The Symbolism of White Clothing in Latter-day Saint Temple Worship

In Latter-day Saint temples, participants wear white clothing as a symbol of purity, equality, and commitment during sacred ordinances.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Aug 21, 2026

Branched from Preparing for Your First Visit to a Latter-day Saint Temple

Quick take

White clothing in Latter-day Saint temples symbolizes purity and cleanliness before God.
It represents equality among all participants, removing worldly distinctions.
Wearing white signifies a commitment to sacred covenants made in the temple.
This practice helps create a reverent atmosphere focused on spiritual unity.

In Latter-day Saint temples, participants wear simple white clothing during sacred worship and ordinances. This practice is distinct from everyday attire and is deeply symbolic, aiming to enhance the spiritual experience and reinforce core beliefs about purity, equality, and commitment to divine covenants.

A Symbol of Purity and Cleanliness

White is universally associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness. In the temple, wearing white signifies a desire to enter God's presence with a clean heart and hands, free from the defilements and distractions of the world. It acts as a visual and personal reminder to strive for a higher standard of living and to approach sacred matters with reverence and personal righteousness.

Promoting Equality and Unity

When all participants wear identical, simple white clothing, distinctions of social status, wealth, nationality, or background are set aside. This practice fosters a profound sense of equality and unity, emphasizing that everyone is equal before God. It helps create an atmosphere where humility prevails, and the focus shifts from worldly differences to shared spiritual purpose and identity as children of God.

Representing Sacred Covenants

The white clothing also symbolizes the sacred covenants, or promises, participants make with God in the temple. It represents a commitment to live a consecrated life, to follow divine principles, and to keep those promises. It serves as a visual and tangible expression of dedication and a solemn reminder of the seriousness and sacredness of the ordinances performed and the commitments undertaken.

This practice is not merely a tradition but a fundamental element that enhances the spiritual experience within the temple. It helps members prepare their minds and hearts, focus on the divine purpose of the temple, and feel a deeper connection to the principles and ordinances being taught and enacted. It applies whenever members participate in temple worship, helping to elevate their thoughts and actions toward sacred ends.

More Than Just Clothing

The act of changing into white clothing is part of the preparation process for temple worship.
This symbolic attire helps participants leave worldly concerns behind and focus on spiritual matters.
It reinforces the idea that the temple is a holy place, set apart from the world.

Do I have to bring my own white clothing to the temple?

While members can bring their own temple-appropriate white clothing, temples also provide clothing rental services, ensuring that all participants can wear the symbolic attire regardless of their personal circumstances.

Is the white clothing special, like religious robes?

The white clothing is simple and modest, consisting of dresses, suits, or trousers and shirts, all in white. It is not elaborate or ornate, reinforcing the themes of humility and equality. Special ceremonial clothing is worn over this attire during certain ordinances.

Can non-members wear white clothing in the temple?

Only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a current temple recommend are permitted to enter the temple and wear white clothing for ordinances. Non-members are welcome to visit the temple grounds and visitor centers.

Does the specific style of white clothing matter?

While the clothing must be white and modest, the specific style is less important than the symbolic meaning behind wearing it. The emphasis is on simplicity, cleanliness, and uniformity, rather than fashion or personal preference.

Why white, specifically, and not another color?

White has ancient and widespread religious connotations of purity, light, and holiness. Its use in Latter-day Saint temples connects to these universal symbols, emphasizing the desire to approach God in a state of spiritual cleanliness and devotion.