Judgment, Modesty, and Identity: Navigating Reactions to Garment Changes

In October 2024, changes to the temple garment and recent social media conversations brought a wide range of reactions from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. News that several new garment styles, including sleeveless tops, were being released in hot climates such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines sparked immediate reactions. Responses ranged from “I can’t wait!” to “This hurts!” and similar sentiments were common in conversations at work, in family chat threads, and across social media platforms.

The reactions reveal a wide spectrum of perspectives within the church community. Is it possible that our reactions to the change offer some insight as to how judgment might play a significant role in how we live our faith?

For some, excitement over new fashion options was the dominant response. These individuals are eager to embrace the possibilities the changes bring, appreciating the aesthetic appeal while also remaining fully committed to wearing garments regardless of style. This reaction, though overwhelmingly positive, tends to reflect an easygoing outlook—people whose faith is not shaken by outward changes, as their core beliefs remain firmly intact either way.

On the other end of the spectrum are those who have already distanced themselves from garment-wearing, using their clothing choices as a form of protest against church culture. For some in this group, the introduction of new garment styles complicates their ability to signal nonconformity. Some may harbor latent resentment, feeling that these changes arrived too late—after they had already made their choice to leave or distance themselves from the Church. Their response likely holds a complex blend of frustration and indifference, as the garment no longer pertains to them, but, at the same time, somehow, it still bothers them.

Will some of them return to explore the possibilities now? Or will some who struggle feel more inclined to wear garments with greater regularity, given a wider range of comfort and fashion options? It’s encouraging to imagine that these changes might deepen faith for some. This hopeful possibility illustrates how small, thoughtful adjustments can bring about greater inclusivity and devotion.

For some who are more activist in their approach, the new garment styles are seen as a validation of their efforts, interpreting the change as a victory for causes they have championed. For them, it likely represents a step forward and hope for change on other issues. However, while this enthusiasm may be understandable, it overlooks possible deeper spiritual reasons behind any change within the Church. Rather than being a response to external pressures, these adjustments more likely come from a sacred process that reflects ongoing efforts to meet the needs of members while preserving the spiritual significance of many aspects of our faith. Recognizing this nuance allows for a more thoughtful, self-reflective advocacy.

Lastly, there is a group who are grappling with how these changes affect long-held teachings about modesty. For many, the garment has served as a tangible standard of modesty, and this shift challenges understanding of those details. This group is wondering how to explain these changes to others, feeling as though the foundation of consistent teachings has been unsettled without context or direction. This group represents those earnestly seeking a deeper understanding in their faith. Their response comes from a place of sincere dedication to the values they’ve cherished, and their desire for clarity and consistency highlights the importance of thoughtful, open dialogue as changes are introduced.

Our Common Thread:  Judging and the Role of Righteous Judgment 

Within each of these groups, it is possible that judgments are made about others. People often assess one another based on thin slices of external markers such as modesty, fashion, rebellion, or activism. There are subtle and distinct ways to send signals, such as wearing rainbow or flag lapel pins. Many wear crosses to signify discipleship, though others see that as disrespectful. And, of course, there are judgments based on whether someone’s clothing indicates they are wearing garments.

This tendency reflects a broad human ability to make observations and a desire for safety, identity, and knowing “who is like me.” Doing so is natural and sometimes necessary for navigating social interactions and even for personal safety. However, just because something is considered natural doesn’t automatically excuse it. Indeed, there are many behaviors that could be categorized that way.

The Lord provides a higher, holier way of doing things, in this case, that of righteous judgment. Using righteous judgment and being judgmental can be considered two separate experiences. The desire of our own heart lies at the center of the difference. Righteous judgment involves discerning between good and evil, whereas being judgmental is more about casting blame, shame, or finding fault with others. Righteous judgment is used circumstantially to make observations, not to actually pass judgment on people in place of Christ. We are taught to discern situations and behaviors, not to condemn people because of them.

Righteous judgment is not about ignoring external signals that someone is maybe struggling with a certain doctrine or practice. Righteous judgment is about using love, empathy, and understanding to see beyond these signals. As Elder Hirst observed, “If someone we care about seems distant from a sense of divine love, we can follow this pattern—by doing things that bring us closer to God ourselves and then doing things that bring us closer to them.” 

It is not our place to look down or cast shame on individuals who may not be doing things in the way we feel they ought to or even the way that we have been instructed to by the prophet himself. Christ teaches the way to judge and tells us it is as plain as night and day. He offers this indication as counsel, “By their fruits ye shall know them,” and presents these questions to help our discernment, “Does it invite good and persuade belief in Christ?”  

Moving Beyond the Surface: Modesty, Identity, and Faith in the Modern World

Those feeling confusion—members who are struggling to pivot from the modesty standards they’ve long adhered to—are deeply affected by the changes. For them, garments have been more than just fabric; they have served as a powerful symbol of faith, representing obedience and modesty, and adopted as part of their identity as a covenant-keeping people. The shift feels unsettling because it touches on something they have deeply integrated into both their spiritual and daily lives.

Changes to something so intimate can naturally stir feelings of uncertainty. In those first moments, we may wonder if the meaning is shifting, too. Ultimately, we come to recognize that while the outward form may change, the sacredness and purpose behind it do not. This announcement comes with an opportunity to revisit personal understanding of why one wears the garment and what it truly represents, inviting a deeper understanding of modesty and sacred identity. Ultimately, we understand that modesty isn’t only about covering our bodies in a specific way but about how we carry ourselves, how we view our bodies, and how we honor the covenants we have made to wear the garment.

It’s natural to feel a sense of loss when familiar practices change. But we are reminded time and again that it is the Lord who leads His Church through ongoing revelation. Just as temple practices and ordinances have adapted over time, this change in the garment invites us to trust in His direction while staying grounded in the eternal principles that have not changed. Sometimes, things change to help us better live the principles we’ve been taught. 

Perhaps one of them is empathy, to view each other with charity—to righteously judge ourselves, our faith, and others around us. Through this process, we can signal our discipleship and a higher, holier way of facing changes and navigating our reactions to them. Because, after all, there’s likely more coming.