7 Shocking Facts And The Massive 2024 Design Change To Mormon Temple Garments

The sacred undergarments worn daily by millions of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often mistakenly called "Mormon underwear") are one of the most misunderstood aspects of the faith. Far from being a simple piece of clothing, they represent a deeply personal and continuous commitment—a physical, daily reminder of sacred covenants made with God in the temple. As of late 2024, the topic has received renewed attention due to significant, welcome design updates that reflect a modern approach to comfort and practicality, particularly for women. This article, updated in late 2025, provides a comprehensive, respectful, and fact-based look into the temple garment, detailing its profound symbolism, the recent, highly-anticipated changes, and the strict rules governing its wear, all based on the most current information available from the Church and its members.

The Essential Overview: Quick Facts on Latter-day Saint Garments

The temple garment is a two-piece underclothing item worn by endowed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). It is a sacred, symbolic piece of "temple clothing," not a fashion statement, and is typically worn underneath regular daily attire. The practice is rooted in biblical tradition, similar to the holy vestments worn by priests in the Old Testament, and represents a personal, private commitment to the Lord.

• Official Name: Temple Garment (or Garment of the Holy Priesthood).
• Common Misnomer: Mormon underwear or magic underwear (terms considered disrespectful by members).
• Who Wears Them: All adult members who have participated in the temple endowment ceremony.
• Purpose: A constant, physical reminder of sacred covenants made in the temple.
• Design: Historically, a modest, two-piece white undergarment with short sleeves and legs. Recent changes have introduced new styles, including sleeveless tops.
• Symbolism: Represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ, a "robe of righteousness," and a personal shield of protection.
• Requirement: Members are asked to wear the garment throughout their lives, both day and night, for maximum spiritual benefit.

The Sacred Symbolism: What the Garments Truly Represent

To understand the garment, one must look beyond the fabric and focus on the spiritual meaning. The temple garment is not a talisman or a lucky charm; its power comes from the covenant it represents and the wearer's faithfulness to that covenant.

1. A Reminder of Temple Covenants

When a member receives their endowment in an LDS temple, they make solemn promises (covenants) to live a righteous life, follow Jesus Christ, and dedicate their time and talents to the Lord. The garment is given as a constant, tangible reminder of these sacred vows. Wearing it daily helps members keep their focus on their spiritual commitments.

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2. The "Robe of Righteousness" Connection

Church leaders have taught that the garment symbolizes the "robe of righteousness" mentioned in scripture. It signifies that the wearer is clothed with the purity and protection of Jesus Christ, acting as a personal, spiritual shield against temptation and evil influences. This symbolism connects directly to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

3. A Mark of Modesty and Unity

The traditional design of the garment—covering the torso and extending above the knee—encourages modesty in dress. It serves as a standard for Latter-day Saints, reminding them to choose clothing that respects their body as a temple of God. Furthermore, because all endowed members wear the same style of sacred clothing, it fosters a sense of unity and equality across all cultural and economic backgrounds.

The 2024 Update: Why the Design Changes Are Causing a Stir

In a significant move toward balancing sacred tradition with modern practicality, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced and rolled out several new garment design options in 2024. These changes were widely embraced, particularly by women, who had long advocated for more comfortable and functional options.

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New Styles for Comfort and Climate

The most notable change was the introduction of new styles that address issues of climate and modern clothing. Historically, the garment tops featured cap sleeves and a high neckline, which often presented challenges when wearing contemporary attire or in hot, humid weather.

• Sleeveless Tops: New designs include sleeveless options, resembling a tank-top style. This has been a massive relief for women, allowing them to wear the garment comfortably under modern sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses and blouses.
• New Fabrics: The Church has continually worked to improve fabric technology, introducing quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials that are more comfortable for active lifestyles and hot climates.
• Testing for Extremes: These design updates were explicitly tested and introduced globally, especially in areas with extremely hot and humid conditions, demonstrating the Church's commitment to its diverse, worldwide membership.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

These adjustments reflect an ongoing evolution of the garment's outward form while maintaining the integrity of its sacred purpose. Church leaders emphasized that while the physical design may change to accommodate members' needs, the sacredness and the covenants represented by the garment remain unchanged. This flexibility shows a willingness to adapt to the practical realities of a global faith without compromising core doctrine.

Living the Covenant: Practical Rules and Daily Wear

Wearing the temple garment is a private, personal act of devotion, but the Church provides guidance on how it should be treated and worn to maintain its sacred nature. This guidance helps members honor the commitment they have made.

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The Rule of Continuous Wear

Members are encouraged to wear the garment continuously, both day and night, throughout their lives. The intent is for the reminder of the covenant to be constant. There are, however, practical exceptions where the garment may be removed temporarily:

• Swimming or bathing.
• Vigorous exercise that requires special athletic wear.
• Medical procedures or necessities.

The guiding principle is to remove the garment only when necessary and to put it back on as soon as possible. It is considered a sacred privilege and a sign of respect to wear it as consistently as possible.

Treatment and Respect

Because of its sacred nature, the garment is treated with great respect. It is always worn underneath outer clothing, and members are discouraged from displaying it publicly. When a garment becomes worn out, it is not simply discarded. Members are instructed to cut out the symbolic markings before disposing of the remaining cloth, ensuring the sacred symbols are not desecrated.

A Personal and Private Commitment

Ultimately, the decision to wear the garment and how to wear it is a deeply personal matter between the member and God. It is a private expression of faith, and members are taught not to judge others based on how or when they wear their sacred undergarments. The focus is always on the spiritual commitment—the covenant—rather than the physical clothing itself. This understanding is key to respecting the practices of Latter-day Saints globally.

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