Mormon garments, officially known as the temple garment or garment of the holy priesthood, are a sacred religious clothing worn by adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in the United States and around the world. In the USA, where the LDS Church originated and where most of its members live, Mormon garments hold deep spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. These garments are not ordinary underwear; they represent faith, commitment, and a personal covenant between the wearer and God.
This article provides an in-depth explanation of Mormon garments in the USA, including their origins, purpose, design, symbolism, rules of wearing, manufacturing, cultural perceptions, and their role in modern American society.
1. What Are Mormon Garments?
Mormon garments are white underclothing worn by adult LDS Church members who have participated in a temple endowment ceremony. They are worn under regular clothes and are considered sacred. Members believe the garment is a symbol of purity, modesty, and devotion to God, not a magical or superstitious item.
In the United States, these garments are commonly referred to as:
- Temple garments
- LDS garments
- Garments of the priesthood
Only endowed members are authorized to wear them, and they are not meant for public display.
2. Historical Background of Mormon Garments
Early Origins (19th Century)
Mormon garments date back to the 1840s, during the lifetime of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church. In 1842, Joseph Smith introduced temple ceremonies in Nauvoo, Illinois. As part of these ceremonies, participants were instructed to wear a special garment as a reminder of sacred promises made to God.
Development in the USA
In early American Mormon communities, garments were:
- One-piece
- Long-sleeved
- Extended to ankles and wrists
These designs reflected 19th-century American clothing norms and emphasized modesty. Over time, as American fashion and lifestyles changed, garment designs were updated to remain practical while maintaining their sacred symbolism.
3. Religious Meaning and Spiritual Significance
Covenants and Commitment
In LDS belief, wearing the garment is a daily reminder of covenants made in the temple. These covenants include commitments to:
- Follow Jesus Christ
- Live morally and ethically
- Serve others
- Remain faithful to church teachings
The garment is not believed to guarantee physical protection, but many members feel it offers spiritual protection by encouraging righteous living.
Symbol of Identity
In the USA, where religious expression is diverse, Mormon garments serve as a personal identity marker. Though hidden, they remind members that they belong to a global faith community with shared values.
4. Design and Physical Characteristics
Color and Fabric
Mormon garments in the USA are typically:
- White or off-white
- Made from materials such as:
- Cotton
- Cotton-polyester blends
- Mesh
- Stretch fabric
The white color symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and holiness.
Styles for Men and Women
Modern LDS garments are designed to fit contemporary American lifestyles:
Men’s garments
- Short-sleeve tops
- Crew or V-neck
- Boxer-style bottoms
Women’s garments
- Short-sleeve or cap-sleeve tops
- Scoop or V-neck
- Bottoms designed to fit under skirts, dresses, or pants
All designs aim to balance comfort, modesty, and discretion.
5. Sacred Symbols on the Garments
Mormon garments contain four sacred symbols, usually embroidered or printed inside the fabric. These symbols are not decorative and are treated with great respect.
The symbols represent:
- Obedience to God
- Commitment to Christ
- Moral integrity
- Sacred promises
The LDS Church does not encourage public explanation of these symbols, as they are meant to be understood within the temple context.
6. When and How Garments Are Worn
Daily Wear
In the USA, endowed members are encouraged to wear the garment:
- Day and night
- As normal daily underwear
- Except during specific activities
Acceptable Exceptions
Members may remove garments for:
- Swimming
- Showering
- Intense sports or physical labor
- Medical procedures
Once the activity is over, members are encouraged to put them back on as soon as reasonably possible.
7. Who Wears Mormon Garments?
Only adult members who:
- Are baptized
- Are in good standing with the church
- Have received their temple endowment
Teenagers, non-members, and un-endowed members do not wear garments.
In the USA, most garment wearers are:
- Adults aged 18+
- Married members or missionaries
- Faithful, practicing Latter-day Saints
8. Manufacturing and Distribution in the USA
Church-Controlled Production
Unlike commercial religious clothing, Mormon garments are produced and distributed exclusively by the LDS Church. They cannot be purchased from retail stores or online marketplaces like Amazon.
Distribution Centers
In the United States, garments are sold through:
- LDS Distribution Services
Distribution Services and other LDS Distribution Services locations in the USA are official religious goods stores run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These centers provide church-related clothing and materials, including Mormon garments (temple undergarments) for endowed members, as well as scriptures, church manuals, artwork, and other faith-focused items. Members may shop in person at these centers or order through the church’s online store.
