What are Mormon garments? All about church's special "underwear" and more in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

What are Mormon garments? All about church
What are Mormon garments? All about church's special "underwear" (Image via Instagram/@secretlivesonhulu)

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has been surprising its viewers since it aired. What has caught the audience’s attention now is the clothing style of these women. In the fourth episode, the women travel to Utah for Mayci's birthday celebration. While unpacking, Jen Affleck realizes she forgot to bring them and becomes upset.

Initially, it appeared as though she was referring to regular clothing, but she explained that these garments hold symbolic significance, representing her bond with her faith after marriage. A Betches report from September 10, 2024, mentioned that Mormon garments aren’t regular underwear or panties, as some might assume.

Referred to as "temple garments," they resemble a combination of a T-shirt and long shorts. The garments for men and women are quite similar, with the women's version designed to provide chest support. A typical Mormon garment is white and these garments are meant to be worn underneath everyday clothing.

It is important to note that these garments are a reminder of the commitment to one's Mormon faith and its covenants. However, not everyone wears them as they must be worn only when a person reaches a certain level of “worthiness” in the church. It is only then that wearing these garments becomes mandatory at all times, except during bathing, sexual activity, or exercise.

The garments are reportedly not the most comfortable option to wear under clothing. However, since people usually wear something over them that covers the garments, they promote a more modest style of dress.


Jen Affleck compared Mormon garments to a wedding ring

These garments are worn by adult Mormons who have made sacred commitments to adhere to God's commandments in the temple. According to Jen Affleck, these promises are made during special ceremonies intended to deepen members' connection to God, or when getting married in the temple.

However, in a Women’s Heath report from September 6, 2024, she likened wearing the garments to a wedding ring, stating that both serve as reminders of the promises made. While the Church has guidelines regarding when to wear these garments, stating that members should wear them every day, Jen mentioned that it was more of a personal choice.

Although she did not wear them all the time, she decided to do so while shooting for the Hulu series. Before the shoot began, she committed to wearing her garments throughout the series because she valued the reminders they provided.

This decision was beneficial for her even though within group settings the garments sometimes clashed with her love for fashion. She expressed that there were many occasions when she wanted to wear something alluring or more revealing, but found herself torn between the two.

At present, Jen no longer wears them, as she feels she no longer needs those reminders. However, this does not reflect a lack of faith. Jen explained that some followers might question her devotion because of not wearing the Mormon garments, but she clarified that her decision is personal and not a reflection of her commitment to her faith.

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Edited by Apoorva Jujjavarapu