Why Are There New Mormon Garments?

For many people outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints (also known as the LDS or Mormon Church), the temple garment—the modest underclothing worn by many adult members—is one of the more misunderstood aspects of Latter-day Saint life. Recently, the Church has made noteworthy changes to Mormon garments, and some have been wondering what changed, why it changed, and what it means for members of the Church.

What Is the Garment and Why Is It Significant?

Why do Mormons wear garments in the first place? To understand the changes, it helps to understand what the garments Mormon mean within Latter-day Saint belief. When members who have participated in certain temple ordinances wear the garment, it serves as a physical reminder of sacred covenants they have made with God. It also symbolizes their commitment to live moral values and to follow Jesus Christ. 

The temple garment is treated with reverence by Latter-day Saints, worn as a private, personal sign of devotion under everyday clothing. The Church emphasizes that the purpose of the garment goes beyond encouraging modest dress—it’s about covenant-keeping, identity, and spiritual grounding. Because the garment is considered highly sacred, changes to it attract attention both from members and from people looking in from the outside.

What Has Changed?

Recently, the Church has introduced new styles or options for the garment that are especially aimed at members living in warm or humid climates. Here are some of the key updates:

• A sleeveless top option for both men and women. Garments now exist that resemble a wide-strap tank top, while traditionally garments have always had sleeves. Importantly, the Mormon garment symbols found on the fabric remain the same.
  
• For women, new bottom or slip-style options: a full slip, a half­-slip, or skirt-bottom garment options made of lighter fabric. These are designed to provide more comfort and flexibility, especially in hot climates.
  
• Roll-out schedule: The new styles initially appeared in select hot-climate countries (e.g., Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, the Philippines) before being gradually being rolled out throughout the world. U.S. availability began in October 2025. 

• Policy-related clarifications: The Church’s handbook now includes clearer language about medical exceptions. Members with medical conditions or devices that make wearing the garment difficult may get special-order garments or temporarily lay aside wearing them.
  

Why Did the Church Make These Changes?

There are several practical, global, and spiritual reasons for the Church making these changes.

1. Practical / Comfort:
Many members live in hot, humid environments where the old styles were less comfortable, less practical, or less suited to local dress customs. The Church has acknowledged that offering more comfortable options helps members keep their covenants with greater consistency and dignity. 

2. Global Church Context:
The Church is now a global body with more members outside the U.S. than inside. That reality brings diverse climate conditions, cultures, dress practices, and body types. To serve all members equitably, the Church is adapting garments Mormon options to reflect that diversity. 

4. Care for Members’ Well-Being:
By providing options that ease discomfort, address medical or body-fit issues, and respect dress practices, the Church is demonstrating understanding for members trying to live their beliefs in diverse circumstances. The medical exception language exemplifies this. 

What Does This Mean for Church Members and How Should Non-Members Understand It?

For members of the Church, the changes have generally been received as positive adjustments. Many women in particular have expressed relief at having garment options that better fit dresses, warmer climates, or health needs. On the other hand, changes like this can raise thoughtful questions: Does a change in garment style shift the Mormon garment symbols meaning? Could it affect modesty teachings or the look of the Church? The Church’s answer is: no, the meaning remains, but the form has been adapted for practicality and global reach.

For those with questions about the new garments, here are a few take-aways:

• The garment maintains its symbolism. It’s not just underclothing, but a symbol of personal commitment worn quietly under normal clothing.
  
• Change in clothing style does not mean change in doctrine.

• The Church’s move reflects its global nature and efforts to serve all members, not just those in one region or climate.
  
• The garment is worn by most endowed adult members as part of regular religious practice and daily life (though the Church allows exceptions for health, medical devices, etc.).

So Why Are There New Mormon Garments?

In many people’s minds, Mormon garments were a constant, fixed part of LDS life. Change raises questions: Are the covenants changing? Is the Church’s stance changing? Will modesty teachings or membership expectations shift? However, the Church maintains its stance that the core meaning of the garment remains the same.

These different Mormon garments are not about making the garment optional or less sacred. They’re about helping the Church’s global and diverse membership practice their religion more consistently and comfortably. They reflect a living faith responding to real people in real contexts.

For many members, the garment is a quiet but powerful symbol of their identity as committed disciples of Jesus Christ. The new styles simply aim to make that symbol wearable, dignified, and respectful, no matter the wearer’s climate, dress culture, or body type.

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.

Tags