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?
51 comments
-
Jack A Mabry
This alone would keep me from joining this church!
-
Joy Martin
The Jesus Christians believe in do not have to check off boxes to get to a certain level of a hierarchy in heaven. And that same, Jesus does not assign them a world for them to own and control if they do get to the top tier.
That's a difference between christians and mormons.
-
Sara Lizabeth Rawlins
Give me good old-fashioned French cut panties any day, made from cotton.
-
Paul Johnson
Nothing but man thinking he's in charge when in reality the devil found another way to trick man and man to be used by him to deceive the world. It doesn't matter how small are how big as long as he causes you to devide he is winning. Dress, hair, makeup, anything to deceive in order to gain personal advantage. Even Jesus in the wildress was tempted and he overcame by the word "IT IS WRITTEN" however what happen three and a half years later who shows up again. Be on gaurd he has never stopped since Gn 3. Wake Up.
-
Kathryn Darcy Smith
Because the MALE leadership knows what Jesus wants in women's undergarments...HAHAHAHAHA! # CULTLIFE
-
Christopher Fitz Randolph
When one speaks about the things of God that they are not familiar with, it may serve them well to remember the counsel given by Paul in 1 Cor 2:14:
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
If we set ourselves up as the judge and jury of the religious rites of Christianity, we only disregard the Lord's counsel. "Judge not that ye be judged."
This is an issue to be left handled by faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It does not matter whether I concur with this change or not. If I believe there is a Prophet of God on this Earth, then like the children of Israel and Moses, I am under covenant to follow his words.
Basically, I am in no position to condemn, to mock, or to criticize another sect's religious rites, rituals, or ceremonies. So I'll leave it to those who feel they are perfect, equal the Lord Jesus Christ, to judge another.
-
Donald G Magel
Talk about church control. Must the Bishop still check the new bride for her virginity too?
-
Ari Joseph Bertine
Is the breathability issue not like physically unhealthy? I'd think that church leaders would like for their ladies to not have to go to the doctor for underwear-caused problems.
-
Kali Church
I am amazed that a religion-based site like this would take to disparaging words about any religious outward expression of faith. I don't see anyone bashing the Jewish or Sikh attire. But Mormons seem to be common punching bags. Usually because they don't punch back. I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for my garments and for the covenants with God that they represent. I dress like a normal person. I chose to make those covenants with God and I cherish them. I don't mock anyone else's expressions of commitment to God. No "elders of the Church" tell me what to wear or not wear. The thought that anyone, ESPECIALLY ON THIS SITE, feels the need to be critical of someone else's expression of faith is beyond my understanding.
-
Marvin D Smith
This is crazy who really cares what people wear under their clothes
-
Samantha Walker
Its nice to read that Morman women will feel a bit more comfortable in the heat of the summer. The following is simply my opinion...It's about your spirit not your clothes. Even Adam and Eve were naked in the garden until the fall. It should be thought of that we wear our bodies until they grow tired and our energy/ life force continues without it. No longer in this plane and judged as naked and pure spirit. The concern then is keeping the spirit turned to light. Keeping the spirit clean and pure. What we adorn the spirit with should not make our Soul/ Spirit change. Change is choice. And to remain in light/ clean/ pure with our energy and spirit... is a choice. Adornments can be viewed a little like false God's. They are alters we sacrifice ourselves on in prayer that this pleases God. I don't know if everyone has read or remembers the Alibaster Jar parable where Jesus was at Simon's with the Pharasses? The (assumed) prostitute brought her most expensive (and some say) only possession to seek Jesus forgiveness. To meet him and gain blessing. Simon had no anointing oil for feet or heads out (allegedly). She came and wept at Jesus feet, used her hair to dry them off, and anointed them with oil. He made statements of "He who has been forgiven little loves little... " in response to the judgement of man upon this woman (as he saw her spirit and genuine love for God). Her clothing was not attributed to her worth in spiritual eyes. It was man's eyes. Thus, these garments are symbolic and alters for perceived holiness. Many faith systems even within Abrahamic faiths create alters. Actual alters or symbolic ones. We choose which we will follow for our lives. In the end I doubt God (or Gods) will be judging that time in high school our look went ultra Goth- or extra preppy- or jock. We will be judged by our spirit. "We shall know them by their fruit"... why? Faith requires choice- an action- a record to be viewed and accounted for and connection to God (Gods). We are judged in the spirit- even our flesh doesn't go to Heaven or Hell... it's the spirit that is judged and is sent.
-
David M Hines
You know this is nuts, right?
-
Kathryn Darcy Smith
100%
-
Rev. BH
David, et al. No nuttier than a thousand other religious beliefs.
-
-
Steven Ferrell
I think what underwear someone wears is between them and God.
-
Rev. BH
Pun?
-
-
Rev. Richard Jennings
I would really, truly, like to know what direction all this is going. I go to our community pool every day to get some exercise. All I see are bare rears of females, all shapes and sizes. Men at the pool are respectable in knee length swimsuits. I haven't yet seen one in a Speedo or thong. I think the new Mormon underwear should be worn by all. Just my 2 cents worth.
Reverend R B Jennings
-
Meredith L Smith
Reverend, I’m very concerned with these ideas. If ladies’ rear views are too tempting and getting you all bothered, then maybe consider the idea of not going to public pools. They’re obviously causing you some distress. Perhaps exercise in your own home, so you can control what’s being worn.
I’d also point out that these garments are still far from showing anyone’s anything, as they go under clothing which must be fully covering the undergarment, which you must have missed. So I think maybe there’s a lot on your mind, and you may want to address these ideas with your own higher power.
