"The Garment of Holy Priesthood (Garment, Regulation Garment, Temple Garment) is distinguished as the only article of Temple clothing members are expected to wear outside the Temple confines. It represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the garden of Eden. It is an undergarment with religious significance and has four symbols known as the "Marks of the Holy Priesthood" sewn into it. Over the left breast is "the mark of the compass"; over the right breast is "the mark of the square"; over the navel is a mark, and another appears over the right knee (the latter two are one-inch horizontal lines). These marks remind the wearer of the covenants assumed in the temple ritual. There are currently a variety of Church-approved Garment styles available for wear (manufactured by the LDS-owned Beehive Clothing Mills). Garments are currently available in one-piece (ankle-length, long sleeve; ankle-length, short sleeve; button front; knee-length, short sleeve) and two-piece styles, some of which are available in square back, V-back, crew neck, maternity and nursing varieties. They may be made of cotton, polyester, nylon, nylon-mesh, rayon and/or rayon-nylon (Bemberg) fabrics. Early Garments were reportedly made of unbleached muslin and/or cotton."

Brother _______, having authority, I place this Garment upon you [for and in behalf of ______, who is dead], which you must wear throughout your life. It represents the Garment given unto Adam when he was found naked in the Garden of Eden, and is called the Garment of the Holy Priesthood. Inasmuch as you do not defile it, but are true and faithful to your covenants, it will be a shield and a protection to you against the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work here on earth. WIth this Garment I give you an New Name, which you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal except at a certain place which will be shown you hereafter. The name is "______."

Brother ______, having authority, I give you a New Name, for and in behalf of ____, (patron and the worker read name of deceased), who is dead, which you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter. The name is "_______".

"It is doubtful that most non-Mormons have any idea that Mormons wear "sacred" or secret underwear. There is nothing in their life that would equate to wearing regulation underwear and the fear, guilt, keeping up appearances, sneaking to take them off, not telling a spouse, associated with wearing them.

Just the idea that human beings are not acceptable unless dressed in regulation underwear must seem absolutely bizarre to outsiders.

How crazy is it to be afraid to take off your underwear, be seen not wearing it, and how a spouse has to power to destroy your personal temple clothing if you are not "worthy" in their eyes.

I maintain that the most powerful thing Mormonism does to control it's members by fear, guilt, and shame is the regulation underwear!

The impact is so powerful, the worse kind of entrapment, that the only way for me to deal with the insidious, control and mistreatment is with humor. I can look back and have a good laugh at how silly and goofy I was and how ridiculous I looked standing in front of the mirror in that silly old fashioned underwear!

The major thing that sets Mormons apart from all other religions is the regulation underwear.

What we will do to be acceptable in our social approval group is unlimited.

Their power is so subtle that taking them off permanently is not only psychologically difficult, it is physically difficult as well. The combination of those two factors is what gives Mormonism egregious, unfathomable, total control over it's members. If you tell a Mormon they are controlled by their underwear, they will vehemently deny it."

"A matter that has caused much talk, and has been a great trial to many occurred this month. The general authorities announced that certain changes might be made in the garments given in the Temple. The collar could be left off, buttons used instead of string, the sleeves shortened almost to the elbow, and the legs shortened to just below the knee. They may also be closed in the crotch. The essential thing was to retain the marks. The old Temple workers were dreadfully shocked at these changes for Pres. Jos. F. Smith had been so positive against mutilating the garments in the least degree, and had sent the sisters home who had come there with shortened sleeves and legs, and had instructed Bishops and Stake Presidents to see to it that all who come to the Temple wear correct garments. Now such sweeping changes are allowed that the faith of many is shaken.

"It seems that the prevailing fashions require the women to wear short skirts, short sleeves, and low necks to their dresses, and it is impossible to wear the old cut of garment with the present style of dress without showing the garment in an unseemly manner. Therefore, many of the young people who do not understand the value or meaning of the garment are induced to get married outside the Temple rather than have to wear it. With these liberties it was thought that more young people would be married in the temple."