When RJ and I went to the temple for the first time, we were 28. We didn't grow up going. We didn't have years of casual experience to draw on. What we did have was my older sister, who'd been attending since she was 18 and walked us through everything — including what to wear.
Not everyone has that. And the questions I had before my first visit were so simple I almost felt embarrassed to ask them. What color does everything need to be? What counts as "modest enough"? Do I need special shoes? Is there a wrong answer here?
There isn't a wrong answer, by the way. But having clear answers ahead of time takes away one layer of nervousness — and your first temple visit has enough going on without worrying about your outfit.
This is the guide I'd want to hand to any sister preparing for her first time.
What to Wear on the Way to the Temple
You don't wear your temple dress on the drive over. You change into it once you arrive.
For the trip, wear what you'd wear to Sunday services — a modest dress or skirt, or slacks and a blouse. Something reverent and comfortable for the car ride. You'll change into your temple dress in the dressing room once you're there.
If you have ceremonial clothing, that usually goes packed inside your temple bag on the way, along with your temple recommend and anything else you're bringing.
What the Church Asks You to Wear
The official Church handbook (Section 38.5.1) keeps it straightforward:
During the endowment and sealing ordinances, members wear white clothing. Clothing should be modest in design and fabric. Sheer fabric should be lined.
For women, that means: a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve dress (or a skirt and a long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve blouse) and shoes or slippers.
That's the official guidance on temple dress requirements. White, modest, not sheer. Everything beyond that — the specific dress, the fabric, the brand — is your personal choice.
A quick note: if this is a youth baptism visit, the temple typically provides the white clothing. This guide is for sisters going for the first time as adults — usually for the endowment.
(If you want a deeper dive into fabrics, styles, and pricing, see our full guide to LDS temple dresses.)
Choosing Your Temple Dress (Head to Toe)
The dress. A white, long-sleeve or three-quarter-sleeve dress that covers modestly and isn't see-through. That's the core requirement. Beyond that, choose whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some sisters prefer a simple A-line. Others like a more fitted silhouette. There's no single "correct" style.
If you're buying a new dress for your first visit, look for something you've tried on and moved around in — sit down, kneel, raise your arms. Comfort for a full session is different from comfort standing in front of a mirror.
A slip (if needed). If there's any chance your dress is sheer under bright lighting, wear a white slip underneath. Temple lighting is much brighter than your bedroom. The flashlight test works well here: hold your phone light behind the fabric. If light passes through, add a slip.
Shoes or slippers. White, and comfortable. You'll be in them for a while. Many sisters keep a pair of simple white slippers in their temple bag — they're easy to pack and comfortable for long sessions.
Hair. Keep it simple and out of your face. A low bun, a simple ponytail, or down — whatever is comfortable and won't need adjusting throughout your session.
Jewelry. Minimal. Wedding ring is fine. You'll want to keep things simple so nothing is distracting or in the way.
A note about ceremonial clothing. Ceremonial clothing is separate from your temple dress. It's not something you shop for at a clothing store — it's obtained through official Church distribution centers. Your temple dress is what you wear underneath, and that's what this guide is about.
What to Bring With You
Keep it simple. Here's what most sisters bring:
- Your temple recommend (required)
- A small temple bag for your belongings and ceremonial clothing
- Your phone (silenced — most sisters leave it in a locker)
- Tissues
- A hair tie or pins
- A slip (if your dress needs one)
- A change of regular clothes if you're coming from or going somewhere else
If your temple dress has pockets, your recommend and tissues can go right in them. It's a small detail that makes a real difference — which is why we specifically look for temple dresses with pockets built in. Our Winter Quarters dress is one example: soft sweater knit, hidden pockets, made for longer sessions.
5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Test your dress under bright light before you go. I can't say this enough. What looks opaque in your house may not be opaque under fluorescent temple lighting. Test it. And if you're even a little unsure, wear a slip.
Make sure you have pockets — or a plan. Your temple recommend needs to be accessible. If your dress doesn't have pockets, figure out ahead of time where you'll keep it. Holding loose items during a session is more distracting than you'd think.
Break in your dress before your temple visit. If it's a new purchase, try it on at home first. Move around in it. Sit. Kneel. Make sure you're comfortable in it before your visit, so it's one less new thing on an already big day.
Comfort matters more than how it looks. Seriously. Nobody in the temple is evaluating your outfit. Choose something that lets you sit for an extended period without adjusting, shifting, or pulling at anything.
You can always ask a temple worker. If you're unsure about something — anything — the temple workers are there to help. They've seen every question. They won't judge you for asking. That's literally what they're there for.
You're Going to Be Fine
Here's the truth about your first temple visit: the clothing is the easy part.
The experience inside the temple — the ordinances, the covenants, the peace you feel — that's what you'll remember. Not what you wore. Having your clothing figured out ahead of time just means your mind can be fully present for the things that actually matter.
If you're preparing for your first time, take a breath. You're going to the Lord's house, and you're going to feel His Spirit there. The dress is just a dress. Get one that's comfortable, modest, and not see-through, and then forget about it.
Focus on why you're going. That's the part that changes everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wear a slip under my temple dress for my first visit?
If there's any chance your dress is sheer under bright lighting, yes. Temple lighting is much brighter than your bathroom mirror, and a slip is cheap insurance. Use the flashlight test at home — hold your phone light behind the fabric. If light passes through, wear a slip.
Can I wear an off-white or ivory dress for my first time?
White is the standard. Some temples may be more flexible, but for your first visit, keeping it true white is the safest call. If you're unsure about a specific dress, the front desk at your temple can tell you before your session starts.
What if I can't afford a new temple dress right now?
Temple dresses don't have to be expensive to do their job. We built ZMCI specifically to narrow that gap — our temple dresses start at $45, and they're vetted for opacity, coverage, and comfort. A $45 dress isn't automatically worse than a $140 one. What matters is whether it gets out of your way.
What do I do if I'm nervous about my outfit?
Go early. Get there with time to spare, change in the dressing room, and take a minute to yourself before your session starts. If something doesn't feel right once you're dressed, you can always ask a temple worker before you go in. Nobody expects you to figure this out alone.
Is it okay to ask a temple worker for help?
Absolutely. Temple workers serve specifically to help people — especially first-timers. They've heard every question. They won't judge you for asking. That's literally part of their role.
If you're shopping for your first temple dress, we curated these with you in mind.
Browse our temple dresses — starting at $45 →
ZMCI is a small, Utah-based company founded by an LDS woman who knows exactly how overwhelming it feels to prepare for your first temple visit. We curate modest temple dresses specifically for Latter-day Saint women — comfortable, affordable, and built for the experience.