While many General Conference attendees wear traditional “Sunday best,” a growing number incorporate pieces of clothing or accessories that reflect their heritage. These saints blend cultural pride with reverence.

At General Conference, attire is typically formal. Men typically wear suits or dress slacks with a shirt and tie, and women choose modest dresses or skirts, often paired with a blouse or cardigan. According to guidelines from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “the most common attire you’ll see at events is a dress shirt and tie for men and a skirt or dress for women.”

In recent years, Saints at General Conference have started to reflect the global spread of the church with traditional attires ranging from Tongan taʻovalas and patterned muumuus to colorful sarongs, embroidered dresses, and woven wraps. These outfits display cultural heritage from the Pacific Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

“I wear this to honor my ancestors,” said Fisi Hurrell, a Tongan member, looking at her grandmother next to her. “I wear this for her. And me. And everyone in my culture.”

Observers note that cultural attire at General Conference is most common in international congregations or satellite broadcast centers. Still, it’s increasingly visible at the main sessions in the Salt Lake City Conference Center. 

“I want people to know that the members inside the states and the same members outside the states,”said Taiana Folau, a Tongan member. 

For many, clothing is more than a personal statement. It symbolizes the church’s global reach and the diversity of its membership. Tongan members often wear a taʻovala, a woven mat tied around the waist, as a sign of respect, while women may wear patterned muumuus for special occasions. Members in Latin America, Africa, and Asia may wear vibrant embroidered dresses or accessories reflecting local traditions.

“Coming to the General Conference with my lei is not something I just threw on, but a symbol,” said Chris Wilson, a Hawaiian descendant member.  “This is a symbol of my love for my family and where I come from.” 

Traditional dress also allows children and families to feel connected to both their roots and the broader LDS community. Parents often see it as a teaching moment about heritage and reverence in worship.

“My mom passed her clothes to me, and I passed them down to my children,” said Kameron Benally, a native american descent member. “Its a whole cycle, I bet it happens in other cultures too.” 

Through these choices, members across the world visually celebrate faith, culture, and community, demonstrating that General Conference is not only a spiritual gathering but a global tapestry of traditions and identities united in worship.