The LDS Church announced new clothing guidelines for LDS Missionaries. Here are a few changes to clothing guidelines for missionaries.

New Clothing Guidelines for LDS Missionaries

Elders may wear lighter-colored suits.

Elders may wear lighter-colored pants/slacks.

Elders may wear ties of more vibrant colors- such as pink and pastel-colored ties.

In some missions, missionaries are allowed to wear closed-toe sandals.

Elders are not required to wear suit coats during their daily missionary routine.

General LDS Missionary Clothing Guidelines

“Wear professional, conservative clothing that is consistent with your sacred calling and that will clearly identify you as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” – LDS Missionary Website

“You should strive to look your best. Be neat and clean. Keep your clothes clean, mended, and pressed. Do not wear clothing that is casual, wrinkled, or sloppy.” – LDS Missionary Website

During exercise and physical service activities, “Do not wear clothing with slogans or logos that are not consistent with your calling as a missionary. ” – LDS Missionary Website

Online Reactions to New Missionary Clothing Guidelines

“It seems there are very little restrictions on the Sisters clothing other than being modest. The make up is a bit restricted as well as hair coloring. I believe they’ve become a little too flashy at times.” – Mike

“Cool. Glad they are updating! Dark suits have connotations in some countries (ie mob ties, federal officials, etc). We want the missionaries to look professional, yet approachable. Yay!” – Bacan

“This is a good idea. When I served in WA and would go on the Indian Reservations a lot of people thought we were from the government and would be terrified of us. Or maybe they were just terrified of Missionaries…haha Either way this is a good idea, I know my friend in Russia always seemed to get into some problems when walking the streets in a dark suite and tie.” – Gladware

Mission-Specific Clothing Guidelines

Mission Presidents can choose to prohibit certain clothing for missionaries in their mission, according to their discretion.

As stated above, only some LDS Missions (where it is appropriate for the climate and culture) allow missionaries to wear closed-toe sandals.

While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has given Elders more choices for their slacks and suits, the majority of clothing guidelines remain the same. The overall purpose for missionary clothing guidelines remains the same- to help missionaries appropriately represent the Savior and not distract from the sacred message they carry.

For more information visit the LDS Church’s Official Missionary Dress and Grooming Website.

*Featured image from LDS.org Grooming Website.

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