How Do LDS Temple Garments Work? Meaning and Significance

LDS Perspective

Temple garments are sacred underclothing worn by adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have received their temple endowment. The Church teaches that the wearing of religious and ceremonial clothing has biblical precedent, beginning with Adam and Eve, who were given garments after being expelled from the Garden of Eden as a sign of their covenant with God—representing His promise to provide a Savior and their commitment to obey His commandments (Genesis 3:21). Similarly, Exodus 28:2-3 describes holy garments made for Aaron to officiate in priesthood ordinances, establishing a pattern of sacred apparel dedicated to God's service. In the restored Church, the first endowments were administered in Nauvoo in 1842, and members wear the garment as a tangible represen

Historical Perspective

The LDS temple garment functions as a form of religious underwear worn by members who have participated in the temple endowment ceremony. According to MormonThink, the garment is given during the washing and anointing portion of the endowment and is intended to be worn both day and night, serving as a "constant reminder of the covenants made in the temple" (Source 4). Members view the garment as either a symbolic or literal source of protection from evil, with official church materials describing it as "an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior" that provides "protection against temptation and evil" when worn properly (Source 4). Historically, the church has taught that garments possess supernatural protective qualities. Multiple sources indicate that apostles suc