what do mormon garments look like

Of all the symbols and practices within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, few are as central yet as privately regarded as the temple garment, often referred to by outsiders as “Mormon underwear.” The question “what do Mormon garments look like?” is one born of curiosity, but the answer requires an understanding that extends far beyond mere physical description. To Latter-day Saints, the garment is not just an article of clothing; it is a sacred and deeply personal symbol of covenants, or promises, made with God.

Physically, modern temple garments are designed first and foremost for practicality and modesty, resembling simple, comfortable underclothing. They are typically made from a variety of breathable fabrics, such as cotton, cotton-polyester blends, or a stretchy knit material, catering to different climates and personal comfort. The most common styles are a two-piece set, consisting of a top piece that resembles a sleeveless or T-shirt style top and a bottom piece that reaches to the knee, similar in length to modest shorts or a Bermuda-length undergarment. This design ensures that the garment remains concealed under everyday clothing, promoting the Latter-day Saint value of modesty in dress.

The most distinctive physical features of the garment are the small, symbolic marks embroidered or screen-printed at key points. There are four marks in total, each holding religious significance rooted in the teachings of the temple endowment ceremony. The exact meaning of these symbols is considered sacred and is not discussed in detail outside of the temple. However, their general placement and representation are widely acknowledged:

1. The Mark over the Right Knee: This symbolizes a commitment to always be willing to kneel in prayer and to follow the path of the Lord.
2. The Mark over the Left Knee: This is associated with the covenant to fulfill duties and obligations, including the promise to serve God and one’s fellow beings.
3. The Mark on the Right Breast: This points toward the need to arm oneself with the principles of the gospel and to always have one’s “breastplate of righteousness.”
4. The Mark on the Left Breast: This is situated over the heart, representing the covenant to always guard one’s thoughts and desires and to strive to have a heart dedicated to God.

These marks are intentionally discreet. They are not visible through outer clothing and are designed to be a private reminder to the wearer, not a public display. The overall color is almost exclusively white, symbolizing purity, cleanliness, and equality before God.

However, to focus solely on the physical appearance is to miss the essence of what the garment represents for a faithful Latter-day Saint. The garment is received for the first time inside a temple when an individual participates in the endowment ordinance, a sacred ceremony that prepares them for their spiritual journey and potential eternal life. It is at this moment that the garment transitions from a simple piece of cloth to a sacred symbol. Members make solemn covenants to live according to God’s commandments, and the garment is given as a tangible reminder of those promises.

In this light, the garment is a daily, physical manifestation of an inward spiritual commitment. It serves as a “shield and a protection” to the wearer, as church teachings describe, provided they remain faithful to their covenants. This protection is understood not as a physical forcefield, but as a spiritual safeguard—a constant reminder to control thoughts, words, and actions, and to live a moral and chaste life. Wearing it is an act of devotion and humility, a way to carry a part of the temple’s sacred spirit with them into the world.

Because of its sacred nature, the way members treat the garment reflects its significance. It is worn day and night, removed only for activities that reasonably require it, such as swimming, strenuous athletics, or showering. When a garment becomes worn out and is no longer serviceable, it is not simply thrown in the trash. Out of respect, members are instructed to dispose of them in a reverent manner, which usually involves cutting them up and specifically cutting out the sacred marks, rendering them unrecognizable, before disposing of the fabric. This practice underscores that it is not the cloth itself that is holy, but the covenants it represents.

In conclusion, while the physical answer to “what do Mormon garments look like?” describes a simple, white, two-piece undergarment with small symbolic marks, the true answer is far more profound. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple garment is a deeply personal and sacred symbol of their relationship with God. It is a continuous, wearable reminder of their most cherished promises of faith, obedience, and devotion, making its spiritual significance infinitely more important than its modest and unassuming physical appearance.