This is the big one, Elizabeth! Need advice on temple dresses.

[applepansy]

Wow! So much good advice! I didn't even think about the soles of shoes being white. I feel better about getting the cute slippers with the beading now. And static! Who woulda thought? I think cotton is a going to be a better choice than polyester just because cotton smooths out the little lumps and bumps and poly shows every imperfection. And the slips with the pockets...they think of everything, don't they.

I saw the hankies and fans for sale - is it that much of an ordeal? Does everyone cry like on fast Sunday? : )

About pictures - obviously I can't take them in the temple, but will there be a point where I can take them in my temple dress or is that not allowed? I don't see that I would have it on in a place where I can take pictures unless I put it on again after leaving the locker room.

What is the envelope for? And I know the temple has garments, but can't I bring my own? A friend and I are going to purchase some this week (I can't get them on my own until I'm endowed); can't I bring a set of those?

And in other news, in today's mail I received a picture of myself and my missionaries at my baptism with 'Happy 1 Year Anniversary' printed across the bottom. I haven't heard from this elder since he left, so it was a surprise that he would think of me on my anniversary. There are three of them who were instrumental in my conversion and are still in our mission area. They have all expressed an interest in attending with me, so if one or all of them can come, that will be great.

Thanks, Iggy for the Woman Within reference. Now I have a better idea of what size to order.

btw - I will be going to Nauvoo, about 2 hrs away, not Chicago.

Thanks again, everybody.

Yes there are places for taking pictures. :)

About garments: You need to bring your own unopened pair of garments for your own endowment. You can purchase the garments on your own as soon as you have a temple recommend. I'm glad you have a friend to help you. Is she going to be your escort too?

The only garments the temple provides are the ones used for Baptism for the Dead. And...last I heard there was talk of not providing those any more. They are only worn while baptisms are being performed and then sent to the laundry. The temple does a LOT of laundry.

[Maureen]

Are you contemplating being baptised LDS??

No - I was just wondering to myself. :)

M.

[dahlia]

BTW, I'm not sure how many people actually understood the title of your thread, but I did. I kept seeing this black lady (since you are a woman) clutching her chest and exclaiming in a raspy voice, "This is the big one! I'm a-coming!"

Gosh, I hope I haven't dated myself too much!

I have to admit, it's pretty much what I feel like. It is so nerve-wracking!

[dahlia]

Yes there are places for taking pictures. :)

About garments: You need to bring your own unopened pair of garments for your own endowment. You can purchase the garments on your own as soon as you have a temple recommend. I'm glad you have a friend to help you. Is she going to be your escort too?

Yes, she will be my escort. She's shown me different garments in different materials, I just need to buy a couple of sets now (I guess keeping one unopened) and I think you need a full recommend to buy them. I haven't had that interview with the bishop yet. So much to do - it's like a wedding without the food!

Jason_J When will you be ready for your endowment? Soon, or do I have the timing off? Maybe in another 6 months?

[Jason_J]

Jason_J When will you be ready for your endowment? Soon, or do I have the timing off? Maybe in another 6 months?

Yes, soon! Temple prep is starting, and the bishop would like to meet with me every other week to go over things. He said I can set a date and prayerfully choose an escort. I was confirmed on Feb 20th, so I'm thinking February 25th! Have you chosen a date for your endowment yet?

[applepansy]

Yes, she will be my escort. She's shown me different garments in different materials, I just need to buy a couple of sets now (I guess keeping one unopened) and I think you need a full recommend to buy them. I haven't had that interview with the bishop yet. So much to do - it's like a wedding without the food!

Jason_J When will you be ready for your endowment? Soon, or do I have the timing off? Maybe in another 6 months?

yes, you need the .... brain fog .... recommend for first endowment.

[dahlia]

Yes, soon! Temple prep is starting, and the bishop would like to meet with me every other week to go over things. He said I can set a date and prayerfully choose an escort. I was confirmed on Feb 20th, so I'm thinking February 25th! Have you chosen a date for your endowment yet?

