LDS Church Gives "Mormon Underwear" a 21st Century Makeover

The underwear worn by millions of Mormon women just received a significant makeover.

Mormon faithful are commanded to wear specific underwear, known as temple garments, both as a way to maintain their modesty, but also as an ever-present reminder of Jesus’ love. All members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) are expected to wear their garments under their clothes at all times, except when in the bathroom and the bedroom.

For years, many Mormon women have reported feeling dissatisfied with their temple garments, citing everything from chafing concerns to lack of breathability to complaints they’re unflattering and frumpy and cannot be worn with most dresses or tanktops.

And yet, LDS elders (who are all male and have the final say on garment design) ignored pleas for any sort of modifications.

Things got so bad that a few years ago, one Mormon influencer took things into her own hands with the headline-grabbing declaration that “my vagina has to breathe.”

Now, it seems LDS elders have finally listened. Announced last year, the LDS Church is finally rolling out redesigned temple garments – and scores of Mormon women cannot wait to get their hands on them. 

What’s the New Temple Garment Like?

The old temple garment comes in two pieces: a short-sleeve shirt, and knee-length shorts, made out of a white cotton or synthetic blend. Though they have obvious anatomical differences by gender, the male and female garment are essentially the same.

The new garment? 

Well, it’s pretty similar to the old one, but now available without sleeves. That’s right, for the first time in the Church’s history, LDS women can show some shoulder.

The new garments aren’t yet available globally. The LDS Church is rolling the garments out in waves, and countries with “hot, humid” climates – like those in Africa and Asia – are first on the list.

Currently, the new garment is not widely available in the United States, though that hasn’t stopped some high profile Mormon influencers from getting a pair or two.

Leaving Sleeves Behind

Removing sleeves may sound like a small change to most, but for many Mormon women, it’s a complete game changer. Suddenly, strappy dresses and tank tops are on the table for Mormon women – even if old breathability concerns remain.

“10,000/10” is the rating LDS influencer Andrea Fausett gives the new garments. The Hawaii-based personality was ready to fly across the Pacific to secure a garment from Japan, but a friend overseas was able to send her some.

“Our summers are about to get so, so upgraded, you guys” she exclaimed in a brief video showing off the new outfits possible to wear now that garments come in a sleeveless version. “I’m stoked,” Fausett stated. “It helps you feel a lot more normal. It won’t be so easy to play ‘spot the Mormon’ everywhere you go.”

Another US-based member who got the updated garments early, Kim Austin in Utah, says many in her congregation are jealous of the dresses she is now able to wear to church, and are eager to get their own pairs. “Utah women will stop at nothing,” she said.

With the redesign, what was once a quiet source of faith frustration for many LDS women is at least softened. After years of discomfort and frustration for many, the redesign shows the Church’s willingness to listen to its members and modernize – at least to a certain extent.

Concerns about health and breathability remain, but for many Mormon women it’s a step in the right direction.

What is your reaction?