Mormon Garments and the Role of Modesty

When people hear the word “modesty,” they often think of how someone dresses. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called “LDS” or “Mormons”), modesty does include clothing such as Mormon garments, but it means much more than that. It’s really about how members show respect for God, themselves, and others through words, actions, and appearance.

There are some aspects of Latter-day Saint life that may seem unfamiliar or even strange to others. One might ask: What are Mormon garments? Is modesty their only purpose? 

This post will explore what temple garments are, what modesty really means in the Latter-day Saint faith, and why it’s about representing Jesus Christ, not following a list of clothing rules.

What Are Mormon Garments?

In the Latter-day Saint faith, adults can choose to go to the temple for a special religious ceremony called the endowment, where they make promises, or covenants, to follow Jesus Christ and live a holy life. As part of that ceremony, they receive “Mormon the garment,” which is known as the temple garment within the faith.

So what are garments Mormon? They are simple religious underclothes that many adult members of the Church wear after participating in the endowment and making covenants with God. While the garments do encourage modest dress, they are not about shame or control. Instead, they are meant to help people remember their relationship with God and live in a way that honors Him. They are worn day and night as a constant reminder of their covenant.

Mormon sacred garments aren’t meant to be seen by others. They’re private, personal, and considered highly sacred. They remind the person wearing them to stay morally clean and live with humility. The Church teaches that wearing the garment is an outward sign of someone’s inward desire to follow Jesus.

In the Bible, special clothing was given to Aaron and the other priests who served in the temple. Today, the temple garment continues the spirit of that tradition.

What Does Modesty Really Mean?

Some people think modesty is just about staying covered up. And while Latter-day Saints do believe in dressing modestly in this way, the real meaning goes deeper. Modesty in the Mormon faith means being humble—not trying to get attention, act pridefully, or show off. It’s about having a heart that wants to honor God.

This kind of modesty shows up in lots of ways:

• The clothes they wear
  
• The way they speak to others
  
• The things they watch or listen to
  
• The way they behave in public or online
  

Church leaders have taught that modesty is more about what’s inside you than what’s on the outside. Sister Elaine S. Dalton, a former leader in the Church, said that modesty is “a condition of the heart.” It’s something that grows from knowing who you are and wanting to follow God.

Why Do Latter-day Saints Care About Modesty?

The Church teaches that our bodies are sacred gifts from God. That means we should treat them with respect, not just in how we dress, but also in how we act. One Bible verse that is often quoted is:

“Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Latter-day Saints interpret this scripture to mean they should try to live in a way that points people toward God, not toward themselves. Dressing modestly helps members focus on what really matters—kindness, service, and living like Jesus—not on seeking attention.

It’s also important to say what modesty is not. It’s not about being ashamed of our bodies or hiding them to prevent others from sinning. The Church teaches that our bodies are good, not something to fear. And modesty isn’t something only girls are told to follow—it’s meant to be taught to both men and women as a way to live with respect and dignity.

What About Judging Others?

Sometimes, modesty has been taught in ways that make people feel judged or excluded. That’s not what it’s supposed to be. Jesus taught people to love and accept others—not to shame them.

The Church encourages members to avoid judging others based on how they look or dress. Instead, members are taught to help others feel loved and valued. True modesty includes being kind, welcoming, and understanding.

It’s also important to know that each person has the right to make choices. The Church teaches that everyone is a child of God with agency, or the power to choose for themselves. Modesty should never be used to make people feel small or unworthy. Even though endowed members are encouraged to always wear the garments Mormons, their choice on how they will wear them is still between them and God. It’s not the responsibility of anyone outside of Church leadership to police that.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Members of the Church believe that when they live modestly in appearance and in behavior, they can feel closer to the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost), who brings peace, comfort, and guidance. Humility invites the Spirit, and the Spirit helps us make better choices, form stronger relationships, and be happier in general.

Wearing the Mormon sacred garment is a daily reminder for members to live this way. It helps them remember their promises and try to be more like Jesus in everything they do.

Modesty as a Way of Life

At the end of the day, modesty to Latter-day Saints is about more than clothing rules or checklists. It’s about trying to live a life that honors God and shows respect for oneself and others.

For endowed Latter-day Saints, Mormon the garment is part of that lifestyle, but it’s not the full picture. Garments are personal symbols of faith and devotion, helping members remember who they are and what they stand for.

True modesty means being kind, humble, and focused on what matters most: loving God and loving others. When members choose to truly live this way, they not only dress modestly—they try to speak modestly, act modestly, and treat others the way Jesus would.

So yes, for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, modesty includes dressing with respect—and for those who have made covenants in the temple, wearing Mormon garments. But the principle goes way beyond anything visual. Modesty is really about the heart. It’s about putting God first, loving others, and remembering divine identity as a child of God.

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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