Well, we woke up today to a lot of snow and it's still snowing. Of course, this is January, and I had expected such, but we've had no snow so far, and 50 degree days, and some of us were hoping it would continue!

Considering the weather, I am hesitant to pick a date. Maybe the end of this month if we have some breaks, or in February. I don't want anyone driving for 2 hours in the snow.

[dahlia]

Maybe this is TMI, but my garments arrived today. I got the poly-cotton ones in several sizes, with the plan being to try on the smallest size and then I'd know which of the larger sizes I'd need.

Well, I fit the smaller sizes, so I will probably have wiggle room in the next size up - as long as the bottoms don't fall down!

The fabric is fine for this weather, but I wonder if people wear it all year? It can get a little warm out here in the summer and I wonder if I should splurge for one of those a Dri Lux or DriSilque top? The info page says that the nylon mesh is good for hot climates, but it felt strange to me. Any females use that material in the summer?

I've got my appointment with the bishop this Sunday and am planning on going to the temple late this month or early next. Yay me!

[Dravin]

The fabric is fine for this weather, but I wonder if people wear it all year? It can get a little warm out here in the summer and I wonder if I should splurge for one of those a Dri Lux or DriSilque top? The info page says that the nylon mesh is good for hot climates, but it felt strange to me. Any females use that material in the summer?

If it feels strange it feels strange, but I like nylon mesh (I'm too lazy to have summer and winter garments though so I wear them in the winter too). Prior to wearing the nylon mesh I did DriLux*, which work extremely well for dry environments but I found they became clingy and slow to dry in hot humid environments compared to the nylon mesh.

Can't comment on any female considerations obviously but that's my thoughts on nylon mesh and DriLux.

*It should be noted that the DriLux come with instructions to not use fabric softener. The nylon mesh has no such care restriction on them. So if you really love your Downy...

Edited February 10, 2012 by Dravin

[jayanna]

I love the drilux, though your climate might be a bit more damp than here. I have very very hot summers, almost the entire summer last year was over 100 deg. Also remember on the Drilux not to use fabric softener. The softener gums up the tiny holes that make it breathe right.

I tend to go a size smaller on garments, and a size bigger on clothes to go over them.

I'm so excited for you!

Edited February 10, 2012 by jayanna

[dahlia]

I have an appointment for my endowments on March 3. I can't believe how nervous I was calling the temple!

[applepansy]

I have an appointment for my endowments on March 3. I can't believe how nervous I was calling the temple!

Congratulations! try to relax and enjoy. Then go back as often as possible.

[Hala401]

Well gang, in another week, I will have been a member for a year. Yay! I was just on the lds.org site, planning to buy a dress, but I have no idea how they run. I'm plump, but not big busted. I know what sizes I can wear from Penney's and Macy's, for example, but wonder if I should get the next size up (actually it will be 2 sizes, they way they run). I don't want anything to cling, but I don't want to be swimming in it either.

Any suggestions? Also, how about the slip? Does it run true to size or small? Would I be better off trying to find a long slip elsewhere?

I gotta tell you all, my stomach turns knots every time I think about the temple. I thought that shopping would help me get over some of my nerves.

There are some lovely Temple Dresses at DI for less than $10. It is what I will use. :)

[LDSJewess]

Congratulations Dahlia,

Althpugh I have permanently move South my endowments were at the Chicago Temple and it's beautiful!

As for clothing, I tend to be an online or mail order shopper, and I don't wear one piece dresses well because of size variations (4 bottom and 12 top). So two piece skirts and tops work best.

Agree with other posters about a pocket in the dress or skirt. Also some slips meant for Temple wear have a pocket in the hem of the skirt which is useful.

My favorite website for Temple wear is called White Elegance dot com. They have a lot of photos, and also the ladies on the toll free number are always very helpful with measurements and sizing.