Example LDS Distribution Services / Distribution Centers (USA)
United States Locations Where Members Can Get Garments:
01. Distribution Services — 9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD 20895 (near Washington DC Temple)
02. Distribution Services — 100 Hinckley Way, Belmont, MA 02478
03. Distribution Services — 125 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023
04. Distribution Services — 4915 Lincoln Way, Oakland, CA 94602
05. Distribution Services — 27928 WSC, Provo, UT 84602
06. Brigham City Distribution Center — 668 S Main St, Brigham City, UT 84302
Additional LDS Distribution Centers — such as in Salt Lake City (around 1999 W 1700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104) and other Utah cities — also serve church members looking for garments and other official church supplies.
02. Church-owned stores near temples
Short Description
In the United States, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can purchase Mormon garments (temple clothing) in person at Church-owned Distribution Services stores often located near LDS temples or inside Deseret Book locations. These stores sell temple garments, temple clothing, scriptures, and other Church materials to endowed members. You can also order garments online through the Church’s official store website by logging in with a membership account. (Deseret Book Help Center)
Examples of Church-Owned Stores in the USA
United States Distribution Centers where garments and temple clothing are commonly sold:
LDS Distribution Center at KC Temple
Near the Kansas City Missouri Temple — sells garments and other Church materials; ideal stop for endowed members.
LDS Distribution Center Draper UT
Large LDS Distribution store in Utah with garment and temple clothing selection.
Distribution Services Salt Lake City UT
Major Distribution Services location serving LDS members near Salt Lake temples.
Distribution Services Kensington MD
Store near the Washington DC Temple area offering LDS garments and church goods.
Distribution Services Oakland CA
West Coast distribution point for garments and other Church-issued items.
Distribution Services Sandy Springs GA
Distribution location serving southeastern U.S. LDS members.
(Other Distribution Services locations also exist in CO, TX, IL, CA, FL, etc.) (LDS365)
Official Web Address to Order or Locate Stores
store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org – Official online store and locator for LDS Distribution Services and garments (log-in required for purchases). (LDS365)
Official church websites (for members only)
Members must verify their temple eligibility to purchase garments.
9. Cultural Perception in American Society
Public Misunderstanding
In the USA, Mormon garments are often misunderstood due to:
- Media stereotypes
- Internet myths
- Sensational portrayals in movies and TV
Some outsiders incorrectly view them as strange or cult-like, while members see them as deeply personal and sacred.
Respect for Religious Freedom
The United States Constitution protects freedom of religion, allowing LDS members to wear garments without legal restriction. In most American workplaces and schools, garments are worn discreetly and do not interfere with daily life.
10. Garments and Modesty in American Culture
Mormon garments influence clothing choices by encouraging:
- Modest necklines
- Longer sleeves
- Appropriate skirt and shorts length
In the USA, where fashion trends can be revealing, many LDS members consciously choose styles that align with garment wear while still remaining fashionable and modern.
11. Modern Changes and Adaptations
Design Updates
Over time, the LDS Church has updated garments to reflect:
- Hot and cold American climates
- Modern work environments
- Athletic lifestyles
Breathable fabrics and shorter sleeves have made garments more practical for American members living in states like Arizona, Texas, Utah, and California.
Cultural Sensitivity
The church also adapts garment designs for:
- Different body types
- Maternity needs
- Medical requirements
12. Garments and LDS Missionaries in the USA
LDS missionaries in the USA who are endowed wear garments during their missions. These garments:
- Fit under professional attire
- Support modest appearance
- Reinforce spiritual discipline
Missionaries view garment wearing as part of their religious responsibility and personal devotion.
13. Care, Respect, and Disposal
Proper Care
In the USA, members are instructed to:
- Wash garments regularly
- Keep them clean and in good condition
- Treat them with respect
Disposal
When garments become worn out, they should be:
- Cut to remove sacred symbols
- Disposed of discreetly
- Not donated or resold
This practice reflects respect rather than superstition.
14. Differences Between Myth and Reality
Myth: Garments provide physical protection
Reality: They symbolize spiritual commitment
Myth: All Mormons wear garments
Reality: Only endowed adult members do
Myth: Garments are visible clothing
Reality: They are private underclothing
15. Role of Mormon Garments in American LDS Identity
In the USA, Mormon garments play a quiet but powerful role in shaping LDS identity. They:
- Reinforce daily faith practice
- Encourage moral living
- Connect individuals to their religious community
For American Latter-day Saints, garments are not about appearance but about inner devotion.
Conclusion
Mormon garments in the USA are a deeply sacred and meaningful aspect of Latter-day Saint religious life. Rooted in 19th-century American religious history, they have evolved to meet modern needs while preserving their spiritual purpose. For millions of LDS members across the United States, garments serve as a constant reminder of faith, commitment, and devotion to Jesus Christ.
Though often misunderstood by outsiders, Mormon garments are best understood as a private expression of belief, protected by religious freedom and deeply woven into the daily lives of American Latter-day Saints. They represent not just tradition, but a living, practiced faith in modern American society.
