Many technical terms are used to describe the variety of vestments and textile arts used in worship. These terms are defined here.
The vestments worn at the Eucharist are derived from the dress-up clothing of the late Roman Empire, the dominant culture of the world in which Christianity first took root. The only exception is the stole, which is a sign of office.
The basic garment is the alb, which is properly worn by all ministering at the service. Some albs are intended to be worn under other vestments, are put on over an amice (which is simply a neckcloth), and girded about the waist with a rope cincture. Other albs are designed to be seen, are more tailored in appearance, and frequently require neither an amice nor a cincture.
The surplice is a medieval variant of the alb. It is appropriately used as a substitute for it by all except the priest-celebrant, the concelebrating presbyters, and the ministering deacons.
The cotta is a shortened surplice. It is also far less attractive. Its use is not recommended, even for choristers and young servers.
Priests’ stoles are worn over both shoulders, and hand straight down in front.
Deacons’ stoles may be worn in three different ways:
- Over the alb (and under the dalmatic), over the left shoulder, drawn across the chest and back, and fastened on the right side.
- Over the alb (and dalmatic), with the center under the right arm, and the ends drawn across the chest and back and over the left shoulder to fall front and back.
- Over the alb (and dalmatic), with the center on the left shoulder, and the ends hanging straight down front and back.
The chasuble is the distinctive vestment of bishops and priests at the Eucharist. (It is also worn at the Good Friday and Holy Saturday liturgies.) Some modern chasubles are designed to have the stole worn over them. Most chasubles are not, however, and look best when worn over the stole. Chasubles worn at celebrations facing the people should be as attractive when seen from the front as from the back.
The dalmatic is the distinctive vestment of deacons, and its use is not confined to the Eucharist. It may be worn at all celebrations or only at the more festive times and occasions.
Chasubles and dalmatics, as pointed out above, began as articles of clothing, and it is desirable that they appear to be such. Their essential beauty should derive from their cut and choice of fabric, rather than from embroidery or other ornamentation. It is not necessary that the fabrics chosen should be “ecclesiastical”; decoration that suggests “slogans” should be avoided.
A cape may be worn by bishops and presbyters at services that do not include the Eucharist.
The use of frontals to decorate the altar is very ancient. In their classic form they fall to the floor, sometimes on all four sides, sometimes only on the front and back. In the latter case, the “fair linen” that covers the top of the altar falls to the floor at the ends.