If you're reporting to the MTC in the next few weeks, this one's for you. After outfitting missionaries for decades, we've learned that the calmest departures all follow the same rhythm. Here's the countdown we've given our own kids — what to buy now, what to skip, and what to leave for the field.
6+ weeks out — Get the big items fitted first
Anything that needs alterations or testing goes first. Order suits, pants, shoes, dresses, skirts, or any other clothing that will need alterations or testing ASAP so there's time for additional alterations and to really test shoes before you fly.
Legacy Suit (Charcoal) — $189Many missionaries are told to only bring a single suit. For example, if you are going to a hot-weather mission, you'll just need a suit for the MTC and then it will probably get stored at the mission home until your return flight. If you are going on a single-suit mission (or need a suit for church, dances, interviews, etc.), the Legacy suit is the cost-effective way to go! 2-Way stretch fabric that moves with you, and it is perfect for monthly zone meetings, church, or just for the MTC. Of course, if you need a workhorse suit, we suggest the washable 2-pant, 4-way stretch Flex suit, but for casual use on a budget, the Legacy suit is just right! Shop the suit |
R&B Harrison, Chocolate Brown — $175Full-grain leather, waterproof, and comfortable from day one. Buy two pair (any styles of the H-Line) and they qualify for our 2-Year Wearproof Guarantee. Shop the shoes |
4 weeks out — Consider Extras
You'll wear these more than anything else, so consider extras. For example, now that you have a few pairs of shoes that you have broken in, you might want to consider an extra pair or two, especially if you are serving overseas. It allows more shoe rotations, you might not be able to find your size in-country, and shipping shoes internationally can be expensive and a bit of a gamble if local postal workers inspect your package and like your shoes. Same thing with shirts, dress pants, sisters' clothing, socks, etc. Paying overage fees on luggage can be better and more reliable than constantly needing items sent to you.
Dot Dakota boot — $195. Waterproof, supportive, and built for miles — the comfortable second shoe that saves your feet on P-days and long walking areas. Pair it with easy-care dresses and pants for a full week without repeats. Shop Sister essentials
2 weeks out — The small stuff that's easy to forget
A basic sewing and repair kit, a shoe conditioner to stretch the life of your shoes, and a phone battery backup. Little things — but they're the ones people email home asking for during week one. If you do need anything from our stores, we do at least 2-3 deliveries per week to the Provo MTC.
Pro Tip! Only unpackage, wash, and wear one shirt before your mission in case you need to exchange the rest for a different size or sleeve length! Since opened shirts can't be re-sold at full price (we usually donate them or sell them at the outlet at a huge discount), we charge a nominal restocking fee on opened shirts.
Mission Grade proof: We've helped 595,501 Elders and Sisters prepare for missions. Everything we sell is built to survive a full two years — and our 2-Year Guarantee means if it doesn't, we make it right. That's the whole point.
Don't forget to enjoy and document your mission prep! We know it is stressful, but someday you'll get a kick out of looking at those photos and reading your mission prep journal. And if you don't, your kids and grandkids definitely will!
See you out there,
Jon & Jenni