I want to delve into something that's been generating buzz in Mormon circles but hasn't received much mainstream attention: the recent redesign of Mormon temple garment. I thought I'd give you the unfiltered perspective on what this change really means.
The Basics: What Are Mormon Garments?
Mormon temple garments are special white underwear that members are expected to wear 24/7 after they've gone through their temple ceremonies. They're not technically called "magic underwear" – that term makes church members cringe – but it's worth noting that many members themselves attribute supernatural protective qualities to them.
Growing up, I heard countless stories in Sunday School about garments "protecting" people from fires, car crashes, and even bullets. While the church today officially distances itself from claims of physical protection, that folklore remains deeply embedded in Mormon culture.
These garments weren't always part of the faith. They originated in the 1840s during Joseph Smith's leadership. Each garment has small symbols sewn into specific locations – over each nipple, the navel, and the knee. These symbols represent covenants made in the temple.
What they represent more practically, however, is the church's ability to control even the most intimate aspects of members' lives.
The Daily Reality: Living in Garments
Let me paint a picture of what wearing garments is actually like. Imagine wearing TWO layers of clothing at all times, even during sweltering summer heat. It means constant sweating, struggling to find regular clothes that hide all the lines and edges, and navigating intimacy with your partner while wearing what amounts to the least sexy underwear imaginable.
The expectation is absolute. During the April 2024 conference, Elder Oaks emphasized that garments should be worn "continuously." His exact words were: "Because covenants do not take a day off, to remove one's garments can be understood as a disclaimer of the responsibilities and blessings to which they relate."
Translation: God is watching if you take them off, and He's disappointed.
The Women's Burden: An Uneven Yoke
While garments are uncomfortable for everyone, women bear an especially heavy burden. The female versions are particularly problematic during periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding – basically, during any normal female bodily function.
Many women have experienced recurring health issues directly related to garment wear. Some developed chronic yeast infections in humid climates that mysteriously disappeared after they stopped wearing garments. But bringing up these health concerns within the church is often met with spiritual gaslighting.
My sister once had a Relief Society president suggest that her discomfort with garments was due to my insufficient testimony. Not because of legitimate physical discomfort, but because she wasn't faithful enough. And, trust me, she was a good Mormon!
Beyond the physical discomfort lies the psychological impact. Every clothing purchase becomes a spiritual test. "Is this modest enough?" "Will my garments show?" "Will people know I'm wearing them?" It's not just underwear – it's a constant source of anxiety.
The 2024 Redesign: A Revolution or a Band-Aid?
So what about this big 2024 redesign? After decades of complaints, the church has finally introduced... sleeveless garments. Yes, tank top-style garments for both men and women.
The church announced these in October 2024, starting the rollout in regions like Africa and the Philippines, with U.S. members having to wait until late 2025.
Church spokesman Doug Andersen framed this as the church being thoughtful: "The First Presidency has authorized changes in the garment to bless those members and others who might benefit from the changes."
But let's be honest about what's actually driving this change. It's not sudden divine revelation. It's declining compliance rates among younger members. Recent surveys show that while about 80% of elderly members wear garments regularly, only about 40% of younger members do.
As one blogger aptly put it: "By changing the garment, church authorities aren't leading us; they are following us."
The Hypocrisy: Speaking from Both Sides
Here's where things get particularly interesting. Just months before announcing the sleeveless redesign, the church updated their temple recommend questions to emphasize that wearing garments is "not left to members' individual inspiration and interpretation."
This perfectly captures the church's contradictory approach: simultaneously demanding strict, unquestioning obedience while trying to appear modern and flexible.
Even with these changes, women are still expected to manage their bodies around the garments rather than having garments designed that actually work with female physiology. The new "Light Nylon" slip options are still ultimately about control while offering the smallest possible concession.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Fabric
I got out of the church, but millions haven't. There are people suffering physical discomfort, health issues, and psychological distress because church leaders in Salt Lake City claim divine authority over their underwear choices.
These garments perfectly symbolize how high-demand religions operate: controlling intimate aspects of members' lives while convincing them it's for their own good. "It's not control, it's protection!" "It's not restrictive, it's sacred!"
This sleeveless redesign isn't meaningful progress. It's the minimum possible concession made decades too late. Former members like me aren't impressed by tank top garments. We're wondering why it took until 2024 for church leaders to realize that maybe God doesn't actually care what underwear you wear.
A Final Thought for Our Community
For those of you still connected to the church or with loved ones inside, I genuinely hope these changes make lives a little easier. But I also want you to know there's a world out here where choosing your underwear isn't a spiritual crisis. And it feels amazing.
If you're still in the church and reading this, I know what the response might be: that I'm bitter, that I'm twisting things, that I just didn't understand the true meaning of garments. But here's the thing – I did understand. I believed with my whole heart. I defended these practices for years.
Until I finally asked myself the question that changed everything: "If this wasn't my religion, would any of this make sense to me?"
The answer was no. And maybe that's a question worth asking yourself.
Reader Question of the Month: What religious practice did you find most difficult to let go of after leaving? Send your responses for inclusion in next month's newsletter!
Book Recommendation: Leaving the Fold by Marlene Winell – A compassionate guide to recovering from religious trauma that many in our community have found helpful.
Until next month, remember that your journey is valid, your feelings are real, and there's a community here that understands.
With warmth and solidarity,
Lyn
