LDS Temple Garments Guide 2026: History, Styles & Sizing

Introduction to LDS Temple Garments

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple garment is a sacred article of clothing that serves as a constant, personal reminder of the covenants made with God. Often referred to simply as 'garments,' these undergarments are worn by adult members who have participated in the temple endowment ordinance. As of 2026, the Church has continued to refine the manufacturing, distribution, and fabric technologies of these garments, ensuring they are accessible, comfortable, and appropriate for members living in diverse climates and cultures across the globe.

This comprehensive guide explores the rich history of Mormon temple garments, breaks down the modern fabric and style options available today, and provides a step-by-step purchasing and sizing guide for members navigating the 2026 distribution system.

The Historical Evolution of the Garment

The origins of the LDS temple garment trace back to 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. When Joseph Smith introduced the temple endowment to a small group of early Church leaders, he also introduced the associated sacred clothing. Early garments were one-piece, full-length undergarments, similar to the 'union suits' commonly worn by men and women in the 19th century. They featured long sleeves, long legs, and a high neckline, and were typically made of heavy cotton or wool flannel.

For decades, these garments were handmade by women in the Relief Society or purchased from specialized local merchants. It was not until the early 20th century that the Church began to standardize production. In the 1920s, responding to the practical needs of members living in warmer climates and engaging in more active lifestyles, Church leaders approved the transition from the one-piece union suit to the modern two-piece design (a separate top and bottom). This was a monumental shift that drastically improved daily comfort and practicality.

Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Church introduced significant fabric innovations. The introduction of synthetic blends, stretch materials, and ultra-lightweight mesh fabrics has allowed the garment to adapt to modern athletic wear, tropical environments, and military uniforms. Today, the Church's General Handbook outlines the policies regarding the wearing of the garment, emphasizing that members should wear it as instructed in the temple, adapting the style to their personal needs while maintaining the sacred marks.

2026 Fabric and Style Options

In 2026, the Church Distribution Center offers a highly customized lineup of garments designed to meet the varied needs of a global membership. When ordering through the official Church Online Store or the LDS Store app, members can choose from several fabric weights and neckline styles.

Fabric Comparison Chart

Neckline and Sleeve Styles

• Crew Neck: The traditional, higher neckline. Ideal for winter wear or under high-collared shirts.
• V-Neck: A versatile option that remains hidden under most standard button-down shirts and casual tees.
• Low-Neck (Women's): Designed specifically to be concealed under lower-cut blouses, scoop necks, and modern fashion cuts.
• Cartridge / Adjustable: Features a gathered shoulder or adjustable strap system to prevent the neckline from gaping, ensuring a custom fit.

Bottoms are available in standard inseams (ranging from 3 inches to 9 inches for women, and 6 inches to 10 inches for men), allowing members to wear them comfortably with everything from athletic shorts to business suits.

Sizing, Fit, and Purchasing in 2026

Getting the right fit is essential for both comfort and the proper placement of the sacred marks. In 2026, the LDS Store app utilizes an improved digital sizing algorithm, but taking manual measurements remains the most reliable method.

How to Measure for Garments

1. Chest/Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape measure level and snug but not tight.
2. Waist: Measure around the natural waistline (typically just above the belly button) for the top, and the area where you prefer your bottoms to sit.
3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and buttocks to ensure the bottoms do not bind.
4. Inseam: Measure from the crotch down to the desired length on the thigh.

Ordering Process

To purchase garments, members must have an active Church Account linked to their membership record, which verifies their endowment status. In 2026, the primary methods of purchasing include:

• LDS Store App: The fastest method. Members can save their measurements, track global shipping, and set up auto-replenishment subscriptions.
• Distribution Centers: Located at temples and major Church facilities worldwide. These centers allow members to feel the fabrics in person and receive immediate, expert fitting assistance.
• Local Bishops: In remote areas without distribution centers, local leaders can assist in placing bulk orders through the Church's institutional supply chain.

Pricing remains heavily subsidized by the Church to ensure global accessibility. As of 2026, individual garment tops and bottoms generally range between $11.00 and $16.00 USD, depending on the fabric technology selected.

Specialized Accommodations

The Church provides specialized garments for unique circumstances. Maternity garments feature expandable side panels and empire waists to accommodate a growing belly without compromising the placement of the marks. Military garments are manufactured to match standard OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) and desert tan regulations, featuring reinforced stitching and moisture-wicking properties for combat environments. Additionally, members with medical conditions or sensory processing disorders can request custom modifications through their local temple presidency.

Proper Care, Maintenance, and Disposal

Caring for temple garments requires specific attention to preserve the integrity of modern elastic fibers and the sacred marks.

Washing Instructions

• Wash in cold or warm water (never hot, as heat degrades spandex and elastane).
• Use a mild, color-safe detergent.
• Never use bleach. Chlorine bleach will rapidly destroy the synthetic fibers in the mesh and stretch blends, causing the garments to lose their shape and elasticity.
• Tumble dry on low heat or line dry. High heat settings will shrink cotton blends and melt synthetic fibers.

Disposal of Worn Garments

When a garment becomes too worn, stretched out, or damaged to be worn respectfully, it must be disposed of properly. Members are instructed to carefully cut out the sacred marks (the square, compass, navel, and knee) using scissors. The marks should be destroyed or discarded in a manner that prevents them from being recognized or treated disrespectfully. The remaining fabric, once the marks are removed, can be thrown away in standard household trash or repurposed as cleaning rags. It is never appropriate to donate used garments to thrift stores or charities.

Spiritual Significance and Common Misconceptions

Despite public curiosity and occasional media mischaracterizations, temple garments are not 'magic underwear' or protective talismans. As outlined in the Church's temple preparation materials, the garment is a spiritual shield. It serves as a tactile, daily reminder of the promises made to God, encouraging the wearer to live a life of integrity, modesty, and devotion.

The marks woven or embroidered into the fabric hold deep allegorical meaning, pointing the wearer toward Jesus Christ and the eternal nature of the soul. In 2026, as the Church continues to expand its temple-building initiatives globally, the garment remains a unifying thread among millions of members, bridging the gap between ancient covenants and modern life. Whether a member is navigating a corporate boardroom in New York, serving a mission in the humid tropics of Southeast Asia, or raising a family in rural South America, the temple garment provides a quiet, constant connection to the divine.