Mormon Missionary Grooming and Attire Standards

Mormon missionaries are taught that they are representatives of the Lord and should look and act in a way that will represent to others this idea. A missionary that has appropriate grooming standards will more easily gain the respect and trust of others.

Both male and female missionaries are asked to dress conservatively. Men are asked to wear white shirts, ties, and business suits in conservative colors, while proselyting or in meetings. Women are asked to wear conservative colored dresses and skirts that cover the knees. Female missionaries should not wear pants. These rules should be followed at all times unless missionaries are told to do otherwise by a mission president. The climate in some countries, or political unrest, dictate a change in the customary attire.

High grooming standards are also encouraged. A Mormon (LDS) Missionary is asked to remember to bathe frequently, use deodorant, polish his shoes, and keep his clothes clean, mend any clothes that need repair, and iron wrinkled clothing. Male missionaries are asked to keep their hair cut above the collar and ears; they are also asked not to grow moustaches, beards, and sideburns below the middle of the ear. Female missionaries are encouraged to choose hairstyles that are conservative and can be easily maintained.

Every missionary who is called by the Mormon Church is sent a list of clothing items that should be taken on a mission. It varies slightly depending on where a missionary is going and what type of mission he will be serving; for male missionaries, it is recommended that they have:

• Appropriate exercise clothing
• At least one suit; in areas where it is cold at least part of the year two suits are suggested
• Between ten and twelve white shirts with long or short sleeves depending on the climate of the mission
• Five or six dark colored dress slacks
• Five or six ties
• Between eight and ten dark pairs of socks
• Two pairs of dark, thick soled shoes
• Eight to ten pairs of undergarments
• Pajamas and slippers
• Winter boots for cold climates
• A dark rain coat
• Two sweaters in dark colors that match suits with a v-neck for cold climates
• Umbrella
• Shower shoes
• Personal toiletries
• A set of winter accessories such as gloves, scarf, and hat for cold climates
• Set of clothing for service work or preparation day activities; pants must be full length

For female missionaries it is recommended that they have:

• Four or five matching outfits such as skirts and blouses or dresses
• Twelve pairs of nylons
• Two to three pairs of conservative shoes that are comfortable
• One pair of dress shoes for Church meetings
• Eight to Ten pairs of undergarments
• Slips and other underclothing such as bras in cream or white
• Two to three sweaters
• Umbrella
• Shower shoes
• Personal toiletries
• A set of winter accessories such as gloves, scarf, and hat for cold climates
• Appropriate exercise clothing
• Pajamas and slippers
• Winter boots for cold climates
• A dark rain coat
• Set of clothing for service work or preparation day activities; pants must be full length

Other Links:

Mormon Missionary – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mormon Missionaries – AboutMormonism.com

LDS Missions.com