My shoes are a plain white pair of ballerina flats which have a sole where they could be worn outdoors but I use them exclusively for Temple. Or there are totes slippers some with lace and beads. A lady on eBay carrys a variety of them which are title under "wedding slippers" in the word search.

I wish you much happiness.

[Jezebel2011]

Maybe this is TMI, but my garments arrived today. I got the poly-cotton ones in several sizes, with the plan being to try on the smallest size and then I'd know which of the larger sizes I'd need.

Well, I fit the smaller sizes, so I will probably have wiggle room in the next size up - as long as the bottoms don't fall down!

The fabric is fine for this weather, but I wonder if people wear it all year? It can get a little warm out here in the summer and I wonder if I should splurge for one of those a Dri Lux or DriSilque top? The info page says that the nylon mesh is good for hot climates, but it felt strange to me. Any females use that material in the summer?

I've got my appointment with the bishop this Sunday and am planning on going to the temple late this month or early next. Yay me!

I love the DriSilque garments :)

[Hala401]

I love the DriSilque garments :)

I have a while to wait for Temple privileges:whip:, and no one has talked to me about the garments, but I thought I had heard that you only wear them at the Temple?

In Islam, there was lots of variation around the "norm", as far as clothing. I saw it as a sort of game where the most conservative dressers were super spiritual. I always observed Hijab, but there was always someone who was "more perfect". :whip

[LDSJewess]

@Dahlia, as per garments most sisters I know and even those wh post here seem to prefer the DriSilque fabrication. My favorite by far is the Carinessa II fabrication and style which differs slightly but works perfectly for my comfort and lifestyle. The fabric is a light poly spandex blend that fits more clingy than other garments and actually like a second skin. The tops also have no seam across the bust and has a slight gathering or ruching at the sides of the bust line which has a much smoother fit under seamless tee shirts. I wear a lot of work out wear such as dri fit leknee length or capri length leggings and spandex tops and the Carninessa II simply has the fit and feel of lining under clothing. I also live in a year round warm/hot (Florida) climate and I also spend a lot of time in the Caribbean, and I find thsat the garments are just a part of me and I would not likely be either warmer or cooler not wearing them. Sizing can vary but when I buy online at the lds website, I call the toll free number and found the staff to be extremily helpful with sizing. I don't like "wiggle room" because I like the snug second skin feel and fit but find the sizing to be pretty accurate. I'm 5'7 and long leg short waisted in proportion, Reg size 4/6 jeans and 10 12 tops and jackets so I wear XS-A bottom and Med-P on top and it works perfectly. I think the Carnessa tops run just slightly larger because I have worn a Large-P in Dri Silque ok, but the Large in Carninessa slide off the shoulders at times. You will find what works for you.

@Hala401 Actually you need to wear your gamrnets Day and Night which will be part of your interview. They are constant reminders of your covenants. The exception would be swimming of course or in sports events where uniforms or some sports clothing may not conceal your garments or cause undue soiling such as on sports teams etc:

Some new Temple goers may need to adjust their wardrobe to acomodate their garments however, I find the blessings received from being in the Temple far out weigh giving up sleeveless tops or shorter skirts and shorts.

[Vort]

I have a while to wait for Temple privileges:whip:, and no one has talked to me about the garments, but I thought I had heard that you only wear them at the Temple?

"The garment" refers to the garment of the holy Priesthood, worn underneath your clothing at all times. It is an undergarment, not exposed for viewing by or mockery of the world. There are also other clothes you wear only when you are at the temple, but these are not "the garment". They are just special, symbolic temple clothes.

[Hala401]

Um, well that just shows you what I know. :)

OK, so I don't know any name for them but some of the slang terms, but I thought that both genders wear tops and bottoms of spiritual significance, though no one has spoken of them to me yet.

I almost always have my arms, neck and ankles covered, so no one would know anyhow.

[LDSJewess]

Hala401, It can seem a little confusing because the terminology can seem so similar.

