Latter-day Saints respond to news about sleeveless temple clothing

Around the time that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were cracking down on their members' treatment of temple clothing (sacred underwear that was supposed to be worn day and night), rumors began to circulate that in some hot areas new Sleeveless models would be tested.

This week, The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed all that talk. A Church spokesman did not comment on the details of when the new styles might be widely available, but that hasn't stopped many rank-and-file Latter-day Saints, particularly women, from cheering the change.

Others were less enthusiastic. Yes, the cap sleeves are gone, but the hem's retreat doesn't include the top of the shoulder, which remains mostly covered—an area that's largely exposed on sleeveless dresses and tops.

Some argue that the fuss over hemlines completely misses the point of the clothing, while more than a few roll their eyes because they think some, in their opinion, relatively minor adjustments represent “progress.”

Here are some reactions, excerpts from blogs, social media and interviews:

“The ecclesiastical authorities do not guide us by changing the garment; They follow us. I hope that every LDS woman understands the power we have. We, the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have caused this change. Congratulations on a job well done!”

—Blogger Lisa Torcasso Downing

“Does menopause count as a hot climate?”

— Susan Jenkins

“Historically, cuts and revisions can occur very close together.”

– Historian Jonathan Stapley

“The arm cut reduces the amount of excess fabric under the arm, making women's tops much more accessible. Shirts, blouses, and dresses that appear clothing-friendly are more likely to be clothing-friendly. …The largest and most significant impact of a garment redesign is how convenient it allows the wearer to find, purchase, and wear appropriate clothing in various situations and circumstances. And with this redesign, those impacts will only become apparent over time.”

— Researcher Laura Brignone

(Read the message about the Change of temple clothing.)

“Any change to something so central to the lives of faithful members inevitably raises questions about how to govern a global church made up of people in diverse regions and cultures.” When some principles change depending on location , what does this tell members about their eternal significance?”

– Historian Laurie Maffly Kipp

“I hope we're past our 'porn shoulder' phase. With this change in women's clothing it certainly seems so, for the Church must know that women will take advantage of this change and let their shoulders feel the kiss of the sun.”

— Religion News Service columnist Jana Riess

“No more porn shoulders? Shoulders are just shoulders now?”

— Laura Root

“As great as this is for future wives, for some reason it irritates me. Not that it happens, but probably because of the judgments and arguments I had for wearing sleeveless shirts.”

— Korrine Rindlisbacher

Here are some recent Salt Lake Tribune stories and Mormon Land podcasts about garments:

• Leaders modify temple recommendation questions to make it clear: There is no room for personal interpretation of clothing items.

• Who should decide when, where, and how often Latter-day Saints wear temple clothing?

• The Church reinforces this message: Wear your temple clothing every day.

• Body image and more – how temple clothing affects women mentally, physically and socially.

• What Latter-day Saint women like—and dislike—about wearing temple clothing.

• Increased focus on clothing and motherhood may not keep young women engaged in society.

• How much temple clothing costs – other than that 10%.

• Why it's OK to show photos of temple clothing.

• Why temple clothing could change again.