Mormon Underwear (Garments) Explained
Have you ever wondered what Mormon garments look like? These garments, often referred to as “temple garments,” are religious underwear worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) who have undergone the endowment ceremony in the temple.
The endowment is a sacred ceremony in the LDS Church that includes instructions, covenants (promises), and blessings. It is intended to prepare members for exaltation and eternal life. I wore these garments for four years, starting from when I served my Mormon mission in Denver, Colorado, until I left the church a year into my marriage. These garments are a significant part of a Mormon’s life, yet shrouded in mystery and secrecy.
Unpacking Mormon Underwear
My Personal Experience with Mormon Garments
Mormon garments are worn by both men and women, consisting of a top and bottom piece. However, not every Mormon wears them. Children under 18 typically don’t understand what garments are. Growing up, I saw my parent’s garments in the laundry bin but had no idea of their significance.
Many young people, especially those who have not undergone the endowment ceremony, might comment on social media dismissing the details as untrue simply because they haven’t been exposed to the related temple ceremonies. The secrecy and lack of information make it difficult for even members to fully understand the purpose and significance of these garments.
When I first received my endowment, it was an incredibly overwhelming experience. Growing up, I sang songs like “I love to see the temple, I’m going there someday.” This beautiful white building looked like a castle, promising a spiritual and uplifting experience. However, the reality was starkly different. Avoiding videos that tried to show what happened in the temple, I was unprepared for the actual ceremony.
History and Symbolism of Garments
To understand the significance of these garments, it’s essential to know their history. Introduced by Joseph Smith in the 1840s, the garments feature symbols like the square, compass, and a line over the navel, all taken directly from Masonic rituals. Masonry, or Freemasonry, is a fraternal organization that originated in the late 16th to early 17th century.
Its members practice a system of morality and ethics, symbolized by various rituals and symbols. Smith’s family had deep ties to Masonry, and he borrowed heavily from their symbols and rituals when creating the endowment ceremony. You can see photos of the temple garment here. Here are the symbols and their meanings:
The Square
Placed over the right breast, it symbolizes exactness and honor in keeping the covenants made during the endowment ceremony.
The Compass
Positioned over the left breast, it represents an undeviating course leading to eternal life, reminding the wearer to keep desires, appetites, and passions within bounds.
The Navel Mark
A simple line over the navel, suggesting the need for constant nourishment to both body and spirit.
The Knee Mark
Placed over the right knee, symbolizing that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.
Reasons for Wearing Garments
Mormons wear garments for several reasons, primarily modesty, protection, and commitment to faith. The design of the garments ensures that certain types of clothing, such as tank tops or short skirts, are not worn, promoting modesty.
Additionally, garments are believed to provide spiritual protection, often referred to as the “armor of God,” shielding the wearer from evil influences. They also serve as a daily reminder of the covenants made with God.
How to Receive Garments
Members receive garments by undergoing a secret ceremony called the endowment, in which they promise to wear the garments for the rest of their lives. Receiving garments is a process that involves obtaining a temple recommend, which certifies that a member is in good standing with the church.
A temple recommend is a card that members must obtain to enter an LDS temple. It signifies that the member has met specific spiritual and behavioral requirements. To obtain a temple recommend, members must:
- Adhere to the Word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, or alcohol)
- Pay a full tithing (10% of their income)
- Attend church regularly
- Sustain the leadership of the church
- Maintain chastity (no sexual relations outside of marriage)
- Be honest in their dealings with others
- Demonstrate faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the church
- Keep the Sabbath day holy
- Follow the law of the land
The process is lengthy and invasive, ensuring members are fully committed before they can receive these garments. During the endowment ceremony, which is conducted in the temple, members make sacred covenants and are instructed in various rituals and teachings.
As part of this ceremony, they are given the garments and are instructed to wear them as a constant reminder of the covenants they have made. This ceremony is highly secretive, and members are often unprepared for its content, which adds to the overall sense of mystery and commitment.
Members can purchase garments at church-owned distribution centers or through the church’s official online store. Despite the church’s substantial financial resources, they charge members for the garments, claiming the pricing is modest and merely covers production costs. However, this practice raises questions about profit motives and the exploitation of members’ faith and commitment.
Rules for Wearing Garments
There are specific guidelines for wearing garments. Members are taught to wear them at all times except during swimming, sex, or showering. However, there’s no strict enforcement, and how one wears the garments is often seen as a personal choice and a reflection of one’s commitment to the faith.
Some members might adjust how they wear garments to accommodate modern fashion while maintaining the symbolic significance. This flexibility has led to a range of practices among members, with some strictly adhering to the rules and others bending them for comfort or style.
Recently, church leaders have reinforced the strictness behind these guidelines. In the April 2024 General Conference, the First Presidency emphasized that the temple garment is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ and should be worn consistently as a reminder of the covenants made in the temple.
Updated temple recommend interview questions now directly address whether members are wearing their garments as instructed. This shift highlights the church’s intent to ensure members view the garments as an essential aspect of their spiritual lives and covenant relationship with God.
Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
A pervasive myth about Mormon garments is that they are “magic underwear.” While the LDS Church does not officially teach that garments possess magical properties, many members share stories of physical protection attributed to wearing them.
These anecdotes, whether of protection from fire or other dangers, contribute to the belief in their supernatural qualities. The church describes garments as a spiritual symbol of the covenants made with God, yet the secrecy and sacredness surrounding them often lead to exaggerated beliefs and folklore among both members and non-members. This secrecy fosters an environment where myths thrive, leaving many to question the true purpose and power of these garments.
Detailed Examination of the Garments
Let’s take a closer look at the various types of Mormon garments available, including different fabrics, styles, and specific options for military members. I will also address common complaints regarding fit, material, and design.
Types of Fabrics:
Carinessa: A mediumweight fabric (91% polyester and 9% spandex), Carinessa is stretchy and conforms to the body, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a snug fit. However, its synthetic nature means it isn’t ideal for women prone to infections.
Corban: Lightweight and 100% nylon, Corban is smooth and almost frictionless under clothing. It’s durable but can feel warm, and it doesn’t stretch.
Cotton-Poly: This heavyweight fabric (60% cotton, 40% polyester) combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester. It absorbs moisture well and retains its shape, suitable for those who prefer a traditional cotton feel.
100% Cotton: Mediumweight and breathable, 100% cotton absorbs moisture but dries slowly. It’s recommended for those who prefer natural fibers for comfort or medical reasons.
DriSilque: A lightweight, 100% nylon fabric, DriSilque dries quickly and has a silky feel. It’s best worn loosely and is not recommended for women prone to infections due to its synthetic properties.
Nylon Mesh: Also lightweight and 100% nylon, this fabric is breathable and quick-drying, making it suitable for humid climates. It is durable but can contribute to infections in some women.
Stretch Cotton: This mediumweight fabric (95% cotton, 5% spandex) is soft and breathable, with added mesh panels for increased airflow. However, it prioritizes comfort over durability and wears out faster than other types.
Thermal: A mediumweight fabric (90% polyester, 10% spandex), Thermal garments are designed for cold weather with long sleeves and ankle-length bottoms, providing an insulating layer.
Differences Between Male and Female Garments:
Men’s Garments
Generally available in T-shirt styles with crew or V-neck options. The symbols are often printed rather than sewn, making them less visible under clothing.
Women’s Garments
Feature cap sleeves and can have rounded or sweetheart necklines to align with the bra line. Some women’s garments have additional stretch to accommodate different body shapes.
Military Garments:
For active-duty military members, the LDS Church offers garments in neutral colors like khaki to better align with military uniforms. This adaptation allows service members to fulfill their religious commitments without compromising military dress codes.
One-Piece Garments:
While most garments today are two-piece, the original design was a one-piece union suit. This style is still available for those who prefer it or adhere to more traditional practices.
Common Complaints:
Many women report that the design of the garments, particularly the synthetic fabrics like Carinessa and DriSilque, can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infections such as UTIs.
The fit and design, which were likely developed by men, do not always consider the specific anatomical needs of women, making them more constrictive and less practical for female wearers. This has led to numerous complaints about the lack of consideration for comfort and health in the garment design.
Emotional Impact and Personal Reflections
Wearing garments can be an overwhelming experience, especially for new members who are not fully aware of what to expect. Many members, like myself, find the initial ceremony to be terrifying and cult-like, far from the spiritual and uplifting experience they were promised. The pressure to conform and the emotional burden of wearing garments daily can be significant, leading to feelings of discomfort and even disillusionment with the faith.
For instance, during the endowment ceremony, members are dressed in various temple clothing, including a green apron, robes, and a bonnet, which can be quite shocking.
The ceremony includes rituals such as the prayer circle, where participants put their hand to the square and hold hands with others, including strangers. In this circle, women are veiled, and participants chant together, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a cult out of a horror movie. This experience can feel invasive and bewildering, especially when one is not prepared for it.
Post-endowment, the realization that garments are now a permanent part of one’s life can be daunting. I vividly remember the first time I stared at my garments after the endowment, feeling a mix of revulsion and resignation. The garments were meant to be worn at all times, and the thought of this lifelong commitment was overwhelming.
Additionally, some members serve missions in areas without a temple, meaning they experience the endowment ceremony once and then do not revisit it for years. This can leave a lasting impression of the ceremony as a bizarre and traumatic experience that is difficult to reconcile with the rest of their religious life.
Conclusion
Mormon garments, with their roots in Masonic rituals and enforced secrecy, represent a significant yet controversial aspect of LDS faith. The invasive nature of the endowment ceremony and the daily discomfort and health risks associated with wearing these garments raise serious questions about their necessity and impact.
For members, the garments symbolize commitment, but they also reflect an adherence to outdated and male-centric designs that often ignore practical and health considerations.
While some may view discussing these secretive temple covenants as sacrilegious or blasphemous, it is crucial for people to be informed and have more information before fully committing to any religion. Understanding the implications and realities of such practices allows for more informed decisions and a clearer perspective.
Whether you’re a member seeking clarity or an outsider questioning these practices, it’s essential to critically reflect on this information and pursue further understanding.
