Does anyone know what and/or how the black clothing that Catholic priests wear is made and with what material?

Question

I am working on a novelette and need to get the details of this information for a crucial part of the story. What I need to know is: Is the material used for the black clothing any special material or is anything unusual or out of the ordinary in making the clothing? Also I need to know who makes this clothing or where and how it is made if it is specially made for the clergy? Any Catholic priests using Yahoo Answers?

Answer 1

There is nothing special about the clothing that Roman Catholic priests wear. They usually wear ordinary clothes unless doing something official. Most priests I know only wear a clergy shirt and collar if they are appearing in their official capacity at a public event, or at the diocesan (Bishop's) offices. Clergy shirts are just like ordinary men's dress shirts, except for the collar shape, and can be bought at church goods stores, or on-line. Just use the keyword "clergy shirt". If you are referring to cassocks, the long black dress like thing, they haven't been worn in almost 50 years, except by priest making official visits to the Vatican. There are a few ultra ultra conservative priests that might wear them, but I've never seen one, and I worked in our Bishop's office for years, and in the church even longer. The only people who wear them regularly are bishops and the Pope. They are made of suiting material, nothing special, just has to do with how much you want to spend, like a man's suit. Usually a wool blend, but can be just about anything. There is a group of ultra conservative Catholics that broke away from the Church who still wears them. To see information on a bishop's cassock go to Slabbinck.com and do an advanced search on their site- enter cassock, black under color, and this is what you get:

286-26 Cassock $ 698.00

Add to basket
This elegant cassock, with stand-up collar and purple cording stripe has pockets as well as slits to the trousers pockets. The standard cassock has 17 fabric-covered buttons; fully lined sleeves and torso. Cleaning instructions: dry-clean only. Sizes:

* A-B = length of the finished cassock; from base of the neck to the length desired (e.g. to the top of the shoe).
* C = chest size.
* W = waist: measurement to be taken on the shirt, pullover or jacket.
* H = neck size, has to be taken on the neck and is not the shirt size.
* S-S = shoulder to shoulder
* S-G = sleeve length.

Please select the standard size below and fill in the total length and sleeve length (included in standard price). The neck size can be custom made with a supplement. Completely custom made: download the sizing chart. There is a special supplement for completely custom made cassocks, please contact us.

Length (A-B)" or cm.

Sorry there isn't anything more exotic for your story, but hope this helps.

Answer 2

Former seminarian here. Nope, they're just ordinary shirts, except for the tab collars. They can be cotton, polyester, whatever. Here are a couple of suppliers:
http://www.zieglers.com
http://www.churchsupplywarehouse.com

Answer 3

It appears cotton, or cotton blended with a synthetic. Seen it most of my life, and just never gave it a thought. Hmmm

Answer 4

Orthodox Preists also wear that collar and robes. Many Protestant ministers do as well, but they can use different colors.

Answer 5

Of all first, I like the skirt!!! People tell me I have nice thighs but I still don't wear shorts

Answer 6

I love long dresses. My bf wants the short ones. So my wardrobe is filled w/ 1/2 and 1/2.

Answer 7

Ask the alter boys.