Influencers on Instagram and Tiktok are redefining what modest fashion can look like for women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For many young members, wearing temple garments, sacred clothing worn daily by endowed church members, can feel restrictive when it comes to style, but influencers like The Banks Girls and Grace Evans are showing that modesty doesn’t have to be boring.
“We just wanted to show women that you can feel hot and wear your garments,” McKenna Banks said. “I think that’s kind of the whole point of our platform.”
The Banks Girls have worked together as personal stylists for four years. They began sharing modest fashion tips on social media following their temple endowments.
“It was a natural next step,” Alyssa Banks said. “We were shopping for things that were garment-friendly, so we were like, ‘yeah, let’s start sharing.’”
The sisters said they try to make fashion feel exciting, even within boundaries.
“Whatever your restriction is in fashion, we can dress towards that,” Alyssa Banks said. “It’s not only an option, but an advantage.”
Grace Evans, another Latter-day Saint influencer with more than 80,000 followers on Instagram, shares her “garment-friendly OOTDs (outfit of the day).”
Her videos show how she layers clothing, like nude bodysuits or leggings, to maintain modesty while expressing her personal style.
They have sparked both admiration and criticism.
Some viewers argue her outfits don’t always appear modest at first glance, even if she’s wearing the garment underneath. Others say her consistent effort to wear the garment matters more than how it looks to others.
“I don’t want to hide the garment. I want to celebrate it,” Evans said. “People might not like the nude bodysuit, but I like it. It’s my body. I’m the one wearing it and talking with Jesus Christ about it — like, ‘Hey, is this appropriate?’”
The Church has emphasized that garments are not about appearances alone.
“In our day, the garment encourages modesty, but its significance is much deeper,” the Church’s website says. “For Church members who have received the endowment, the garment reminds them of their connection to God, their commitment to follow His will and the blessings and protection God has promised the faithful.”
The Banks Girls echoed this sentiment of spiritual intention over strict rules.
“There are so many misunderstandings because modesty isn’t actually about clothes,” Alyssa Banks said. “It’s about not being prideful or thinking you’re better than someone else. Somewhere along the way, modesty got tied up in the idea that you have to cover up to be righteous, but that’s just not true.”
McKenna Banks added that what matters most is a person’s desire to keep their covenants.
“I feel like the garment’s never been about the length or where it hits you,” she said. “It’s always been about your intention. It’s not about how small it is, it’s about wanting to wear it all day and remember Jesus.”
For BYU sophomore Stephanie Sanders, that intention became more meaningful during her mission.
“When I was on my mission, I learned that to really ensure protection and keep your covenants to the fullest, you have to strive to wear them at all times,” she said. “Now, just being home, I feel like I’ve just looked for more clothes that work with my garments. I don’t feel restricted whatsoever.”
Sanders said it’s encouraging to see influencers helping other women positively navigate modest fashion.
“I’ve noticed it’s a really big thing right now. I’ve had a bunch of new LDS influencers come up on my feed,” she said.
She also welcomes recent changes to Church garment designs.
In 2024, the Church announced redesigned garments for men and women, including sleeveless tops and lightweight fabrics, to better accommodate members in hot and humid climates. The new styles will be available in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This marks just the latest in a long line of adaptations. Since the Church’s early days, changes have been made to garment designs.
In 1923, the First Presidency approved modifications, adding buttons instead of ties and updating openings for comfort. Two-piece garments were introduced in 1979.
“Part of sustaining the prophet and our leaders is being open and trusting in the new things that come around from the Church,” Sanders said. “I also feel like this new change could be something that lots of members have been praying for.”
Evans said she thinks the recent changes will make way for a more inclusive Church culture.
“I think I’m interested to see how the judgmental side of Church culture gets because it’s like, I don’t know if there’s going to be enough room for garment checking now. And I think it’s a really healthy, positive change,” she said.
As fashion trends evolve and Church policy continues to adapt, influencers and everyday members alike are figuring out what it means to live their faith and dress for it.
