What is considered proper or respectful or professional attire not only varies across cultures, but also within the same culture over time. Given the enormity of the climate crisis, we must make common sense adaptations to our idea of what’s “acceptable” if we hope to drastically lower our energy consumption.
In the past, almost every LDS priesthood leader sported a beard. The so-called “Mormon underwear” was one piece and extended to our ankles and wrists. We now wear two-piece garments that are significantly shorter and which have been modified in several other ways as well. Since the marks in the fabric are symbolic, we don’t need the knee mark to rest precisely over the knee.