Is there a more relaxed look at modesty with change in garment styles?

Question

Gramps,

I can’t find anything official from the Church about recent changes to the temple garment related to a relaxed view of modesty. Have modesty standards been lowered?

Connie

Answer

Connie,

The recent changes to temple garments in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have prompted many members to ask an interesting question: Do these changes signal a more relaxed approach to modesty? While opinions vary among Church members, the official statements from Church leadership suggest a more nuanced answer.

A related question has become increasingly common. Some members have observed more women—both young and mature—wearing tank tops, sleeveless dresses, shorter hemlines, or lower necklines than were common in previous decades. In some cases, these styles are even seen at Church meetings or on temple grounds. As a result, some members wonder whether they have missed an official announcement or whether Church leaders have quietly adopted a more relaxed view of modesty.

Based on official Church statements and publications, there has been no announcement that modesty standards have been relaxed. Church leaders have not taught that sleeveless clothing, shorter dresses, or other specific fashion choices are now preferred or encouraged. Neither have they issued new guidelines redefining modesty in terms of specific measurements or styles.

What has changed is the way modesty is often discussed.

For many years, discussions among Latter-day Saints about modesty frequently centered on specific clothing standards and whether particular styles would adequately cover temple garments. While those conversations still occur, recent teachings from Church leaders have increasingly focused on the spiritual principles behind modesty rather than detailed rules about clothing.

In 2024, the First Presidency issued a statement that accompanied updates to the temple recommend interview questions. In that statement, they taught that “the garment of the holy priesthood is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ.” They further explained that endowed members should honor “their sacred privilege to wear the garment as instructed in the initiatory ordinances.”

Those statements are significant because they focus attention on the covenant relationship between the individual and the Savior. The emphasis is not primarily on rules of dress but on the sacred promises represented by the garment itself.

At roughly the same time, the Church announced additional garment options, including designs intended to better meet the needs of members living in hot and humid climates. Church leaders explained that the First Presidency had authorized these changes “to bless those members and others who might benefit from the changes.”

Some members viewed these adjustments as evidence that modesty standards were becoming less strict. However, the official explanations did not frame the changes in those terms. Instead, leaders emphasized practical considerations and the desire to help members wear the garment more comfortably while remaining faithful to their temple covenants.

It is also possible that some of the changes people are observing are cultural rather than doctrinal. Latter-day Saint culture has never been completely uniform, and members in different generations, countries, climates, and circumstances often express modesty differently. As the Church has become increasingly global, leaders have generally emphasized principles that can apply across cultures rather than prescribing detailed dress codes for every situation.

The General Handbook describes modesty as an attitude of discipleship. It teaches that modesty reflects humility and respect for the body as a sacred gift from God. This approach moves the discussion beyond measurements, sleeve lengths, and fashion trends. Instead, it invites members to consider whether their choices reflect their relationship with Jesus Christ and their desire to honor Him.

That does not mean modesty has become unimportant. On the contrary, Church leaders continue to teach that disciples of Christ should dress, speak, and behave in ways that reflect their commitment to the gospel. What has changed is the emphasis. Rather than focusing primarily on external standards, recent teachings often emphasize the underlying principles that motivate those standards.

For members who feel surprised by changing fashions among fellow Saints, it may be helpful to distinguish between what is officially taught and what individual members choose to do. The fact that some Church members dress differently from previous generations does not necessarily indicate a change in Church doctrine. Nor does it mean those individuals are disregarding their covenants. In many cases, we simply do not know another person’s personal circumstances, intentions, understanding, or decisions.

President Dallin H. Oaks once taught that the gospel is ultimately about changing hearts rather than merely enforcing outward behaviors. That principle can be especially helpful when considering questions of modesty. While standards matter, discipleship is not always measured by appearances alone.

The garment itself provides an interesting example of this shift. For generations, some members associated modesty standards almost exclusively with clothing that fully covered traditional garment styles. As garment designs have evolved to meet the needs of a worldwide Church, leaders have continued to stress that the most important issue is not preserving a particular cultural style of dress. Instead, the focus remains on honoring temple covenants and wearing the garment appropriately as instructed.

This distinction is important. The Church has not said that modesty no longer matters. Nor has it taught that members should disregard the sacred nature of the garment. Rather, leaders appear to be emphasizing that modesty and garment wearing are ultimately matters of discipleship and covenant commitment rather than simply questions of fashion.

Some members may find that the newer garment styles allow them to wear clothing that previously seemed impractical while still honoring their covenants. Others may choose to maintain more traditional clothing preferences. The Church has not encouraged members to judge one another based on such decisions. Instead, recent teachings place responsibility on individuals to prayerfully live the principles they have been taught.

Perhaps the clearest answer to the question is this: No, there has not been an official announcement that modesty standards have been relaxed. If you are noticing changes in how some members dress, you are not imagining it. Many members have noticed the same thing. However, the available evidence suggests that these changes are primarily cultural and personal rather than the result of a new doctrinal directive from Church leadership.

The First Presidency has continued to emphasize the sacred nature of temple garments, the importance of honoring covenants, and the blessings that come through faithful discipleship. The doctrine has not changed. The sacred nature of temple covenants has not changed. The importance of modesty has not changed.

What may be changing is the way Church leaders invite members to think about these topics. Increasingly, the focus is on Christ, covenants, personal revelation, and the principles that underlie faithful living. Rather than asking, “How close can I get to the line?” members are encouraged to ask, “How can I better honor my relationship with the Savior?”

That perspective may be the most important lesson to take from the recent changes. The conversation is shifting from specific clothing measurements to discipleship. The garment remains a sacred symbol. Modesty remains an important gospel principle. And both are ultimately intended to help individuals remember Jesus Christ and draw closer to Him.

Gramps