Clergy shirts are pieces of clothing worn by members of the clergy and clarify the wearer’s role within the church. While styles can differ across churches and regions, their meaning is the same, representing faith, service and tradition. Clergy shirt colours will often distinguish between different hierarchies.
Traditionally, clergy shirts were designed for men, indicating the male-dominated structure of many religious institutions. However, as more religious denominations have become more inclusive, there has also been an evolution in clergy attire to include tailored clergy shirts for women.
Clergy shirts are now designed to accommodate women’s body shapes whilst maintaining the dignity and formality expected of clergy attire.
History
The origins of clergy attire can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when clerics were advised to dress in a stole so as to distinguish them from the laity.
Traditionally, a full-length black robe called a Cassock would be worn. A Cassock and gown were worn as an outdoor dress until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when it became common to wear a detachable collar over the top, which then evolved into the clerical collar.
The 1800s saw the rise of clerical shirts for catholic priests; the black shirt and Roman collar we know today. The contrast between the black shirt and white collar made it easy to identify clergy in public.
By the end of the 19th century, it became common for different colours to be worn to distinguish the church hierarchy.
Clergy shirt colours
Black:
Traditional clergy attire is worn mainly by catholic and Methodist priests. Usually a black shirt with a white removable ‘dog collar’.
Red:
Bishops or cardinals normally wear a maroon shirt. Other senior members of the clergy may also wear red.
Purple:
A bishop or senior bishop wears purple. A bishop may wear a purple shirt with white collar in the presence of a senior Bishop.
White:
Usually worn during formal ceremonies such as weddings, funerals and religious holidays. A white Cassock-style robe is usually worn.
Clerical collar
The clerical collar is normally white and used to be made from cotton or linen, but now tends to be made from plastic.
There are a few different styles of collar:
- Vicar’s Collar: A white band encircles the neck, and studs attach it to the shirt.
- Roman Collar: A full collar rises slightly above the shirt, revealing a tab around the top.
- A Slip-in Collar: the shirt worn has a tunnel around the neck, in order to insert a detachable collar.
At Evess, we sell a range of clerical uniforms from clergy shirts for women, clerical collars and traditional Cossacks.
You can buy clergy shirts online here. If you’re not sure what you need, one of our team will be happy to help you.
