These are questions we hear daily in our stores about the physical aspects of missionary service. For a fuller set of questions and answers about missionary work itself, visit the LDS church website: www.lds.org/callings/missionary. This section answers many common questions.
These answers draw on surveys returned missionaries have filled out in our stores, employees who have served in the field over our 20 years in business, conversations with the Missionary Department and the MTC, and our own missions. The answers may change over time and often vary with your mission president or circumstances in the world. For the most part, we feel confident that they are meaningful and helpful in most circumstances.
Sister FAQ
1. Can we take slip extenders on our mission?
This one we know for sure. It is explained clearly in the dress and grooming guidelines that skirts themselves should be long enough to cover the knee. (see http://missionary.lds.org/dress-grooming/sister/faq/?lang=eng#bookmark5) We have spoken with both the MTC and the Missionary Department and both have said that they do not want slips to extend beyond the length of the skirt. So, slip extenders by definition are inappropriate. Purchase skirts that are the correct length. We carry them in appropriate lengths for sisters, and offer alterations to make sure the length is right for you, depending on your height. Also, now with the “maxi skirt” being readily available, you can alter any extra long skirt to the proper length.
2. How long is knee length?
We are often asked this question, and the easiest way to explain it is a skirt that covers the knee completely—both front and back—when sitting and standing. We have actually had customers ask, “if a skirt hits the top of the kneecap, does that count?” No. Skirts must be long enough to cover the knee.
Some straight skirts, such as pencil skirts, cover the knee completely when standing but rise above it when you sit down. If that is the case, you might find a fuller skirt or a slightly longer slim skirt more appropriate. A fuller skirt is also a better, more versatile choice for a bike mission or a mission where you sit on dirt floors.
Ankle-length skirts aren't appropriate, but you can have them hemmed to the right length.
3. Will I be hot in dark colors in a hot climate?
We get asked this one a lot. Your comfort level will have more to do with the thickness, weave, and fiber of the fabric than the color. Don't be afraid of lightweight polyester fabrics since they stay dry and cool throughout the day unlike their cotton counterparts.
Many a sister has loved the basic, conservative dark skirt. Some of the “pros” of wearing darker colored skirts are that they hide figure flaws easier, hide dirt easier, and don't stain as easily.
4. What fabric is the best for humid climates?
The three main things to consider when dressing for a humid climate are the thickness, the weave, and the fiber content of the garment.
In hot, humid climates, choose lightweight fabrics with a looser weave made from fibers that dry quickly. We suggest blouses made from artificial fibers or lightweight cotton blends.
In cold, humid climates, we suggest layers of thinner fabrics under thicker fabrics. Choose fabrics with a tighter weave made from fibers that maintain body heat. Wool blends are one of our favorites because wool still insulates even when wet, unlike cotton, which just stays wet in humidity.
Many people think cotton is a good choice in humidity, but it is not the best choice unless it is in a blend. When blended with an artificial fiber like nylon or polyester, plain cotton is more durable and dries more quickly. The blended fiber also helps with wrinkle resistance. 100% cotton wrinkles terribly in humidity, and when you sweat, it can be uncomfortable. In a hot climate, the cotton is just wet, and in a cold climate, the cotton holds moisture that can chill you when you go out into the elements again.
5. Isn't it better to wear completely flat shoes than something with a little heel or pitch?
Wearing a shoe that elevates the heel a little will make your foot more comfortable, and ease the pressure on your joints while walking. The American Medical Pediatric Association has also linked bunions to wearing shoes that are too flat (see www.apma.org), and other foot problems like plantar fasciitis can be aggravated by wearing shoes that are too flat. So, don't be afraid of finding a shoe with good support, even if it means wearing a little more of a heel than you thought.
6. Should I bring enough toiletries to last my whole mission?
Missionaries called to serve overseas often ask us this. We generally advise against it. Toiletries add significant weight to your luggage, and many comparable items are available outside the US.
Planning ahead helps in some areas. Talk with someone who has visited or served where you are going. Common suggestions we have heard include antiperspirant deodorant, toothpaste with fluoride, and feminine hygiene products. Heavier items, such as shampoo and conditioner, are generally available worldwide.
7. I am going to “third world” country, should I take a water bottle with a filter?
This is usually unnecessary, but you might want to contact the mission to make sure. Most mission residences where you will live as a missionary will make arrangements for you to have filtered water.
8. Are they going to count my items in my suitcase to make sure I didn't bring too many clothes?
No. However, be aware of the weight requirements of your luggage and plan accordingly. If you are serving overseas in a place that is remote, you may want to risk having to pay the extra baggage charge to make sure you have what you need. It is better to pay a little more up front than to be stuck in the field unprepared or having to pay a lot of money to ship needed items.
9. Should I take vitamins with me?
It is a good idea to bring a multivitamin with you on your mission, but check with your president too. In some places where nutritious foods are expensive or unavailable, the mission often provides vitamins and supplements to the missionaries. If you are going stateside, it is a great idea to have a multivitamin just because it is good for general health.
10. Do they sell feminine hygiene products overseas that I use here in the US?
This is probably the most frequently asked question for sisters serving overseas. The simple answer is that every country will have something that they carry, but depending on the culture, it may not be what you are accustomed to using. In underdeveloped countries it is far more common to find sanitary napkins than tampons, and the quality is not the same as it is in the US. In many places there are also more cultural taboos against unmarried women purchasing tampons in public, and the prices are high. So, this is one area where we highly recommend taking enough for your mission or making arrangements for your family to send them to you in the field if that is what you use. We also suggest taking them out of the box and packing them flat in ziploc bags so they aren't ruined by humidity, rain, etc. On that same note, be aware that they may not have the same type of pain reliever you use here in the US, so it is a great idea to take a large bottle of tylenol or ibuprofen in your checked luggage.