Weather 
Mormon women have become so obsessed with an “illicit” item that they are turning to the black market to get their hands on it, catapulting the controversial church into the spotlight once again.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently redesigned its infamous temple garments, a type of underwear worn by faithful members under their clothes.
These white garments are traditionally very modest, a deliberate design feature that serves as a constant reminder of their commitment to God and the religious promises they have made.
But the cap sleeves and high cut made them effectively unwearable under clothing, rendering many styles – particularly in womenswear – hard no-gos.
That’s why, when the church announced a “slightly more revealing” version at the end of last year to give “options in styles and fabrics for those residing in hot, humid areas”, the community went nuts.
It saw the classic short-sleeve shirt – worn with knee-length shorts – trimmed back to a tank-top style, and marked the first time the faith has offered the underclothing without sleeves in its nearly 200-year history.
After months of waiting, the “skimpy” new temple garments were finally released in America, the country with the largest concentration of Mormons.
But the church clearly underestimated demand, with huge queues forming outside of stores, eventually resulting in US-based Mormons going to extreme lengths to secure the in-demand goods.
One Mormon influencer based in Hawaii said she was prepared to do whatever it took to get the new undies immediately.
“I will get them at all costs. I will fly to Japan if I need to,” Andrea Fausett, 31, told The New York Times recently.
“My mouth dropped to the floor when I saw the line,” declared Shayla Egan on Instagram after waiting over three hours in line.
While a Utah-based stylist who specialises in modest dressing, McKenna Banks, told the publication Mormons were “dying” to get the new undies.
As a result, a “black market” has reportedly emerged online, where desperate churchgoers are paying inflated prices for the hot-ticket item.
Many have paid over US$150 plus shipping to source garments from warmer climates, such as Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines, where larger quantities were released.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints followers among the lucky few to score the sacred garments first have been flooding social media, some in tears, as they expressed their joy.
“Me crying because someone sent me a tank top garment so I can wear it on my wedding day and have sleeves just like my little girl heart wanted,” said one on TikTok.
“When you’re finally able to wear tops with no sleeves and feel closer to God than ever,” shared another.
But the lack of availability has also sparked disappointment and jealousy among churchgoers, with some stating they “never saw it coming.”
Those not following the Mormon faith have watched on, seemingly bemused at the furore over “church approved undies”.
“A church having a merch drop is WILD,” said one.
“I cannot FATHOM waiting in line for 3 hours to buy church approved ‘underwear’,” added another.
While one remarked, “This is simultaneously the funniest and saddest thing I think I’ve ever seen.”
Others said they had “no idea” Mormons were required to wear garments at all times, previously believing it was something that was just worn while attending church.
Female Mormons had been pretty vocal in the past about the issues of the old design, expressing “significant discomfort” and feelings of body shame that negatively affected their overall wellbeing and sex life with their partners.
