The garment is directly related to Mormon Temples. It is there that faithful members first receive the garment after individual instruction on what it stands for and how it should be cared for. The garment is worn as part of a special ceremony called the Temple Endowment. The garment is worn at all times (day and night) by members as a constant reminder of the promises they have made to God in the Temple to be honest and faithful to the commandments of the Lord.
Stephen R. Gibson explained it very well. He said: "The idea of having special clothing that is to be considered sacred and dedicated is not foreign to the Bible, for both the Old and New Testaments contain references to garments of special significance. The Old Testament specifies, "Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment" (Eccl. 9:8). The New Testament declares, "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame" (Rev. 16:15)."
The garment worn by Latter-day Saints that is given them in the temple is a symbol of covenants, purity and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that, as Adam and Eve were clothed by the Lord "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Gen. 3:21); so we too are clothed as a reminder of our promises to the Lord. It should not be surprising that clothing which represents promises to the Lord should be regarded as holy, especially to those who understand the role of the temple in ancient Israel.
The Lord commanded Moses to instruct Aaron and others in the making and wearing of clothing that was to be regarded as holy. Speaking of Aaron the Lord told Moses, "Bring his sons and put shirts on them; put sashes around their waists and tie caps on their heads" Exodus 29:8-9, Good News Bible; see also Ex. 29:8-9 KJV). These garments were designated by God and considered sacred (Exodus 28, 39:4)
Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, had some interesting comments about the undergarment received in the Temple. In on address to the non-members faculty and staff of the Navy Chaplain's Training School, he reminded them that as chaplains, they too wear articles of clothing that set them apart from everyone else. He added that the religious clothing meant a great deal to us and that likewise we draw something of the same benefits from our special clothing "as you would draw from your clerical vestments. The difference is that we wear ours under our clothing instead of outside. For we are employed in various occupations in addition to our service in the Church" (The Holy Temple, p. 76).
The wearing of the garment, although seen by some non-members as a peculiar practice, is for the devoted Latter-day Saints an activity which symbolizes a life devoted to Christ-centered activity. "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment" (Rev. 3:4-5). Certainly it is practice for which there are several significant Biblical precedents.
A website named "Ask Gramps" shares a little more light onto this particular subject. He said: "Jewish men at the time of Christ wore five articles of clothing: a headdress, shoes, inner/outer garment, and girdle (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 1:820). These articles were augmented according to the Mosaic covenant passed to Israel. They wore little blue fringes on the hem reminding them to observe strict obedience to the commandments they were given (Num 15:37-40)
Additionally, some Jews and early Christians from this period and little later marked their garments with capital rhos and gammas (Greek R and G), as seen in the image I've included. I have personally seen one such cloth augmented with this so-called gammadia from a Masada excavation. The purpose of these markings was not well documented, but some scholars currently speculate that they have religious or ritual significance.
Out of respect for today's holy temple clothing, I will not embark on a direct comparison between these sacred clothes and the ones we wear today. I do, however think I have made it clear that the principles behind sacred vestments date back specifically to both New Testament and Old Testament times, with general themes playing out as early as the Genesis period" [close quote]
So - as you can see - garments are from the beginning of time. The clothing is not secret, but sacred. And I say these things in his sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Click here if video doesn't work: Magic Mormon Underwear: What do they really mean?
Click here if video doesn't work: Secret Underwear
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