Temples and Garments Mormon Explained

To some outside observers, the practices and beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “Mormons,” may seem mysterious, especially when it comes to their temples and Mormon garments. Latter-day Saints don’t usually talk about these things in detail in public settings due to their high sacredness. But sometimes this reverent discretion is misconstrued as being strange or secretive. Here’s what you need to know about temples and garments Mormon to understand why they mean so much to members of the Church.

What Are Latter-day Saint Temples For?

Latter-day Saint temples are sacred spaces where members of the Church go to draw closer to God, find respite from the chaotic world, and participate in the most sacred rites of the faith. They’re referred to as “Houses of the Lord,” and they serve a different purpose from the Church’s meetinghouses or chapels, where regular Sunday worship takes place.

Temples are an ancient concept. In the Bible, Moses led the Israelites in building a tabernacle, Solomon constructed a temple in Jerusalem, and Jesus Himself taught in Herod’s Temple. Today, the Church has over 140 temples worldwide, offering a place of spiritual reflection and refuge for members all over the world.

What are Temple Ordinances?

Inside the temple, faithful Latter-day Saints participate in sacred ordinances such as these:

• Baptism for the Dead: Latter-day Saints believe they can be baptized on behalf of their ancestors who died without the opportunity. This concept is rooted in the teachings of the Apostle Paul (see 1 Corinthians 15:29) and reflects the Latter-day Saint belief in a loving God who gives everyone a fair chance to receive His blessings. Church members research their family history and find names to bring to the temple. The deceased are believed to have the choice to accept or reject the baptism performed in their name. 

• Endowment: Adult Latter-day Saints can choose to participate in this ordinance. Much like a graduation ceremony in form, participants wear special ceremonial clothing and use symbolic gestures to represent their progression. Members are taught about God’s plan and the role of Jesus Christ in their salvation, and they covenant to follow God’s commandments. Just before being endowed, Latter-day Saints are authorized to wear Mormon garments.

• Eternal Marriage (Sealings): In the Latter-day Saint tradition, marriage doesn’t have to end at death. In temples, couples can be “sealed” for time and all eternity, meaning their relationship—along with their family unit—can continue beyond this life. These sealings are seen as the highest ordinance offered in the temple, emphasizing the importance of families in God’s plan.

What Is Sacred Temple Clothing?

When Latter-day Saints enter a temple, they do so wearing their regular Sunday best. But once inside, there are locker rooms for men and women where they can change into simple white clothing. This white clothing symbolizes purity, equality, and unity before God, reminding participants that they are all children of God regardless of wealth, race, or social status.

For the endowment and sealing ordinances, additional ceremonial clothing is worn over the white clothing. These items are rich in symbolism and include:

• A robe
  
• A sash
  
• An apron embroidered with fig leaves
  
• A cap for men or a veil for women
  

Collectively, these are known as the robes of the Holy Priesthood. They represent divine authority and connect participants to ancient biblical traditions. The clothing echoes the attire of Israelite priests in the Old Testament, who wore sashes, caps, and other symbolic items when performing temple rituals. These parallels help reinforce the sacredness and continuity of temple worship across time.

Latter-day Saint Apostle David A. Bednar once said, “Everything in the temple points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.” The symbolism involved in putting on this clothing is meant to reflect a spiritual journey back to God’s presence, a key theme of the endowment ceremony.

What Are Temple Garments?

Some people wonder: what are Mormon garments? After participating in the endowment ceremony, Latter-day Saints begin wearing what is known as the temple garment, which is simple underclothing worn underneath everyday clothing. Mormon temple garments are not visible to the public and are rarely discussed outside of religious settings, which has led to some public curiosity and myths. In reality, LDS temple garments are deeply personal and sacred, much like religious vestments worn in many world faiths.

A Symbol of Commitment

Temple garments are meant to be a physical reminder of covenants made with God in the temple. They encourage the wearer to remember Jesus Christ, live a Christlike life, and keep their promises to God. They serve as a form of spiritual protection, helping individuals resist temptation and remain focused on their faith.

Wearing the Garment

Only adult Church members who have participated in the temple endowment wear the garment. They are encouraged to wear it day and night, although common-sense exceptions are made—for example, swimming, showering, and intense exercising. While the garment also encourages modest dress, this is not its primary purpose. The idea is not about restrictive rules, but about fostering a lifestyle that honors one’s spiritual commitments.

Faith-Filled Symbolism in Everyday Life

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples and garments Mormon represent their most cherished beliefs: all people are children of a loving God, Jesus Christ saves from death and sin, there is life after death, and families can be together forever. These practices help believers remember their divine identity, their purpose in life, and their commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

So, what are garments Mormon? Just as many faiths use sacred clothing to express devotion and reinforce spiritual values, Latter-day Saints view temple garments and ceremonial clothing as deeply meaningful. Far from being strange or magical, these items are beautiful reminders of a loving relationship with 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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