Garment Changes



In April 1923 the First Presidency formed a committee to investigate the origin of the garment and to recommend "reconsiderations" in their pattern.



The suggestion for the reconsideration apparently came because of Salt Lake Temple President George B. Richards's questions raised after a conversation with Sister Maria Dougall in October 1922. At that time he learned that Joseph Smith had not designed the garments and temple clothing.



In fact, a group of sisters led by Emma Smith and including Bathsheba Smith had fashioned both the garments and the temple clothing, and presented them to Joseph Smith for his approval. The collar on the garments had been put on because the sisters could think of no other way to finish it at the top, and they added ties because they had no buttons. The original cap in the temple clothing had looked something like a crown, but Joseph Smith had them redesign it to look more like a baker's cap.

- President George F. Richards Journal, October 11, 1922, April 5, 1923



On April 14, 1923, Temple President Richards discussed the garment design with the First Presidency. At that time, they considered such changes as removing the collar, using buttons, and allowing women to use elbow-length sleeves and shorter legs presumably to coordinate with women's fashions, which had changed considerably by the 1920s. On May 17, 1923, the entire council and First Presidency approved the new design.

- President George F. Richards Journal, April 14, May 17, 1923.



Here is that First Presidency Letter:



Heber J. Grant Letter Books; pp. 436, 437; 14 June 1923:



To Presidents of Stakes and of Temples.



Dear Brethren:



For some time past the First Presidency and Council of Twelve have had under consideration the propriety of permitting certain modification in the temple garment, with the following result:



After careful and prayerful consideration it was unanimously decided that the following modifications may be permitted, and a garment of the following style be worn by those Church members who wish to adopt it, namely:

(1) Sleeve to elbow.

(2) Leg just below knee.

(3) Buttons instead of strings.

(4) Collar eliminated.

(5) Crotch closed.