Many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have welcomed the news that sleeveless temple clothing is coming, but most members will have to wait a year for it to become a reality.
According to information added Thursday afternoon to the church’s clothing website, several redesign options are currently available for women and men in some hot climates (such as Africa and the Philippines), but not in the United States. It will not be released until the fourth quarter of 2025. Members from other countries can visit store.churchofjesuschrist.org to check the schedule.
In one model, the temple garment (which faithful believers wear under their regular clothing to remind them of their sacred covenant) looks more like a tank top than the current capped sleeve option.
The style is called the “Women’s Dry Stretch Open Sleeve Chemise,” and Faith’s online store describes it as a “close-fitting chemise top with no underbust seams.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Screenshots from the church’s online store for U.S. members show that new sleeveless tops for women will be available late next year.
Open sleeves are “designed to be cooler and eliminate excess fabric in the armholes,” the store says. “Drystretch fabric is a soft polyester and spandex blend that dries quickly and is lightweight.”
There are two completely new designs. The first is the Women’s Light Nylon Full Slip. It has open sleeves and no underbust seams, and is described as a “loose-fitting chemise slip.” “The Slip design makes it easier to access a variety of options for women’s health and other needs.Light Nylon is a 100% nylon fabric that is quick-drying and lightweight. .”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Screenshots from the church’s online store for U.S. members show that a new full-slip sleeveless garment for women will be available late next year.
The second is the Women’s Light Nylon Half Slip, which features a “subtle A-line for ease of movement and a narrow, wrapped elastic waistband.” Like the Full Slip, this one is also made of quick-drying nylon and is intended to “meet women’s health and other needs.”
(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Screenshots from the church’s online store for U.S. members show that a new half-slip garment for women will be available late next year.
The new men’s sleeveless top is described as having a “round neck” and a “close fit”. This is also intended to be “cooler and eliminate excess fabric in the armholes.”
(Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Screenshots from the church’s online store for U.S. members show a new men’s sleeveless garment will be available late next year.
“devout Latter-day Saints cherish the privilege of donning temple garments,” Church spokesman Doug Andersen explained in a statement Thursday morning. “Some of our members live in areas that are hot and humid. Changes allowed.”
(Click here to learn more about the new sleeveless clothing and member reactions.)
Members around the world greeted this news with excitement, even before they knew when it would be available in their region.
“I’m excited to hear about the clothing redesign,” said Instagrammer Rachel Gerber of LDS Changemakers, which promotes gender equality in the church. It’s like an answer to prayer, she added.
—Tribune Senior Editor David Noyce contributed to this article.
