moosh in indy.

October 3, 2008

Jesus jammies, freaky panties, garmies, magic underwear, secret undies.

Believe me, I’ve heard them all. (If you want to go straight to the doctrine rich meaty explanation of garments please see this article written by formal Salt Lake Temple president and former Seventy member Elder Carlos E. Asay. If you want my Layman’s definition, please keep going…)

Truth is, adult members of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or “Mormons”) who have gone through the temple do wear a garment in place of traditional underwear. And yes, women still wear bras, regular old bras. Any kind. Nothing at all special about our bras (well, there is something special about mine, given that it holds the girls at attention, but that’s Victoria’s Secret, not the church’s secret.)

Garments are not secret. They are sacred to those who wear them.

Children do not wear the garment.

Men and women wear different styles of the garment.

We all have multiple pairs. No, we’re not wearing the same underwear everyday. (Eww.)

The garment comes in a variety of different fabrics and styles for men and women, including one and two piece styles. All garments are white except for military issue garments which are brown.

Just because someone is LDS does not mean they wear the garment.

Members who wear the garment have gone through the temple and have made special covenants with the Lord and have made a commitment to wear the garment throughout their lives both day and night. The garment serves as a protection to us, and as a constant reminder of the covenants we have made with God. It also encourages modesty as the garment covers us from our knees to our shoulders.

So yes, sleeveless tops are out, short shorts and short skirts are also out. Baring our midriff? Not an option.

There are the four S’s however when it comes to removing the garment. Swimming, showering, sports (ones that cannot be performed reasonably with the garment on) and well, you should have already guessed the other S. Bow chicka.

In all cases the garment is to be restored as soon as possible and no excuses should be made about wearing the garment. “I don’t want to” or “I don’t feel like it” are not acceptable. Wearing the garment is a sacred privilege to those who wear the garment. It is a commandment, just like don’t covet thy neighbor’s ass. And we take our commandments seriously.

“The principles of modesty and keeping the body appropriately covered are implicit in the covenant and should govern the nature of all clothing worn. Endowed members of the Church wear the garment as a reminder of the sacred covenants they have made with the Lord and also as a protection against temptation and evil. How it is worn is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.” -From this article on LDS.org

How one chooses to wear the garment is an outward expression of an inward commitment to God. Our clergy do not wear robes or any sort of distinct clothing to set them apart from other members of the church. Our prophet wears a suit just like our bishop wears a suit just like Cody wears a suit. But for those of us who have been to the temple, we all have the same thing closest to our bodies, underneath our worldly clothing we are all wearing the same commitment to our faith and our Savior.

So there you go. Nothing special or magical or secret or freaky. Just our personal faith and commitment to our main man Jesus. I personally love wearing mine. Of course I didn’t love it at first because trying to find modest clothing can sometimes be like trying to find a lost Binky in Disney World. But I’m glad I never have to worry about what’s hanging out or what may be showing yet not shaved. I love that through my wearing of the garment I am able to show Heavenly Father that I love Him and respect Him. Also that I love and respect myself enough not to succumb to immodesty just because it may be the cool “sexy” thing for women to do these days. (No, I’m not talking about you over there in the tank top…I’m talking about the girls in bikinis, lingerie and micro mini skirts that make us all feel bad about ourselves as they bare their airbrushed flesh on the covers of smutty magazines. Okay?)

Besides, we now kind of have our own cult following of fashion. Shabby Apple? Shade clothing? Layers clothing? Down East? All started to help those of us who don’t want our stuff showing but still want to look cute. Further proof that modesty is hottesty.

P.S. No, there’s really no way to see them unless you marry a Mormon who wears them, are a doctor and have an LDS patient or choose to join our church becuase it’s so completely awesome. It’s not that they’re secret, they’re just sacred, you know? They just look like boxer briefs and a t-shirt. Nothin’ fancy, Promise.

76 Comments so far
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I need a photo of your Jesus Jammies. I’d never heard of this before. How embarrassing that I had no clue!

