For nearly two centuries, the Mormon Church has been synonymous with strict dress codes—especially for women. But on August 20, 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, headquartered in Utah, quietly made a change that’s rippling through congregations worldwide. For the first time in its history, the Church has officially approved tank tops with wide straps as acceptable attire for women, a move that’s both celebrated and, for many in the United States, frustratingly out of reach.
Traditionally, Mormon women have adhered to a conservative wardrobe: knee-length skirts or dresses, and tops that cover the shoulders and upper arms. These guidelines, rooted in a doctrine of modesty and reverence, have for decades been reinforced by sacred undergarments worn daily as a symbol of faith. According to NPR, the cap-sleeved undergarments effectively dictated what could be worn over them, making sleeveless or even short-sleeved clothing off-limits for most women.
That’s why the recent policy shift—allowing tank tops with thick straps—has generated so much buzz. But there’s a catch: these garments are currently only available internationally, with the Philippines and several African nations among the first to receive them. For American members, the new options remain tantalizingly out of reach—unless, of course, you know the right people.
Brigham Young University student Dara Layton experienced the change firsthand this summer. Layton’s excitement was palpable as she recounted her shopping spree: “I went on probably the biggest shopping spree I’ve ever gone on in my entire life,” she told NPR. “But I was just like, so excited to have new styles that I could wear.” Layton’s previous undergarments had full cap sleeves, limiting her wardrobe choices. Now, thanks to the new tank tops, her options—and her tan lines—have expanded.
The Church has been discreet about the rollout, announcing that the tank tops would be introduced gradually, with the initial focus on women in sweltering climates. According to The Express U.S., the decision to start overseas was driven by practical considerations: members in places like the Philippines and parts of Africa often contend with oppressive heat, making lighter, more breathable clothing a necessity. Despite the garments being unavailable in the U.S., many American members have found creative workarounds, enlisting friends and relatives abroad to mail them the coveted tank tops.
Andrea Fausett, a 31-year-old influencer based in Hawaii, summed up the determination of many American Mormon women: “I was like: I want them now. I will get them at all costs. I will fly to Japan if I need to,” she told the New York Times. Social media has played a pivotal role in spreading the word, with Instagram and TikTok influencers showcasing modest fashion trends and fueling demand for the new styles. For many, the change was long overdue. Women had been voicing complaints for years, and the Church is finally listening.
This is not the first time the Church has updated its undergarments. Since 2018, both male and female members have expressed dissatisfaction with the coarse materials, impractical designs, and irritating lace edges of the traditional garments. In response, the Church has introduced more cotton and spandex-blend options, making it easier for members to wear them discreetly under contemporary clothing.
Historically, the Church’s stance on exposed shoulders has been unwavering. According to Religion News, bare shoulders were referred to as “porn shoulders,” a term that originated with the 1965 “For the Strength of Youth” booklet. The idea persisted for decades, and by 1990, the Church had fully banned “off-the-shoulder” clothing. For many, the new tank tops represent not just a practical update, but a significant cultural shift.
Kim Austin, a 33-year-old consultant from Provo, Utah—a city known for its large Mormon community and scorching summer temperatures—was among the first to try the new garments. She wore the sleeveless undergarments under a sleeveless dress to church, braving temperatures that soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The response from her congregation was overwhelmingly positive. “Utah women will stop at nothing,” she quipped, noting that many women immediately asked where they could get the same items.
The Church’s decision to start the rollout internationally has left many American members feeling left out, but it has also sparked a sense of camaraderie and resourcefulness. Social media communities have sprung up to help members navigate the procurement process, with tips on how to order from abroad or coordinate shipments through friends and family. The Express U.S. reports that, despite official restrictions, Utah’s Mormon fashion enthusiasts are finding ways to stay ahead of the trend.
For some, the change is about more than just comfort—it’s about agency and representation. Influencers and everyday members alike have taken to social media to share their stories, highlighting the importance of being heard by Church leadership. The phased rollout, while frustrating for some, is seen by many as a sign that the Church is willing to adapt to the needs of its global membership.
Yet, the update is not without its critics. Some traditionalists worry that loosening dress codes could erode the sense of distinctiveness and reverence that has long defined Mormon identity. Others argue that the change doesn’t go far enough, pointing out that the tank tops are still only available in select markets and that the underlying expectations of modesty remain largely unchanged. The Church itself has remained mostly silent on the rationale for the change, declining to comment directly to The Express U.S. when asked.
Still, for many women, the new tank tops are a welcome step forward. They offer relief from the heat, greater flexibility in wardrobe choices, and, perhaps most importantly, a sign that their voices are being heard. As Layton put it, “I was just so excited to have new styles that I could wear.”
The story of the Mormon Church’s wardrobe update is still unfolding, with more countries expected to receive the new garments in the coming months. For now, American members will have to rely on their networks—and a bit of ingenuity—to join the movement. But one thing is clear: a small change in fabric and cut has sparked a much larger conversation about tradition, identity, and the power of adaptation within one of America’s most enduring faith communities.