The sound of jubilation can be heard among Latter-day Saint women as news spreads that temple garments will soon be available in a sleeveless option. This redesign, labeled as „open sleeve,“ is being tested in hot climates such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, the Philippines, and some southern U.S. locations. The new style resembles tank tops rather than the current capped sleeve choices, providing a more comfortable option for those living in humid and hot areas.
For many Latter-day Saint women, the new sleeveless design could make it harder for others to judge who is wearing garments, a concern that has been prevalent among members. In a recent survey, nearly half of active members expressed that there is a right and wrong way to wear garments, and more than half felt judged for how they wear them. The introduction of a light, one-piece „shift“ option and skirt bottom for women who primarily wear dresses in Africa is also a welcomed change.
Church spokesperson Doug Andersen explained that the First Presidency has authorized these changes to bless members living in hot and humid regions. While the church does not comment on temple matters considered sacred, the new styles for both women and men are expected to be more widely available in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The announcement of the garment redesign has been met with excitement from members globally. Rachel Gerber, an Instagrammer with LDS Changemakers, expressed her thrill at the news, stating that it feels like an answer to prayers for many women who have longed for more comfortable garment options. She emphasized the importance of members recognizing that this change is a result of Latter-day Saints advocating for improvements.
Afton Southam Parker, a Latter-day Saint from Colorado, shared her experience of advocating for garment redesign after facing challenges with the current design while living in Thailand. She highlighted the discomfort and health issues caused by the humidity and heat, especially for women during menstruation and pregnancy. Parker’s efforts led to a meeting with a garment design committee, where she presented global challenges faced by women with the existing design.
The evolving style of temple garments is not new, as the church periodically surveys members to update fabrics and designs. The First Presidency has always prioritized the symbolism of the garment over style, leading to changes over the years to accommodate different clothing trends and needs. Laura Brignone, a research analyst and Latter-day Saint, praised the new dress option for its wearability and potential impact on women’s clothing choices.
Overall, the redesign of temple garments reflects the church’s efforts to address the specific needs of its members, particularly women. The move has been welcomed by many as a step towards providing more comfortable and practical options for those who wear garments as a reminder of sacred covenants. As discussions continue within the community, the hope is that leaders will recognize and support members who advocate for changes that align with their religious commitments and physical realities.