Rheas last blog post..The Nut House

You know I had always wondered about that but was too polite to ask.

White Hot Magiks last blog post..Magnetic Monday or TMI Tuesday

you are a good woman! thanks for doing your part to make us crazy mormons less misunderstood.

Since you’re being all open and informative about this, I’ll ask you what I’m betting is a dumb question. I’ve always heard it referred to as “the garment.” Does that mean each person only has one?

Nicholes last blog post..Technical difficulties

I too have never heard of said garments which is strange because as I’ve said before one of my best friends is mormon… however I am one of those freakishly awkward with my own body types of folk and I always wear an undershirt that’s tucked in because the thought of my stomach showing is enough to put me in a coma! I could do the whole garment thing, I don’t even think it would be an adjustment for me…

Thanks for the info, I really do think that so many people don’t have the slightest clue about LDS and even though I’m not one the sweeping generalizations really bother me.

Thanks for the post. I had to answer lots of questions like this when I was in high school. You did a great job.

Kellie Buckners last blog post..We Love Amber

ah! you are seriously so great at this stuff. I swear next time someone asks about them I am sending them here
I tend to just confuse them more

i’m jewish (not religious, though) and am fascinated by all things religion. there are many parallels here with what many orthodox jews do…modest clothing (they cover elbows and knees and collarbones etc) and men wear a garment under their clothing too.

i have so many questions. maybe i’ll just email you. thanks so much for sharing this!

alis last blog post..silver linings. as always. and i’m awesome. as always. heh.

great post, found your blog through anna, a mutual friend. I love the comment above me, please don’t let anyone see that picture…We look much sexier than that right???

I loved your post. When I had my son, they had to take off my clothes and put a gown on when I had a IV hooked up and when she saw my garments, she said “oh, your one of those”

Alanas last blog post..Because a Blogger

I am one of “those” also. I have to say that photograph is kinda freaky in that they are not showing their heads. Why? Cuz they shouldn’t have taken that picture, I know it shows that G’s are no big secret to get all in a tizzy about but it also takes something sacred and throws it out there for any and all to ogle and dang it those are people in sacred undergarments You know?

Yer awesome!

Kriss last blog post..Like mother, like daughter… or not…

Mormon Spanx!
Andrea in INs last blog post..Four Little Words

Thanks Casey.

Camilles last blog post..Spotty…

I really love Shade CLothing! Feel free to use PS CODE PS155 to get 10% off your first order and 5% off each additional order! Coupon never expires! Works on new and clearance items.

In answer to comment #4, we only say the garment when talking in general. We say our garments, because everyone has lots of pairs. So, no we don’t just have one garment.

Thanks for giving the info! I always get questions about our so-called “magic underware”.

By the way, I don’t think it’s totally appropriate to have a link to pics of the garments. We hold them sacred and don’t appreciate pictures of them on the internet.

Alysons last blog post..Tales From the Subway

I’ve always found this to be an interesting facet of LDS. I can totally see it as a way to remind you that you are ultimately committed to God. However, I’ve kind of never gotten the logistics of wearing them. If you wear them under your normal lingerie or over. Our priests have to treat their sacred garments in a special manner, so I’ve always wondered if it’s the same with LDS undergarments. Do they come in underarmour material so they don’t make you more sweaty? You did clear up the when to wear and when not to though. Thanks!

Thank you for posting this! I used to know a guy who wore them, and was always curious. I think there are a lot of rumors etc. out there about the garments, and it’s good for people like you to put it in a NORMAL light!

Rachaels last blog post..The Stepmom

Most importantly though… no wedgies right? I may convert just to get my thong out of my ass crack!

Domestic Goddess (In Training)s last blog post..A simple tube of mascara!!!!

You totally just used the word ass when talking about garments…..TOTALLY funny!

Thanks for you thoughts. It is interesting to read the comments. I love how you always make people think.

