Advice, Temple

Essentials for Sisters Preparing for Their LDS Mission

Congratulations! You have accepted the call to serve as a sister missionary for the Lord, and we admire and support you. Your eighteen-month mission will be one of the best, most challenging, and most rewarding times of your life as you work hard and experience change first-hand.

At White Elegance, we hope to prepare sister missionaries of all ages, shapes, and personalities to serve their best and be their best by providing unique, quality, affordable clothing for your temple and mission experiences. Our dresses, skirts, and tops are easy to care for and designed to last, making them a fantastic addition to your missionary packing list. Are you wondering what items need to be on your LDS sister missionary packing list? Discover our top recommendations below.

Our Recommended LDS Sister Missionary Packing List

As stated on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ website, “As you are an authorized representative of Jesus Christ and His restored Church, your appearance is often the first message others receive. It should be consistent with the sacred message you are called to share.” You are also called to serve in a unique place with a specific climate, differing temperatures, and various seasons. As you prepare your packing list, let these two principles guide you:

  • First, remember that you are a representative of the Lord and choose items that will best help you represent Him and do His work.
  • Second, remember to pack based on your mission’s climate, temperatures, seasons, and recommendations from your Mission President. For example, if you serve in an area with cold temperatures and snow, you will need a warm coat, boots, and layers for the outdoors. If you serve in a tropical environment, you can leave the warm things at home but may need other items specific to your mission.

Sister Missionary Essentials

Your mission president will include a packing list with essential items relevant to your mission; you can and should use this as your first reference. In most cases, you will be able to purchase and get items out in the field, so you do not need to bring an entire 18-month supply of most things. However, there are a few essentials that all missionaries should prepare to pack, including:

  • Personal hygiene and toiletries, such as makeup, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, razor, hair brush, chapstick, sunscreen, feminine hygiene products, etc.
  • Small first aid kit and any necessary medications
  • Picture ID, passport, copy of your patriarchal blessing and mission call, and other paperwork needed for travel and your mission
  • Personal set of scriptures. You will receive scriptures in your mission language at the MTC and can purchase many study helps, books, journals, and more at the MTC.
  • Sheets and towels
  • Pictures, a journal, and momentos from home

Do NOT bring any of the following items: weapons of any kind, computer, phone, smart watches or unauthorized electronic equipment, daily planners (you will receive one on your mission), playing cards or unauthorized hobby equipment, musical instruments, radios, or extra reading material.

Sister Missionary Clothes and Shoes

You will want to pack missionary clothes that are comfortable, durable, professional, and something you will want to wear again and again! Choose neutral and basic colors for your skirts and slacks, like black, beige, gray, and tan. Then, find tops in colors and styles you love that pair well with different items. We recommend the following:

  • 6-8 dress shirts, such as blouses, tops, and sweaters
  • 6-8 skirts
  • 4-5 dress slacks
  • 3-4 sister missionary dresses
  • 2-3 pairs of comfortable, low-profile sister missionary shoes for everyday use
  • 1 pair of dress shoes
  • 8-10 pairs of temple garments
  • 5-6 shirts for bed, exercise, and service
  • 5-6 bottoms for bed, exercise, and service
  • 8-10 pairs of socks, including ped socks and exercise socks 
  • 1 pair of tennis shoes for exercise and service
  • 4-5 bras
  • 2-3 sports bras
  • Nylons, tights, and slips as needed
  • Slippers 
  • Shower shoes as needed
  • Coat, jacket, and/or rain jacket as needed
  • Hats, belts, and accessories as needed

LDS Temple Dresses & Shoes

One of the most exciting and enlightening experiences before your mission is your temple experience. You can return to the temple as much as you’d like before departing on your mission, and for missionaries with a temple in their mission, you may have the chance to attend while serving. 

White Elegance provides LDS temple gowns that will help you feel comfortable and calm as you enter for the first time and every time after. You can choose from two-piece sets, which include a long-sleeved top and skirt, such as our:

We have beautiful, affordable temple dresses in all styles and sizes if you prefer a dress. Each dress is made with wrinkle-free material, and we always include pockets. Some of our missionary favorites include:

Remember that, in addition to a temple dress or set, you will need a white slip, white nylons or knee-highs, and white shoes or slippers.

Other Accessories

You can also accent outfits or add convenience to your mission or temple trip with jewelry, scripture bags, temple bags, recommend holders, and more. Browse White Elegant Accessories for ideas and inspiration.

Shop for Your LDS Mission at White Elegance

White Elegance is one of the top LDS temple clothing stores in the nation. With an emphasis on quality design and production, we style our tops, skirts, and dresses to complement every woman. With a range of sizes, easy care washable fabrics that resist wrinkles, excellent prices, and shipping worldwide, White Elegance has what you need to prepare for your mission. Shop our collection of modest, affordable LDS temple dresses and mission clothes today!