Members of other faiths are often curious about Mormon temple garments, but asking a Latter-day Saint friend or neighbor about their underwear can seem more than a little nosy and intrusive. This article aims to explain what temple garments are, how and why Mormons wear them, and the symbolism of temple garments.
Description of Temple Garments
Garments are worn by adult Latter-day Saints who have been to the temple to make covenants with God. Temple garments are white undergarments that resemble a short-sleeved undershirt and a pair of boxer briefs that extend to the kneecap. They are basically the same in appearance for men and women. Garments bear a few small markings to symbolize reverence for Jesus Christ, dedication to keeping the commandments, and constantly striving to nourish individual spirituality.
Mormons buy several pairs of garments from the church's distribution center and wear a new pair every day. They wash them in the laundry like any other piece of clothing, but are careful to show proper respect by not throwing them on the floor like other dirty clothes.
Guidelines for Wearing the Temple Garment
Temple garments are worn during formal and casual occasions, both during the day beneath street clothes and at night while sleeping. Proper wearing of the garment includes not pinning, rolling up, or altering the garment in any way to accommodate immodest clothing.
Garments must be removed for certain activities like swimming and bathing, but should be replaced immediately after the activity is finished. Members are counseled not to find excuses to remove the garment while doing yard work, exercise, or other activities that could reasonably be performed while wearing the garment beneath regular clothing.
Temple Garment Symbolism
To Mormons, temple garments represent the sacred covenants they make in the house of the Lord. Church official Boyd K. Packer draws a comparison between temple garments and the clerical clothing worn by ministers of other faiths: "It reminds you of who you are and what your obligations and covenants are. It is a continual reminder that you are.... responsible to live in such a way as to be worthy of your ordination."
In the LDS church, there is no professional clergy. All men are given priesthood authority, and rank-and-file members of both genders act in leadership roles throughout the church. As Elder Packer tells the Protestant minister, "We draw something of the same benefits from this special clothing as you would draw from your clerical vestments. The difference is that we wear ours under our clothing instead of outside."
Many people mock the idea of "Mormon underwear" without understanding the sacred nature of temple garments to faithful Latter-day Saints. Garments serve as private expressions of inward commitments to God and Jesus Christ, and are worn constantly under the clothes as a reminder of those covenants and promises.
Readers might also be interested in Mormon Temple Ordinances.
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