Shannons last blog post..The Crazy Cluckers

very interesting, thank you for sharing.

staciesmadnesss last blog post..Debate

Yeah, I figured you’d delete that link once you saw it there. Thanks!
Alysons last blog post..Tales From the Subway

Wow, thanks for the explanation. My personal trainer was a Mormon and I always wondered about what she was wearing underneath there. I knew it was an LDS thing but never wanted to be insulting or nosey about asking about it. Thanks!!

HeatherPrides last blog post..Photo Essay: I’m Gonna Get You, Sucka!

Thank you for explaining I see that you took the pictures down. I’m not going to look them up because I don’t want to offend anyone. I see boxer breifs and t-shirts in my laundry every day, I don’t need to see some on a stranger! LOL.
I do want to know if you wear it over/under your bra/panties, or if they are in place of that. It seems like a neat idea. I personally don’t think that shoulders are sexy, so I don’t get that part, but I do like the idea!

Thanks for sharing about them.

I also appreciate the clothing lines you linked to. The shirts look like they run on the long side, and as a long-torso gal, I’m always on the lookout for longer shirts. Woo Hoo!

all things BDs last blog post..For a Good Time, Read…

Ok, so where do you buy them? Is there a church shop?

Lindys last blog post..Capture the summer feeling photo contest

Thanks Casey. One more person helping to make us Mormons look less crazy. (Or maybe this makes us look more crazy. I don’t know!)

Isabels last blog post..Good to know the Germans love ‘”Twilight” too

Great post. It was informational but at the same time it was like hearing a friend talk about it. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing with all of us!

Stacy, why do you feel sorry for Mormons? Because they believe passionately in something? Because their beliefs don’t mesh with yours? Does their love for God scare you? Help me here, because I’m trying to figure out why you’re so ignorant.

Shabby Apple is rad! I am definitely not Mormon, nor religious in any way, but am not down with my boobs spilling out of dresses and stuff!
AND they ship to Canada! It’s quite possible I’ll be ordering from them very soon Thanks so much for posting that link!

Megs last blog post..INTRODUCING….

I’ll throw in another perspective. I am an endowed, INACTIVE Mormon and I do not wear garments.

I decided not to wear my garments any more because I consider it disrespectful to wear them and then run around not going to church and drinking Starbucks.

Some days I miss them and other days (usually those hot, sweltery ones)I do not.

As usual, you do a grand job describing it all, sweets.

Loralees last blog post..“And now for something COMPLETELY different…”

I found this post interesting because I have read The Bible from from to back (more than once!), and have don’t remember about Jesus wearing special underwear…

As your friend (and fellow Jesus lover), I would honestly love to know what verses tell followers of Jesus to wear sacred underwear. Email me? Please?

Angellas last blog post..Stuck In The Middle

What a wonderful post and explanation. I am happy to see that people not of our faith are reading this and fears and misconceptions are being put to rest.

The Jewish friend who posted mentioned the similarities I was going to. The practice of wearing a special item of clothing which reminds one of sacred covenants and promises made to God is something which began in biblical times. The Mormon practice is directly patterned after this biblical practice.

Casey.

you rock and that is simply all there is to it. Thank you for this wonderful explanation.

rachels last blog post..A Lesson of Mediocrity

You have a great way of making things un-weird.

I think I’m sending my Catholic grandmother to read this post. Now if I could only explain to her why we didn’t live together before we were married…

This is the reason that I love reading blogs. I find it fascinating how others live their daily lives.

I love it when you do this. Thanks.
OHmommys last blog post..The dog ate my homework

Love my Jesus Jammies!

Weird fact about me…I actually get a rash by not wearing them when I exercise. Talk about a “protection”. =)

I couldn’t believe that there was pictures of them when you googled it. Made me kind of sad. I understand people wanting to know more about it, but still.

Thanks for all the great info to pass along! You really are a great writer!

Evonnes last blog post..200th post!!!!

I love these posts! I’m clueless when it comes to most/all religions and I love that you shed light on yours.

Also, Shabby Apple? I may be love.

I love learning new things like this.

