SALT LAKE CITY — New guidelines from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints allow male missionaries in some areas of the world to wear slightly more casual attire than their counterparts in other areas.
The standard dress code for male Latter-day Saint church missionaries (known as "elders") calls for white shirts and neckties, but some missionaries will have the option to go without neckties and choose white or blue dress shirts.
"These exceptions will be determined by Area Presidencies, and missionaries will be notified by their mission president if these exceptions apply to their teaching area," a news release from the Latter-day Saint church said. "All elders will continue to wear a white shirt and tie and, in some areas, a suit coat when attending the temple, Sunday worship services, leadership and zone conferences, missionary training centers, baptismal services and other church meetings."
The Latter-day Saint church has made several adjustments to its dress code for missionaries in recent years.
In 2013, the church allowed its missionaries to wear lighter suit colors, such as khaki or gray.
In 2015, missionaries serving in hotter climates were given the option not to wear suit coats.
In 2016, the Latter-day Saint church approved some styles of hats and sunglasses for missionaries to wear as protection from the sun.
In 2018, female missionaries (known as "sister missionaries") were given the option to wear dress slacks.
