What do you think about the new styles of garments?
For those who don't know, the changes being referred to are a sleeveless option, and options that are meant to be worn underneath of skirts and dresses.
First, this is a good reminder that changes have happened in the past, and changes will happen in the future. Often we think the way things are is how they've always been and will always be.
Second, I think these changes are likely a result of women speaking up. The existing garments often didn't fit with modern fashions, plus they often caused irritation and infections. I've been hearing women speak up about this for years and finally they were heard. It's a reminder that speaking up is often the catalyst for change.
Third, many of the meanings people ascribe to the things at church is wrong. All those lessons were wrong that the garments define what is "modest" clothing. Think of all those parents who made a big deal that their little girls not wear the sundress that was a gift from grandma. I can think of youth dances where a visitor was pulled aside and given a wrap or a vest or shawl to cover their shoulders. There's been so much judgement and policing of what people wear (especially of what females wear) and turns out much of it is misguided.
Fourth, there have been surveys which show younger members often wear the garments intermittently, perhaps only when they go to church or to the temple. The LDS church has gone through several cycles of temple recommend interviews including a statement about wearing the garments night and day. Perhaps these changes are an attempt to make the garment easier to incorporate into daily wearing. Although, I wonder if the message people will take is that they were correct and it's okay to modify and personalize when and where and how to wear garments.
Fifth, these new styles will first become available in the Philippines and Africa where climates are warm and humid. I live in Florida and wearing garments here can be uncomfortable. When I attended school in Idaho and Utah, wearing garments was much more comfortable. I think this is yet one more way the church is acknowledging the membership who live outside the Mormon corridor of the western United States. I can't help but think these new styles will soon be the dominant option that people choose as they're a bit less restrictive and offer more flexibility in how you present yourself to the world.
Fifth, despite the variety of fabric options and now having sleeveless options, wearing temple garments can be a bit of a sacrifice. Perhaps one day we can apply the symbols onto the inside our own clothes and not have to deal with the limited selections of the garments. I read an idea that perhaps it would be more meaningful if we painted the garment symbols on our bodies each day, like a bindi. They may be onto something.
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