I admit to being completely clueless about LDS having grown up Catholic, but I loved getting some insight into your religion. Thank you.

catnips last blog post..who cares about a title, it’s just bullets today

Yes, thank you for sharing this — I found this post very interesting. I had no idea about this but I love learning new things.

I know next to nothing about the Mormon religion, and I like learning new things (I love learning new things about religion, especially different traditions… I’m curious like that), so this was a neat read… even if it just meant I learned about underwear.
Great post!

Sammanthias last blog post..Failure To Launch: The Prequel

Thank you for again sharing parts of your religion with us. I love learning about different beliefs.

Mary Beths last blog post..PHOTO 3 - and DAD ENTERS HOSPITAL

I love that you go from post on bikini waxes to a post on garments. Very accurate and very funny.
Barbs last blog post..I’m it!

Someone also told me once that Police officers can have special colors as well, not just military. I don’t know if its true or not, but hey if anyone knows let me know

Being LDS myself I have never quite figured out why people are so curious about our “secret underwear”. I have never sat around with my non-LDS friends and discussed what type of underwear they prefer. Maybe I have missed out on something?? (Second thought, no.)

Amandas last blog post..guilty

This reminds me of an interview I heard with the guy who wrote “The Year of Living Biblically” where he tried to follow ALL of the rules set forth in Leviticus (for example, you can’t sit where a menstruating woman has sat, so he made a stool to take with him on the subway).

After a year of this experiment, he said the thing he learned about ritual is it is more important to do it than what it actually is. It is the doing that gives it meaning. He gave the example of putting candles on a birthday cake - no one gives anyone a hard time about that, and it is pretty weird, no?

C–I love this post.

And way to keep those cool clothing stores a secret. I love the Shabby Apple clothes, but um are there many Asian Mormons cause they’re are a ton of Asian models on that site.

MammaLovess last blog post..Gov. Palin, Stop the Blame Game

If you go to youtube there is an interesting, offensive, yet hilarious segment done on garments by a particularly annoying and quirky fellow with a great accent. I’m just sayin. I’m sure it makes me a bad bad Mormon to even think that the video is funny, but it is funny in a shocking way.

Charlis last blog post..Educational Influences

Sounds comfy to me. The trolls can suck it!

Reeses last blog post..Packing and Waiting

Thanks for the links to the clothing sites! It’s so hard to find cute AND modest these days! I have taken to layering to cover - and in the middle of summer, it ain’t so cool!
Kates last blog post..See My Head? *BOOM!*

I am kind of bugged that you would discuss something so sacred with the world. I read the comments and it is obvious that people don’t know much about our religion. My point is…if people have questions or need explanantions, I feel it would be more appropriate to address that privately.

I never knew about Mormon underwear, but do get lots of crazy questions about Catholics.

Underwear has been a topic on my blog as well:

http://4thfrog.blogspot.com/2008/09/underlying-question.html

Amys last blog post..Burns me up

Just curious: Do you get a lot of questions about the G’s that you felt it necessary to write an essay about them? I think I’ve only ever had two people in my whole life ask me about them…

Melains last blog post..The Power of Shoes

Thanks for sharing this C. I had no idea, I’ve never even heard about the garments.

I’m a little perturbed by those that are complaining about you sharing this though. I don’t understand why it’s so offensive to share about this undergarment. People blog about their beliefs, love of God and Jesus and that’s alright. But about an undergarment and they get all bent out of shape? I didn’t see anything negative nor condescending about it. *shakes head*

I cn haz Mormon Undies?

Wait, I don’t wear any.

Mrs. Fussypantss last blog post..Name that Inappropriate Photo

I love that you are willing to write something like this. It is so respectful of people who don’t understand at the same time that your own faith is so strong and clear. Really, it’s lovely.

