How to Choose a Temple Dress: Fabric, Fit & What the Church Actually Requires

Shopping for a white temple dress can feel surprisingly overwhelming. There are dozens of options, lots of opinions, and — if it's your first time — a lot of unknowns. Let's simplify it. Here's exactly what the Church requires, what actually matters when it comes to fabric and fit, and how to find a dress you'll love wearing every time you go to the temple.

For women, the handbook specifies either:

• A white long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve dress
• Or a white skirt with a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve blouse
• White shoes or slippers

This means a dress isn't your only option. Temple separates can also be a practical choice, especially if you prefer mixing sizes, adding layers, or creating a more flexible temple wardrobe.

That's it. Everything else — the specific style, the brand, the neckline (as long as it's modest and covers the temple garment), the fabric type, the hem length — is your personal choice. The simplicity of the requirement is actually freeing: you have a lot of room to find something that's truly comfortable and beautiful for you.

Fabric is the single most important factor in temple dress comfort — and it's the thing most women wish someone had told them before their first purchase. Here's our honest assessment:

Best choices

•        Cotton — breathable, soft, easy to care for. Best for warm climates and summer temple visits.

•        Linen — lightweight and beautiful, but wrinkles easily. Perfect for warm-weather wear.

•        Cotton-modal blend — incredibly soft, drapes beautifully, holds its shape. Our top pick for everyday temple wear.

•        Bamboo fabric — moisture-wicking and silky smooth. Excellent for those who run warm.

Use with care

•        Chiffon — beautiful but often sheer. Must be fully lined. Can feel delicate.

•        Polyester — durable and affordable, but can feel hot. Look for breathable weaves.

•        Lace — stunning as an accent, but scratchy as a primary fabric. Look for lace overlay with soft lining underneath.

Avoid

•        Unlined sheer fabric — not permitted per official guidelines and uncomfortable

•        Stiff, structured fabrics — you'll be sitting, kneeling, and moving through the temple for hours

•        Fabrics that wrinkle badly — packing and traveling to the temple is much easier with wrinkle-resistant options

A temple dress that doesn't fit well will distract you from the spiritual experience you're there for. Here's how to get it right:

How to measure yourself

•        Bust — measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor

•        Waist — measure around your natural waist, about an inch above your belly button

•        Hips — measure around the fullest part of your hips, usually 7-9 inches below your waist

•        Length — measure from your shoulder to where you want the hem to fall

Fit tips specific to temple dresses

•        The dress should move with you easily — you'll be sitting, standing, and possibly kneeling

•        Check that sleeves reach your wrists comfortably without pulling

•        Confirm the neckline stays in place when you move — a slight scoop or jewel neckline works well

•        If in doubt between two sizes, size up — comfort matters more than the number on the tag

Before you add to cart, run through this quick checklist:

1. Breathable fabric — temple visits can last several hours. You want to be comfortable the entire time.

2. Sleeve coverage — long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve per official guidelines. Make sure sleeves aren't see-through.

3. Lined fabric — if there's any lace, chiffon, or sheer element, confirm the product description mentions a lining.

4. Graceful silhouette — A-line, empire waist, and flowy maxi styles move beautifully and feel reverent. Avoid overly fitted or structured styles.

5. Easy care — check the washing instructions. Machine-washable dresses are a practical blessing for regular temple attendance.

Does my temple dress have to be floor-length?

Floor length is the most common and traditional choice, and many women find it the most reverent. However, the Church requirement is simply that the dress is modest — there's no specific hem length mandated. Midi-length dresses (below the knee) can be appropriate depending on the style. When in doubt, floor-length is always the safe and elegant choice.

Can I wear a slip under my temple dress?

Yes, and for many dresses it's a good idea — especially with lighter fabrics. A white slip adds an extra layer of modesty and can make the dress more comfortable against your skin.

What shoes should I wear?

White shoes (not worn outside the temple) or white slippers are standard. Look for something flat or low-heeled, comfortable for walking through the temple, and closed-toe. Many women prefer simple white ballet flats or low block heels. Some temples sell or have white slippers available.

Can a temple dress be ivory or off-white?

The General Handbook specifies white clothing for endowment and sealing ordinances but does not further define acceptable shades of white in Section 38.5.1. In my own experience attending the temple, the temple dresses I have seen have been a true, bright white rather than ivory or cream. Because individual circumstances can vary, if you're considering a dress that isn't clearly white, I recommend checking with the temple before purchasing.

Can I rent temple clothing instead?

Some temples offer clothing rental, but many do not. The Church encourages members to purchase their own temple clothing. It's worth calling your local temple in advance to ask about availability if you're not ready to purchase.

How many temple dresses do I need?

Most regularly attending members own one to three dresses. If you go weekly or bi-weekly, having two dresses allows you to rotate while one is being washed. If you're just starting out, one well-chosen dress is perfectly sufficient.