The moment of progression to shorter dresses (for both boys and girls) was admitted as "shortcoating", which presumably coincided with the induction of walking, which was impossible in a long robe. Christening gowns often have matching bonnets, and may become ancestry heirlooms, familiar with origination after generation.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dress in white clothing to perform Christening Outfits and to undertake baptism. Traditionally, the proselyte wears a white jumpsuit, white socks and white underclothing. The character performing the ordinance wears either a white jumpsuit or white slacks and white shirt. Historically, women and girls wore white dresses with weights sewn in at the hems to foil the clothing from floating during the ceremony.