MommyTimes last blog post..Perhaps I Did Not Make Clear…

I’ve seen them. I’ve TOUCHED them. I’m totally awesome like that.
Mr Ladys last blog post..Say Ahllo To My Leele Freend

Wow…I need to lift up the rock I’ve been living under. I never knew about these. Thanks again for sharing information about your religion. I am Catholic and there are incredible misconceptions about my religion, so I love to hear about other religions so I can correct people on THOSE misconceptions, too.
Hollys last blog post..Must-see TV

I love this post! I’ve always been so curious about Mormon’s “holy underwear.” I’ve noticed that Mormons are always so darn trendy and cute! Maybe it’s because you have to be more creative while being modest? I’ve always loved Shabby Apple, but haven’t yet purchased anything from it. Where do you usually shop?

I do find it ironic that you use the word “ass” in your post about your undergarments. haha!

Morgans last blog post..Darndest

Can anyone buy them?

I also appreciate your posts about Mormonism. I have yet to address the common misconceptions about Orthodox Jews on mine, But I really should. I think you’ve just inspired me! I’ll start with our “undergarments” and the nasty s-x rumors about Jews that it started, Ha-ha!

Rabbi’s Wifes last blog post..All the sickos…

There. I totally did it! And linked you and everything! I feel like a real blogger now, and not just a poser.

Rabbi’s Wifes last blog post..What’s them strings hangin’ out, Rabbi?

Great job on this, Casey. Some people need to seriously lighten up.

so, i had to google them. interesting…

don’t they get hot though!? i guess not so much in indy, but i can’t imagine it here in west texas…

biddys last blog post..Friday Fill In #92

Coming from a fellow Mormon….great post! Tastefully done and a true myth buster!

mom2my9s last blog post..How I Organize My Blogging Time

Like many others who commented…always wondered, never asked.

Very admirable of you to share with all of us. Thanks!

Insta-moms last blog post..Bring on the BFL!

I’ve never heard another Mormon even PEEP the truth about this even when you are friends with them and ask.

They always say “nooooo that is a lie”.

See? Now I don’t even care anymore that someone finally told me what I was curious about.

Now, about why God makes us crave chocolate…got any answers for that?

Darlas last blog post..Crock pots, they’re more than just food warmers ya know!

Mormon to Mormon - wonderful explanation! I hope you were able to enjoy Conference this weekend, it was so uplifting. Modesty is hottesty!

Marty, Not everyone can buy them. You have to have a card called a Temple Recommend, (your ticket for enterance to the temple per say) inorder to purchase them from the LDS Church Stores.

Way to go! You have accomplished the task of taking something sacred and degrading it by using phrases like “Jesus jammies” and “bow chicka”. You could have simply kept it classy and stopped after directing everyone to a church website. I hope you get the hits on your blog you were hoping for.

Yes! Way to go Sweetie!(in a totally unsarcastic way unlike the above scolding) I loved your testimony and I loved your layman terms explanation. To me, it was classy. Classy does not mean you have to use fancy or biblical words. Classy means you keep your love for the sacred item evident (which you clearly did sunshine). Good job!

Classy doesn’t mean fancy or biblical. Classy is speaking of the Faith you have devoted yourself to in a correct way. ‘Jesus jammies’ is inappropriate. ‘bow chicka’ whatever. ‘our main man Jesus’ is disrespectful.

Casey, this is an excellent article for those not of our faith or for members who have not attended the temple yet. I think it should clear up any curiosity and misconceptions, and I hope that it engenders respect and understanding. Thank you for addressing the subject so well.

Mormon Sopranos last blog post..LDS (Mormon) Temple Update

Oh, casey, you can just never win, can you?

I have three things to admit:
1. I also googled them. I’m nosy.
2. I rarely ever read your comments from other posters but actually did today.
3. I believe that you sharing stuff like this makes ME a better person. Much of the world still has a lot of misconceptions about “Mormons” and because I know better, I can help other people to know better, too. I hope your critics realize that.

Butrfly Gardens last blog post..Impatient

From a fellow Latter-day Saint and your BFF…I think this post kicks well, @$$…and secondly…I let people look at mine all the time. I don’t think there is anything wrong with educating, and helping someone not of our faith understand what we wear and why we wear them. I would rather they know the truth than what they think is the truth…

Kims last blog post..Learning To Love Me Part 1

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