What are Mormon Garments? 5 Facts Mormons Wish People Knew

What are Mormon Garments? For many outside the faith, they may sound weird, mysterious, or even funny. But for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these sacred articles of clothing—more accurately referred to as temple garments—hold deep spiritual meaning.

Much like a nun’s habit, a Jewish prayer shawl, or a Muslim hijab, temple garments are religious vestments. But they differ in one key way: they’re worn under regular clothing, making them less visible and often misunderstood. Because of this, a wide range of myths and misconceptions have circulated about them.

So what are Mormon garments, really? And why do millions of Latter-day Saints around the world wear them every day? To clear up some of the confusion, here are five facts about temple garments that Mormons wish more people knew.

1. Latter-day Saints Don’t Believe They’re Magic

One of the most common myths about temple garments is that they are “magic underwear” or “Mormon magic pajamas.” These terms are not only misleading, but also deeply disrespectful to something Latter-day Saints hold sacred.

To those who have ever wondered, “what is Mormon magic underwear?” There is nothing magical or mystical about the garment itself. Rather, it is a personal reminder to the wearer of their covenants—sacred promises made with God inside holy temples. Adult Church members begin wearing temple garments after participating in a ceremony called the endowment, where they covenant to follow Jesus Christ, live moral lives, and serve others.

Latter-day Saints aren’t the only people who use specific clothes to express their beliefs. Just as Catholic priests wear cassocks or Buddhist monks wear saffron robes, Latter-day Saints wear temple garments under their clothing to draw closer to the Divine and stay mindful of their spiritual responsibilities.

2. Garments Give Spiritual Protection, Not Physical Protection (But Not All Members Rule it Out)

Some people have heard stories suggesting that temple garments can physically protect wearers from harm, like stopping bullets or allowing someone to get through a car accident without a scratch. While there are plenty of Church members who tell personal stories of times they believe their garments protected them in this way, it’s not the Church’s official doctrine.

So what are garments Mormon protecting if those stories are just stories after all? Garments are mainly understood as a source of spiritual protection—a daily reminder to resist temptation and live virtuously. As one member wrote in the Ensign: “The protection the garment gives doesn’t come from any sort of magic in the physical garment itself… rather, the promised protection is the protection the Lord provides both physically and spiritually when we keep our covenants.”

In that way, wearing temple garments is more about how the covenant transforms the wearer’s heart than the fabric itself.

3. Garments are in the Bible

To people wondering why do Mormons wear garments, temple garments may seem like an invention of a modern Church. However, the reason becomes clearer when one realizes the symbolism has deep biblical roots. In fact, the same concept of religious clothing as a reminder of covenants with God goes all the way back to the Old Testament.

In Numbers 15:37–41, the Israelites were commanded to wear fringes on their garments to help them remember God’s commandments. Likewise, garments of skins were given to Adam and Eve after they left the Garden of Eden, symbolizing divine covering and protection.

Latter-day Saints see temple garments as a modern reflection of these ancient practices. They symbolically mirror the biblical garments of skins given to Adam and Eve, as well as the linen underclothing worn by ancient Levite priests (Exodus 28:42–43).

Through these connections, the garment is a continuation of sacred traditions that span centuries and faiths.

4. Not All Mormons Wear Garments (And No One Is Forced To Wear Them)

It’s a common myth that all Latter-day Saints must wear Mormon garments at all times. In reality, only members who have chosen to participate in the endowment ceremony in the temple are encouraged to wear the garment regularly.

No one is forced to wear them, but it’s generally understood that a person’s attitude towards wearing the garment reflects how seriously they take their sacred covenants. And covenants are between the wearer and God, not with anyone who might want to police other people’s spirituality.

The garment is typically worn both day and night, except in practical circumstances like bathing, swimming, or intense exercise. Far from being restrictive, most wearers describe it as comforting and empowering.

5. Garments Aren’t Just About Modesty

Another common misconception is that temple garments are simply meant to enforce a specific dress code, telling wearers what they can and can’t wear. While the garment does encourage modest dress, they’re about so much more than that. 

Many Latter-day Saints view the garment as a “rough standard of modesty”, guiding clothing choices that are respectful of the body and the covenants they’ve made. However, the primary purpose is spiritual, not cultural or cosmetic. Most Latter-day Saints view wearing the garment as a privilege, not a burden.

In other words, modesty is one natural effect of wearing the garment, but not its ultimate goal.

Why Respect Matters

So in the end, what are Mormon garments? To Latter-day Saints, temple garments represent their personal, cherished relationships with God. They are quiet, constant reminders of covenants, faith, and personal devotion. Because they’re worn privately, it’s easy for outsiders to misunderstand or even mock them. But even just making the effort to understand goes a long way in building bridges of mutual tolerance and respect.

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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