The term “vestment” is used to describe special clothing that is worn by the people who are head of the religious community and conduct the worship service. Common types of vestments include:
- Robes
- Surplices
- Albs
- Cassocks
- Chasubles
Vestments are used almost universally, although in many modern denominations only the choir actually wears vestments.
Why are Vestments Worn?
Vestments, though evolved, have their origins in the ordinary clothing of the first century. Today, vestments are worn over street clothes and are used to serve a number of practical purposes:
- Vestments conceal the distractions of modern street clothing
- Vestments remove the need to define “appropriate attire” for ministers
- Vestments are meant to remind the congregation that the ministers who are performing the service are not acting on their own, but are performing in their official capacities
Clergy Robes
Clergy robes are a special form of vestment that marks clergy who have not attained a doctorate degree or who choose not to wear their doctoral robes. These clergy robes are essentially a modified form of the graduation baccalaureate robe. This is likely due to the fact that graduation robes have evolved from a similar type of robe over time. Clergy robes are also very similar to judicial robes, though they often feature a built-in stole and/or a wide stripe running down both sides of the front. These decorative stripes are often adorned with religious symbols.
Vestments and Clergy Robes at Churchgoers.com
If you are looking for a wide variety of clergy robes for your church, Churchgoers.com is the perfect online store for you. At Churchgoers you can find a wide range of robe options for clergy members, choir members, confirmations, weddings, communions and even christenings. Churchgoers also offers special vestment options including chasubles and albs.
One of our most popular option is the simple Plymouth Clergy Robe. This robe greatly resembles a judicial or graduation robe and is the perfect option for those who want a simple yet sophisticated garment. We also offer more adorned options like the Clerical Pulpit Robe which features red embroidered crosses and line detailing on the front. Those who need a specific religious garment, like a chasuble, are in luck! Churchgoers is proud to feature chasubles in a range of colors including white, red, blue, green and purple with detailed embellishment.
No matter the type of clergy or other religious robe you need, Churchgoers can offer you a range of options. When you need quality religious garments at a great price, Churchgoers is the place to go.