-
-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Is this part of the ongoing competition between religions to be the silliest? Xtian- My savior died, came back to life and ascended to heaven. Muslim - My savior used a winged horse!! LDS - Hah! Look what we wear!
-
Daniel Gray
I just wonder why the ULC thought this was worth the space to put it up.
-
Douglas Robert Spindler
The new under ware God told the Mormon President Mormons will be able to wear I'm sure will attract many more members.
How come God never tells tells this stuff to Christians?
-
Rev. BH
Douglas, "god" has told many doubtful things to Christians.
-
Christopher Fitz Randolph
Unfortunately, your limited, biased understanding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds you back from knowing that they are in fact Christians. They hold a strong belief in Jesus Christ as the Mortal Messiah, the Son of God, and the Redeemer of the world. They just don't see Christ as a different manifestation of a being know to many as God. They believe that He is the Son of God, our Heavenly Eternal Father.
You can condemn a religion you do not agree with, but you do not have the right to spread lies concerning that religion.
-
-
Rev Nolan
I remember how humiliating my garments were when I was required to wear them. I’m grateful not to be a member anymore, but I advocate their freedom of religion so long as I continue to have my freedom from religion. That being said:
Those with temple recommends or who are advised by their bishops are commanded to wear their temple garments in the LDS Church. The FLDS Church is the one that requires ALL members to wear their temple garments, including children.
Men in the LDS Church “usually” don’t dictate what their women can and can’t wear, but there are some men who do due to the misogynistic teachings in the Church. Those are usually the controlling, physically and sexually abusive husbands. However, because of Paul in the New Testament, that predominately is a Christian thing not applying only to Mormons.
Because I’m no longer a member, I don’t care what idols they make to spiritually protect themselves. It’s the same thing as wearing a crucifix on a necklace or engraving it on your Bible or tattooing it on your body or displaying it on your car bumper. As I said, freedom of religion provided that I continue to have freedom from religion.
-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
I agree that you should have freedom of religion. But you should keep in mind that when you combine that with freedom of speech don’t be surprised when others ridicule you for archaic superstitious beliefs made up by ignorant, Bronze Age, nomadic, desert goat herders that couldn’t explain where the sun went at night.
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Ahhh ... just convert to paganism. Underwear is optional and public nudity is just fine.
-
Alexander Clarke
Organized religion is all about control. Control of what you think, say and do and apparently what you wear. Religion was created by man to control men and to ensure that women are kept in their place. Freedom of religion is important but more important is freedom FROM religion.
-
Donald J Rothschild Jr
You hit the nail on the head.
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
That's why for the most part, modern witchcraft doesn't have any central governing body. So, there's no control.
-
-
Timothy C Stone
Yep God cares about your underwear, sure. LOL!
-
Rev Comrade Rowley
Agree.
-
-
Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
“… but also as an ever-present reminder of Jesus’ love.”
So THIS is what the “Jesus loves me this I know, because my underwear tells me so” song is all about. Seems kinda creepy to me.
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Bwah, ha, ha, ha, ha! Great Goddess, that's the funniest thing I've heard all day.
-
Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Thank you, kind sir.
-
-
-
Reverend Paula Copp
This doesn’t seem to be an issue for any non-Mormon; why would anyone care?
-
Timothy C Stone
Seriously, I could not care less.
-
-
Brien
New marketing campaign, jock straps for god ...can I get an amen 🙏 lol
.
-
Robert J Rook
Why nylon and not cotton?
-
Patricia Ann Gross
Because they are designed by men, who have no idea what women go through in their "nether" regions. Nylon causes you to sweat, cotton holds moisture, which makes it a breeding ground for chafe and other skin irritations, not to mention the intermittent yeast infection.
-
-
Colleen McAllister
My mother's family is Mormon all the way back to Brigham Young. I remember my grandmother in those awful garments. What they really should do is get rid of them completely. For both sexes.
-
Matthew Mastrogiovanni
Yup, who needs underwear. Let everything hang free! :D
-
Todd Leslie Miller
But Sister McAllister, if the church gets rid of the garment of the holy priesthood what will protect members from gang bullets and fires from boating accidents like so many Mormons have attested to? I don’t know if you can taste the sarcasm in my comment but I was once an active Mormon and used to wear those damn garments. Todd Miller. New Name Amos.
-
-
Scott MacArthur
So Archaic. But to each their own
-
Najah P Tamargo
Najah Tamargo-USA
I am not Morman, but have known many of them. All I can say is....it's about time!!!
-
Nicholas J Page
I have seen this before I don't agree that women are expected to wear certain underwear because the men say what to wear.Women can dress the way that's comfortable and practical for them
-
Todd Leslie Miller
I agree but you have to understand that Mormon women see Mormon men as having the keys of priesthood authority and as such being the voice of God. They believe that these men have power over them so if they’re told to wear the special underwear they will do so out of obedience.
-
-
Rudolph M Garza
Now the ULC is writing about Mormon underwear? Ahem. LOL
-
Scott MacArthur
Slow day in the church gossip office.
-
Melinda Fulk
:-D
-
-
Dr. Zerpersande, NSC
Just opinion, but this site is just to be able to bypass the stranglehold that the church had on performing weddings. Thumbing its nose at the church. Not going to get a lot of mileage out of that.
But then you get a lot of religiously delusional folk that take this seriously. The plastic badge of ‘Clergy’ can ‘prove’ to others how sincere they are about Jesus et al. Even a bit of one-upmanship. Perhaps a tax-break by calling their lawnmower/storage shed into a ‘church’. This way the site can sell merchandise. Money. Throw out a few controversial topics and give the religious something to hoot and holler about. Have an argument with one ah dem dere athiests.
-
Can you get them from’Anne Summers’?