is shameful, but because it is sacred. The Church has emphasized that garments should not be displayed inappropriately or discussed in ways that diminish their spiritual importance.

Because of the sacred nature of the temple garment, Latter-day Saints are encouraged to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit when making personal decisions about how and when to wear it.

Health and Practical Considerations

Some individuals asking “what are Mormon garments?” have questions about comfort or health-related concerns. The Church acknowledges these concerns and provides a range of garment styles to address them. For example:

• Women’s garments are designed with 100% cotton bottom panels for hygiene and breathability, aligning with medical recommendations.
  
• Several fabric types are available to help individuals avoid skin irritation, overheating, or allergic reactions.
  
• Practical solutions exist for concerns like waist discomfort or how garments interact with other types of underclothing or feminine hygiene products.
  

Cultural Perceptions and Misunderstandings

Temple garments are sometimes misunderstood by those outside the Church. Some view them as peculiar, calling them “Mormon sacred underwear” or even “magic underwear.” But it’s important to recognize that sacred clothing is a common element in many religious traditions. Just as the Bible records God commanding the ancient Israelites to wear specific garments as reminders of their covenants (Numbers 15:37–41), modern Latter-day Saints find similar spiritual significance in their temple garments.

Just as any person of goodwill wouldn’t mock the religious clothing of a Jew, Sikh, or Muslim, Latter-day Saints ask for that same respect for their own practices.

A Peculiar People with a Purpose

Latter-day Saints often refer to themselves as “a peculiar people,” a biblical phrase that signifies being set apart for a holy purpose. Wearing the garment is one way they live out that identity—quietly and consistently striving to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, the purpose of temple garments is not just to set Latter-day Saints apart for the sake of being different, but to help them become more like the Savior they follow. The garment is a personal and sacred tool in the lifelong pursuit of holiness, humility, and discipleship.

While modest in answer to the question what do Mormon garments look like, Latter-day Saint temple garments carry profound spiritual meaning. They represent sacred covenants, encourage modesty, and serve as a daily commitment to live a Christ-centered life. For members of the Church, they are not simply religious clothing—they are a powerful expression of faith, devotion, and divine identity.

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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