missionary grooming

Previously, full-time LDS missionaries were required to adhere to a dress code: for men, conservative, dark trousers and suit coats, white dress shirts, and conservative ties. For women, modest and professional dresses or blouses and mid-calf length skirts were worn. In recent years, the LDS Church has updated their grooming standards. Young men are no longer required to wear dark suits, and they do not have to wear a full suit during regular everyday proselyting activities. They must, however, remain in professional, conservative attire. For instance, a light colored suit is acceptable. They are also allowed to wear a sweater or suit vest over their dress shirt and are encouraged to wear brightly colored ties. Sister missionaries may now wear skirts and dresses that cover their knees and are not required to wear skirts and dresses that are mid-calf length. Young women are encouraged to dress in bright colors and patterns, and they may wear appropriate jewelry and accessories. Sister missionaries may not wear slacks (outside of service activities or exercise) and must wear shirts that cover their entire shoulder. In some areas these standards are altered slightly according to the discretion of the mission president. For example, in hot, humid climates, suit coats are not required, and dress shirts may be short-sleeved. Casual clothes may be worn only in limited circumstances, such as when missionaries provide manual labor, exercise, or during preparation day—when the missionaries are involved in recreation, cleaning, shopping, and laundry. This has changed, and missionaries are now asked to wear their shirt and tie even on preparation days unless they are doing activities such as sports. All full-time missionaries wear a name tag that gives their surname with the appropriate title ("Elder" or "Sister" in English-speaking areas, or their equivalent titles in other languages). The name tag also bears the church's name, unless the mission president considers this inadvisable due to circumstances in the area (e.g., adverse political conditions). Missionaries are required to wear the tag at all times.