Mormons don’t often talk about their covenants or temple garments, as they feel both are sacred. However, some Mormons have shared stories about how they believe their garments have offered them physical protection. These types of anecdotes have led some to call temple garments things like “magic underwear” or other similarly flippant names. Mormons do not agree with this characterization of their temple garments.

Another mischaracterization of Mormon garments is that they are dictatorial. Because clothing is seen as a form of self-expression in the modern world, it might seem odd when someone’s clothing is restricted or determined by their religion. However, religious clothing is a significant part of worship for many adherents of various religions. For example, Sikhs wear turbans, Muslims wear a skull cap, and Christian priests wear cassocks. Wearing these vestments for Mormons and members of other religions alike is a personal choice. 

These misunderstandings about the nature of garments come from the fact that Mormons don’t often talk about their garments. In an effort to avoid further misunderstandings about temple garments, the Mormon Church has made and shared a video about temple garments.