For other garments worn by clergy, see also clerical clothing.
Used by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and some other Protestants
- Cassock
- an item of clerical clothing; a long, close-fitting, ankle-length robe worn by clerics of the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and some Reformed churches.
- Stole
- A long, narrow strip of cloth draped around the neck, a vestment of distinction, a symbol of ordination. Deacons wear it draped across the left shoulder diagonally across the body to the right hip while priestsbishops wear it draped around the back of the neck. It may be crossed in the front and secured with the cincture. Traditionally, this is done by priests, whereas bishops always wear it uncrossed, as they possess the fullness of the priesthood. Corresponds to the Orthodox orarion and epitrachelion and (see below).
- Alb
- The common garment of any ministers at the eucharist, worn over a cassock. Most closely corresponds to the Orthodox sticharion (see below). Symbolizes baptismal garment. See also cassock-alb.
- Cassock-alb
- or cassalb is a relatively modern garment and is a combination of the traditional cassock and alb. It developed as a convenient undergarment (or alternative to a cassock at the Eucharist) worn by clergy and as an alternative to the alb for deacons and acolytes.
- A white or off-white cassock-alb has replaced the traditional cassock and alb in some Anglican and Lutheran churches since the 1970s. On rules concerning its use, see The Church Times.
- Pectoral cross
- A large cross worn on a chain or necklace around the neck by clergy of many Christian denominations. In some traditions it is associated with bishops. In the Roman Catholic tradition it is only worn by bishops. In choir dress the cross is gold with a green rope, red for cardinals. In house dress, it is silver with a silver chain.
Used by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and some (American) United Methodists
- Surplice
- A decorative white tunic worn over the cassock.
- Chasuble
- The outermost sacramental garment of priests and bishops, often quite decorated. It is only worn for the celebration of the Eucharist. Corresponds to the Orthodox phelonion (see below). See also chasuble-alb.
- Dalmatic
- The outermost garment of deacons.
- Amice
- a cloth around the neck used to cover the collar of street attire. It is worn by the celebrant, deacon, and subdeacon for the Mass.
- Cincture
- or Girdle. Corresponds to the Orthodox zone.
Used by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and some Lutherans
- Tunicle
- The outermost garment of subdeacons.
- Cope
- A circular cape reaching to the ankle, used by bishops, priests and deacons.
- Rochet
- Similar to a surplice but with narrower sleeves. It is usually highly decorated with lace. Its use is reserved to bishops and certain canons.
- Zucchetto
- Skull cap, similar to the Jewish yarmulke.
- Mitre
- Worn by Bishops and some abbots. Despite the having the same name, this does not really correspond with the Eastern mitre (see below), which has a distinct history and which was adopted much later.
- Pectoral cross
- The cross or crucifix worn by bishops. It is held by a chain (or cord in choir dress) around the neck and rests on the chest.
Used by some Roman Catholics and some Anglicans and Lutherans
- Maniple
- A liturgical handkerchief bound about the wrist, it is only used during the Mass. The maniple fell out of common use with the 1970 post conciliar liturgical reform, but is gaining in popularity in many circles and is used today in the context of the Tridentine Mass and in some Anglo-Catholic and other parishes. According to some authorities, this corresponds to the Orthodox epigonation (see below).
- Humeral veil
- Long cloth rectangle draped around the shoulders and used to cover the hands of the priest when carrying the monstrance. It is also worn by the subdeacon when holding the paten.
- Biretta
- May be worn by clergy of all ranks except the Pope; its color can signify rank.
Used only by Roman Catholics
- Pallium
- A narrow band of lamb's wool decorated with six black crosses, worn about the neck with short pendants front and back, worn by the Pope and bestowed by him to Metropolitan bishops and Archbishops. Corresponds to the Orthodox omophorion (see below).
- Rationale
- An episcopal humeral worn over the chasuble. It is only used by the Bishops of Eichstätt, Paderborn, Toul, and Cracow (Kraków). Until the 17th century, it was also in use in the Bishopric of Regensburg[1] (Ratisbon).
- Pontifical gloves
- The liturgical gloves worn by a bishop celebrating a Pontifical Solemn Mass. They are usually seen today only within the context of the Tridentine Mass.
- Pontifical sandals
- The liturgical sandals worn by a bishop celebrating a Pontifical Solemn Mass. They are usually covered by the liturgical stockings, which are of the liturgical color of the Mass. They are usually seen today only within the context of the Tridentine Mass.
- Fanon
- A double-layered mozzetta, now only occasionally worn by the Pope during solemn Pontifical High Masses.
- Papal tiara
- Formerly worn by the Pope at his coronation and at key secular moments; it has fallen out of use but may be revived at any time if the reigning Pontiff wishes. This is strictly speaking not a vestment but an item of regalia since it was never worn within liturgical services with the exception of the blessing Urbi et Orbi.
- Subcinctorium
- A vestment similar to a broad maniple but worn suspended from the right side of the cincture, decorated with a cross on one end and an agnus dei on the other; worn only by the Pope during a Pontifical High Mass.
- Falda
- A vestment that forms a long skirt extending from under the hem of the alb; it is so long that train-bearers need to carry it; worn only by the Pope during a Pontifical High Mass and draped over the Pope's body at a Papal Funeral.
Used only by Anglicans
- Tippet
- (or preaching scarf). A black scarf worn by bishops, priests and deacons at choir offices and some other non-sacramental services.
- Chimere
- Red or black outer garment of bishops. Resembles a knee-length open-front waist coat.
- Hood
- Academic hoods are usually worn by Anglican clergy at choir offices. It is also sometimes worn by Methodists and Reformed clergy with an academic gown ("Geneva Gown"), though this is fairly rare.
- Apron
- A short cassock reaching just above the knee, worn by archdeacons (for whom it is black) and bishops (for whom it is purple). Now largely obsolete.
- Gaiters
- Covering of the lower leg worn by archdeacons and bishops with the apron. Black, buttoned up the sides and worn to just below the knee. Like the apron, these are also largely obsolete.
- Canterbury cap
- a soft square-shaped hat.
