Mormon Concept of Modesty in Dress
Latter-day Saint Standards for Clothes, Hair, Tattoos, and Piercings
Jun 13, 2009
The word "modesty" isn't used very much in society anymore, but for Mormons it is still a very important word. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have very high expectations for dress and appearance.
What Do Mormons Mean by "Modest Clothing?"
Modest clothing is defined by the church as clothing which is not sleeveless, revealing, or form-fitting. Specifically, the LDS church encourages members to:
- Wear shorts and skirts that are knee-length or lower;
- Wear tops that cover the shoulders (i.e: shirts with sleeves);
- Wear shirts that are low enough to cover the stomach and lower back;
- Avoid plunging necklines or backlines;
- Avoid clothing that is too tight, and;
- For women, wearing one-piece swimsuits rather than bikinis or two-pieces.
Temple Garments Encourage Modesty
When an adult member of the LDS church enters the temple to receive his or her endowment, he or she receives white temple garments that are to be worn under a person's street clothes, both day and night. Aside from the symbolic and spiritual significance of temple garments, they also foster modesty in dress.
Men's garment tops look a lot like short sleeved T-shirts. Women's garment tops are basically the same, except they have cap sleeves. Male and female garment bottoms look like boxer briefs that extend to just above the knee. Regardless of age or whether they have received their temple garments, however, all Mormons are expected to adhere to the same standards of modesty.
Are Mormon Standards of Modesty the Same for Males and Females?
Though the same standards apply to males and females in the Mormon church, modesty guidelines often focus on feminine dress because revealing women's clothing has become so commonplace in today's society. Modesty in dress is usually not as much of a problem for males.
However, as female dress has grown tighter and more revealing, male dress has become looser and baggier. The LDS church discourages men and boys from excessively baggy clothing, especially pants worn below the waistline.
Exceptions to the Mormon Dress Code
Though no one specifically enforces modesty in dress, it is an expectation for all youth and adults in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even on special occasions, such as proms and weddings, Mormons are counseled to maintain the same standards of modesty.
But sometimes exceptions must be made. Swimming and other sports may require a more revealing uniform. But in those events where a more modest choice could feasibly be made, Mormons are expected to follow rules of modesty or talk with their coach and teammates about the choice of uniforms.
Hairstyles, Tattoos, and Piercings
The Mormon concept of modesty encompasses a person's overall appearance, not just his or her dress. Both males and females are expected to avoid hair that is extreme in style or color. Men and boys should cut their hair to above the ears and are encouraged to keep their faces clean-shaven.
Tattoos and body piercings are considered to be disfiguring the body and should be avoided by both genders. If women or girls wish to get their ears pierced, they are counseled to limit themselves to just one set of earrings.
Why Is Modesty Important to Mormons?
Church officials encourage modesty in dress and appearance for many reasons. For the Strength of Youth, a 2001 pamphlet outlining the LDS church's standards, says that "the way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act."
It's believed that dressing immodestly may not only prove distracting for members of the opposite sex, it also communicates messages about the wearer's sexual standards. For the Strength of Youth suggests that a person always ask, "Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord's presence?"
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