Institutional Control and Double Standards: Garment History
Historically, members had the freedom to make their own garments from approved patterns or mark their own store-bought underwear. Over time, the patriarchal institution tightened its control, eventually establishing Beehive Clothing as the sole approved manufacturer and cutting off personal production avenues.
Nancy Ross & Jessica Finnigan shared their survey findings with the LDS Church’s correlation research division, whose researchers were shocked by several revelations. Most notably, they were surprised to learn that the physical toll of wearing garments was the primary reason some women left the Church, completely flipping the standard narrative that members leave due to a loss of faith or taking offense. Researchers were also struck by the finding that poorly fitting garments caused severe psychological distress, leading some women to believe their bodies were simply “not good enough for God.”
Don’t miss our other conversations Nancy Ross: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nancy-ross/
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Gospel Tangents
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CHAPTERS
0:00 How LDS Researchers Received the Survey on garments
5:55 Making Your Own Garments
13:59 Evolution of garments
The authors also highlight a stark historical double standard regarding modifications: the Church readily accommodated military men by creating new khaki or colored garments for their uniforms, but when women requested design changes for health or physical comfort, their concerns were frequently dismissed as secular “vanity”.
Century of Design Evolution: Garment History
The segment traces the slow arc of garment modernization: 1923 Updates:
- The Church allowed stretchy, knitted fabrics for the first time, shortened sleeves to the elbow and legs to the knee, and replaced string ties with buttons.
- 1930s Internal Report: The church commissioned a report to gauge members’ desires for further updates.
While many suggestions were adopted, the push for sleeveless garments was rejected.
The Swimsuit Designer (1960s–1979):
Church President David O. McKay consulted Rosemary Reid, a famous swimsuit designer, to help make garments look less like 19th-century “polygamy underwear.” Reid emphasized that women desperately needed two-piece options, a design the church eventually adopted and distributed in 1979 and 1980.
Modern Tweaks (2010s–Present):
The Church has introduced further modernizations like period garments, half-slips, and sleeveless options. However, the authors note that the constant minor “tweaking” of lengths and materials causes frustration for members who struggle to find a consistent fit when buying new garments.
Don’t miss our other conversations Nancy Ross: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nancy-ross/
Copyright © 2026
Gospel Tangents
All Rights Reserved
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