Temple wear often referred to as Temple "clothing" "dresses" etc: are indeed worn at the Temple. Some of these clothing items can also be worn as street clothing to church, work, or other appropriate places. There are many examples of this cothing online such as Ebay, and the lds dot org website and also two nice sites called dressed in white dot com and my fave white elegance dot com. For men it's white shoes or slippers, socks, trousers, dress long sleeve shirts, ties and jackets that look like any other strrt wear but are all white. For women the attire is also white and would include white socks (knee highs are great), white shoes or slippers, slips for modesty, and a full length dress or skirt and top that would have a full length floor length skirt, long sleeves to the wrist and a modest neckline. There are many fabrics and styles from plain dresses, to suits and skirts and tops that have lace and some beading but not overly embellished.

When people refer to Temple "Garments" they are generally referring to under glothing that is worn day and night both in and out of the Temple under regular clothing. And yes these garments are sacred and you will learn about them when you go to the temple. Without detail information, these garments are white, come in a variety of fabrics, and they do not come to ankles or wrists. Think in terms of knee length "bike shorts" and cap sleeve camisole type tops. They can be worn under any modest street wear including knee length shorts, skirts, cap sleeve tee shirts. Just not sleeveless, strapless or backless tops, or shorter shorts and skirts. Nothing mysterious, but are sacred and have spiritual significance in that the wearing of them and their symbolism are reminders of the wear of them covenants that we make. The reason detailed discussion is private to the outside world is that when people lack understanding, they tend to make up their own myths and legends, or tend to ridicule what is considered sacred.

The other items that are worn only at the Temple arer sacred items that are more like accessories than what I would term "clothing" and yes are of spiritual signifance.

It can seem confusing but in reality it is not. Although the clothing etc: does have significance, the blessings of the Temple are far beyond the articles of clothing worn.

[Hala401]

I don't wish to sound sacrilegious or anything. I don't understand the idea of the Temple or special clothing but I have learned that rather than say it is silly or I don't believe in it, I have learned to just put so many things on the shelf and wait until I do understand.

Right now, I am struggling to addapt to a new cultural experence for me. Prayer is very special to me, as is service to others. The rest, I just do not know about. The LDS culture is very different to me; about as different as adapting to Muslim culture was. Of course, I was Muslim in America only, so did not experience some of the cultural/tribal things that Muslims in other countries do.

So far, I have no issues with LDS culture and everyone has been gentle and kind, though I am warned that there are those out there who are "having a bad day".

[Just_A_Guy]

The other items that are worn only at the Temple arer sacred items that are more like accessories than what I would term "clothing" and yes are of spiritual signifance.

I don't think it's going too far afield to just refer to the ritual clothing/accessories as "temple robes". So you have your temple garments (worn underneath your regular clothing), your temple clothing (regular formal-but white-clothing that you change into once you get into the temple), and temple robes (which you put on over your temple clothing during certain parts of the temple liturgy).

[dahlia]

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous, I hope I can sleep tonight.

I was just thinking, when I make it to the Celestial Room, my friends and Elders will be there, dressed in white. Now, I have no idea if we wear white on the other side, but for now, we will all be alike, like shining spirits together. It's kinda neat to think about.

[Hala401]

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous, I hope I can sleep tonight.

I was just thinking, when I make it to the Celestial Room, my friends and Elders will be there, dressed in white. Now, I have no idea if we wear white on the other side, but for now, we will all be alike, like shining spirits together. It's kinda neat to think about.

I see you with all the dignity of a child of Heavenly Father.

[Jason_J]

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous, I hope I can sleep tonight.

I was just thinking, when I make it to the Celestial Room, my friends and Elders will be there, dressed in white. Now, I have no idea if we wear white on the other side, but for now, we will all be alike, like shining spirits together. It's kinda neat to think about.

Enjoy! I didn't really sleep much the night before. Just remember, don't try to memorize everything, you won't need to remember anything at all, there will always be people to guide you. It really is a great experience, and remember that you're in the House of the Lord (I love that concept).