What Are Garments Mormon: A Sacred Symbol of Faith and Covenant

To understand “what are garments Mormon” is to move beyond a simple item of clothing and into the realm of sacred symbolism, personal commitment, and religious identity. Commonly referred to as the “temple garment” or simply “garments” by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these are special undergarments worn by adult members who have made sacred promises, or covenants, with God in a temple ceremony. They are not a topic of public display or casual discussion for faithful Latter-day Saints, which often contributes to public curiosity and misunderstanding. This article seeks to explain their purpose, significance, and the role they play in the lives of millions of believers.

The Origin and Purpose: More Than Clothing

The temple garment finds its symbolic roots in the Old Testament, where God made “coats of skins” for Adam and Eve to clothe them after they left the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:21). For Latter-day Saints, this act is seen not merely as providing physical covering but as a symbolic gesture of God’s protection and a reminder of their new state in a fallen world. The modern garment is viewed in a similar light—a spiritual and symbolic covering.

The primary purpose of the garment is religious and covenantal. Members first receive their garments when they participate in the Endowment ordinance, a sacred ceremony performed in Latter-day Saint temples. This ceremony involves making solemn promises to God regarding how one will live their life, including principles of morality, charity, obedience, and dedication to God. The garment is then worn as a constant, physical reminder of those covenants. It is not seen as a magical talisman or a shield that grants automatic protection. Instead, its protective qualities are understood to be spiritual and are contingent upon the wearer’s faithfulness to their promises. It serves as a defense against temptation and a reminder to choose the right, fostering a sense of being spiritually “clothed” in one’s commitments.

Design, Modesty, and Practical Wear

The design of the temple garment is simple and functional, intended for daily wear beneath regular clothing. Historically, garments were one-piece and reached to the ankles and wrists, reflecting 19th-century undergarment styles. Over time, the design has been adapted to accommodate modern clothing while maintaining its symbolic purpose. Today, garments are typically two-piece (resembling a T-shirt and modest shorts) and come in a variety of fabrics—such as cotton, cotton-polyester blends, and stretch fabrics—to suit different climates, body types, and personal comfort.

A key principle associated with the garment is modesty. The cuts and lengths of the garment are designed to encourage members to choose outer clothing that is also modest, covering the shoulders, midriff, and thighs. In this way, the garment directly influences the dress standards of faithful Latter-day Saints, promoting a standard of dress that they believe reflects respect for the body as a “temple of the Holy Spirit.”

The garments feature simple, small symbols sewn into the fabric—one over each breast, one over the navel, and one over the knee. These symbols are sacred to members and are not discussed in detail outside of the temple. They serve as reminders of key gospel principles, such as the Atonement of Jesus Christ, obedience, and the importance of directing one’s heart and mind (represented by the breast) and actions (represented by the knee) toward God.

Misconceptions and Cultural Sensitivity

Due to their private nature, temple garments are often the subject of public fascination and misunderstanding. They have been incorrectly labeled as “magic underwear” or a form of cultish control. These characterizations are deeply offensive to faithful Latter-day Saints, who view the garment with the same reverence that a devout person of another faith might view a prayer shawl, a crucifix, or a hijab.

It is crucial to clarify several points:

1. They are not magical. Their protective nature is spiritual and is tied to the wearer’s faith and obedience.
2. Wearing them is a personal choice. While it is a commandment for those who have made temple covenants, it is a voluntary act of faith, not a forced practice.
3. They are not a topic of casual conversation. Members consider the details of their temple covenants, including the garment, to be sacred and private. They are taught not to speak lightly of them or display them publicly.

Respecting this privacy is essential for understanding Latter-day Saint culture. Just as one would not ask to see another person’s religious undergarments or demand a detailed explanation of a deeply personal sacrament, the temple garment deserves a similar level of respect and discretion.

A Daily Spiritual Practice

For a faithful Latter-day Saint, putting on the garment each morning is a quiet, devotional act—a re-commitment to the promises made with God. It is a tangible connection to the spiritual experiences of the temple, bringing the sacred into the mundane tasks of daily life. Whether at work, at home, or in the community, the garment serves as a subtle, constant reminder of their identity as a covenant disciple of Jesus Christ. It influences decisions, encourages righteous living, and provides a sense of spiritual comfort and protection.

In conclusion, the question “what are garments Mormon” cannot be answered by a mere physical description. They are a profound and integral part of Latter-day Saint religious practice. They are sacred symbols of eternal covenants, a daily reminder of one’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ, and a personal expression of faith that is worn close to the body and held close to the heart. To understand the garment is to take a significant step toward understanding the deep, covenantal faith that defines the lives of committed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.