“Mormon temple garments” are a type of religious undergarment worn by some faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The garments are worn by members who have participated in the temple endowment ceremony, a sacred ordinance in the Church of Jesus Christ.

Temple garments are underwear designed to be worn under regular clothing. They are white (except for special colored versions worn by the military,) and look like a regular t-shirt and shorts. They are meant to be a reminder of the covenants made in the temple. The garment includes a top and bottom for both men and women, with different styles and fabrics available for men and women.

The garment is often referred to as a “shield and a protection” by members of the LDS Church, and is believed to provide spiritual protection to the wearer. The garment is considered sacred by members of the church and is not meant to be visible to others.

While not all members of the LDS Church wear temple garments, those who do consider them to be an important symbol of their faith.

Outside of the Church, LDS garments are sometimes called “magic Mormon underwear,” “Mormon undergarments,” or “Mormon temple garment.” Words like some of these used to denigrate and mock can be offensive and hurtful to members. Church members refer to these underclothes as the “garment,” the “sacred temple garment,” or the “garment of the Holy Priesthood.”

Members of the Church have a strong reverence for the temple garment and refer to it as a “garment,” a “sacred temple garment,” or the “garment of the Holy Priesthood.” They typically don’t discuss the temple garment not because it is a secret, but because it is holy to them. This garment is a reminder of the promises they have made to God and serves as a reminder of the blessings that can be received if they remain true to their commitments.

Clothing, both ancient and modern, has often represented of people’s commitment to God. Examples include the Catholic nun’s habit or priest’s skullcap, Jewish prayer shawl, the Muslim Turban or Hijab. Similarly, the temple garment is a reminder of faith in God for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Biblical Origins

In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve “were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25). But after taking of the fruit, “the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7). 

After the consequence of partaking of the fruit of knowledge, God expelled them from the garden. He also gave them new clothing to replace the fig leaves: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21). 

In ancient jewish tradition, these coats made by God for Adam were considered sacred and significant. They were passed down and preserved with Noah through the flood, until they finally gave Nimrod power over the beasts. (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer (ch. 24) )

Much later, when the Lord and Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, He also explained that their clothes could remind them of the commandments (Numbers 15:37-41). For Aaron and his sons, Moses was commanded to “make holy garments . . . for glory and for beauty . . . that [they] may minister unto me” (Exodus 28:2-3).

In connection with Moses’ ancient tabernacle, clothing was an important symbolic part of worship with detailed instructions for priestly garments. Helpful definitions for some of these items, such as ephod, mitre, and girdle, unfamiliar to modern readers are given in the glossary.

Joseph Smith introduced garments in 1844 by revelation from God as part of the endowment ceremony in the temple in Nauvoo, Illinois. Garments were usually made by members at home from white, unbleached cotton.

Over the years, the design and materials of the garments have evolved. Early garments were long, extending to the wrists and ankles. They were often made at home by the wearer using patterns recommended by the church. In the early 20th century, garments were shortened to include short sleaves and shorter legs. By the mid-20th century, design options included a two-piece garment, with a separate top and bottom.

Since the 1970s, the church has continued to modify the design of the garments to make them more comfortable and practical for everyday wear. Various styles, fabrics, and fits have been introduced, including different sleeve lengths and necklines for women, as well as moisture-wicking and antimicrobial materials. The church has also made efforts to accommodate the needs of members with various body types, medical conditions, and cultural considerations, or serving in the military.