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As they complete the "washing and anointing" phase of the endowment ordinance, a temple ceremony closed to outsiders, Mormons are outfitted with specially designed garments to be worn beneath their outer clothing. Among Gentiles, these sacred underclothes have long been a source of "magic underpants" jokes and a handy means of portraying the LDS Church as bizarre.

Mormons seldom discuss their temple garments publicly. Asked in the course of a 2005 Atlantic interview whether he wore them, Mitt Romney replied, "I'll just say those sorts of thing I'll keep private."

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he garments Romney probably wears aren't as strange as their reputation might suggest. The ensemble resembles a scoop-necked cotton t-shirt and boxer briefs. Early one-piece, unisex garments, however, looked like long johns with collars and string-tied crotch flaps. In 1923, the Church approved a collarless, closed-crotched, short-sleeved, knee-length version, equipped with buttons. In 1979, the currently popular two-piece modification appeared. The underwear is generally available only in white, the color of purity, though active military personnel may obtain it in brown. Men's garments now have a standard fly; women's are slightly frillier.

All versions have traditionally included small vents over each nipple, shaped like the Masonic symbols of square (L) and compass (V). Button-hole sized vents also appear at the center of the abdomen and just above the right knee. The vents signify divine justice, spiritual direction, strength, and genuflection before Christ. Proper disposal of worn-out garments involves cutting the vents out and burning the excised scraps.

These "Garments of the Holy Priesthood" symbolize coverings of skins God is said to have provided Adam and Eve after driving them out of the Garden of Eden. They are supposed to be worn constantly to remind initiates of promises to keep God's commandments. Mormons are told at their endowment rites that the garment acts as "a shield and protection to you against the power of the destroyer." Folklore abounds concerning the garment's miraculous power to deflect bullets or come through fire unscathed.

Most Mormons remove their temple garments only when bathing, participating in certain sports, or changing into a fresh pair. Underwear protocol is an issue among Mormon nudists, some of whom will only take off their garments to swim. "How can you be a nudist and respect your temple garments at the same time?" is an issue raised at LDS Skinny-Dipper Connection, a Mormon naturist website.

Mormon underwear is obtainable in the basement of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, and at LDS-friendly retail outlets such as Utah's White Elegance chain. Sales of temple garments as novelty items on eBay have inspired a tightening of requirements for purchase. Buyers must present a "temple recommend" -- certification by a bishop of qualification for full Church membership.