What Is the Temple Garment?

When Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, our Heavenly Father did not abandon them. Instead, He instructed them on His plan of happiness and salvation. He entered into covenants with them, and then gave them “coats of skins” to remind them of those covenants (Genesis 3:21; Moses 4:27).

When the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, He again entered into covenants with His chosen people. He also provided instruction regarding their garments, specifically how their clothes could remind them of the commandments (Numbers 15:37-41). For Aaron and others who would officiate in the tabernacle, Moses was commanded to “make holy garments . . . for glory and for beauty . . . that [they] may minister unto me” (Exodus 28:2-3).

Today, religious and ceremonial clothing is still used to demonstrate one’s dedication to God. From the nun’s habit and the priest’s cassock to the Jewish prayer shawl and the Muslim skullcap, religious vestments are common. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, adult Church members—both men and women—wear a special undergarment that reminds them of covenants they have made with God. These underclothes may not be on public display, but they still hold special significance to members of the Church.

Outside of the Church, LDS garments are sometimes referred to as “magic Mormon underwear,” “Mormon undergarments,” or “Mormon temple garment.” Not only are these names inaccurate, they can sometimes be hurtful. Church members refer to these underclothes as the “garment,” the “sacred temple garment,” or the “garment of the Holy Priesthood.” Members often do not speak about the temple garment, not because it is “secret” but because it is “sacred” to them. The temple garment is a physical reminder of sacred promises they have made with their Heavenly Father, and it reminds members of the blessings they can receive if they honor their commitments. Just as respect is shown to the religious vestments of other faiths, Latter-day Saints request the same courtesy be shown to the LDS temple garment.

Why Do Church Members Wear LDS Temple Garments?

For much the same reason as people did anciently, men and women wear religious clothing still today as a demonstration of their commitment to God. Members of the Church wear the garment to remind themselves of sacred covenants they have made in the temple. Men and women wear these clothes daily under their other clothing and believe “it is a sacred privilege to wear the garment and doing so is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.”

Who Can Wear the Temple Garment?

Faithful adult men and women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints go to the temple to participate in temple ordinances. During a temple ceremony, these members enter into covenants with God. As a part of the ordinance, members receive the LDS temple garment. They promise to wear it at all times as a reminder of the covenants they have entered into. In turn, they are promised that the garment will help protect them as they strive to live as the Savior, Jesus Christ, has asked us to live. Prior to fulfilling the endowment ceremony, members of the Church do not wear the garment. It is only after this ordinance that this religious clothing becomes a part of an endowed member’s life and a personal symbolic representation of their faith.

How Can I Purchase Temple Garments?

Worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have received their own endowment and have made covenants in the temple can purchase temple clothes in most LDS distribution centers. In these distribution centers, you can find the temple garment as well as many other resources.

Members can also purchase LDS garments online through the LDS online store. To purchase LDS temple clothes through the Church of Jesus Christ store, visit store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You will be taken to the LDS org store. Under the Clothing dropdown menu, select either Women’s Clothing or Men’s Clothing. Select Garments. On the following page, you will be prompted to select the type of temple garment you wish to purchase. Not only can you select from different styles, but you can also choose from different types of materials. Finding the right combination for you may take some time, but you will eventually find what is most comfortable for you.

The temple garment comes in two parts—a garment bottom and a garment top. While there are many options available, LDS women and LDS men are counseled to not alter or change the garment. Rather, they can use the great variety of options to find the combination that works best for them. Members are counseled to prayerfully consider how they will wear the temple garment, remembering that they have covenanted to wear it for the rest of their lives.

In the distribution centers or in the LDS online store, members can also purchase the temple clothing used in temple ceremonies. This clothing should not be confused with the temple garment. While the ceremonial clothes are used solely in temple ordinances, the temple garment is meant to be worn daily.

Military and other uniform garment eligibility

Colored garments are only available for active-duty military service members, law enforcement officers, and firefighters; no other employment-related use of non-white garments has been authorized by the First Presidency.

Marking uniform garments in other colors

Individuals requiring color garments should purchase appropriately colored t-shirts from military clothing stores and send them to Distribution Services to be marked.

T-shirts sent to be marked must meet the following requirements:

• Military insignias, such as name and branch of service, are allowed. No other logos are allowed.
• T-shirts with pockets are not allowed.
• Marks will be either sewn or silk screened, depending on the shirt. The customer cannot specify the method of marking.

Only endowed military, law enforcement, and firefighting members of the Church may order marks in garments. They will need to provide date of birth and membership record number (available on temple recommend or from ward clerk) for the order to be approved.

If you have further questions, please call 1-800-537-5971.
Click here to download the order form.