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Question #91037 posted on 03/13/2018 12:06 p.m.
Strange Things People Do
Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Dr. Durrant of the BYU geography department told my class about how in the 80's there were these suits missionaries could wear in the shower. I don't know if the purpose was to remain clothed while showering, or to wash your suit in the shower or what. I think he said they were Swedish knit suits. Was this really a thing?

-Prefers to Shower Suitless

A:

Dear same here,

I emailed Dr. Durrant after google failed to find the answer, but alas, he refused to tell me. (That is, he didn't respond. It was quite disappointing. But it was an odd question, so I don't blame him for not answering me.)

If any readers know anything further, please leave a correction!

-guppy of doom

written by guppy of doom
posted on 03/14/2018 12:13 a.m.
The Swedish knit wouldn't wrinkle, tear, or fade. It was ideal for missionaries, because it was virtually indestructible. It was 100 % polyester! While I don't know of any reason why a missionary would be required to shower with his suit on, the Swedish knit suit would be no worse for the experience. My husband asked for one for his mission. Once, he fell off his bike and the friction melted a shiny patch into the fabric, but it stayed intact. Fun fact: The church sells a white Swedish knit suit for use in the temple. (and it will last you until you are buried and resurrected in it) https://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product3_715839595_10557_3074457345616706276_-1__196739
posted on 03/14/2018 12:13 a.m.
I don't know about suits missionaries can wear in the shower, but I do know about Swedish knit suits. I work in alterations at the BYU laundry, and because we alter lots of temple clothing, we end up sewing on a lot of Swedish knit since some temple suits are made out of this material. I don't know of a connection to the '80s other than that it seems like the customers who prefer Swedish knit are usually a bit on the older side . . .? I can tell you it's definitely not waterproof though, and Swedish knit suits are usually lined with a silky synthetic fabric, so I don't think they would dry very quickly or anything either. I hope this helps!