Cassock
The cassock is the most commonly worn robe by Anglican (CofE) and RC bishops, priests and deacons (hereafter referred to simply as priests, for concision).
Whenever robes of any sort are worn by a priest, the cassock is usually the first layer, worn on top of the clerical shirt.
The cassock from the 20th century to present
(Click to skip ahead to the period cassock)
Cassocks can in theory come in any colour (see below for colour), but there are two main styles: single-breasted and double-breasted, sometimes called Roman and Sarum respectively.
Single-breasted
This style of cassock, with the buttons running down the centre, is common throughout the Christian world.
Virtually all Roman Catholic priests wear single-breasted (S-B) cassocks. A great many Anglican priests also wear this style, though usually those of a ‘higher-church’, more catholic persuasion. It is especially common in English cathedrals and in the larger churches. The S-B design is seen by some (incorrectly) as a sign of clerical seniority, probably because senior priests (such as canons, archdeacons and deans) are often from high-church backgrounds, and/or work principally in cathedrals, where S-B is the norm
There is one difference between an Anglican and a Roman Catholic S-B cassock: the number of buttons.
Catholic cassocks traditionally have 33 buttons, representing the 33 years of Christ’s earthly life. Anglican cassocks traditionally have 39 buttons, symbolizing the 39 articles of the Anglican faith. (Some high-Anglican priests who secretly acknowledge the authority of the Pope, sometimes leave the 39th button at the bottom undone – a subtle snub at the 39th Article, which rejects Papal authority.)
The S-B cassock may be worn with a cincture around the waist. In the Anglican church there are no rules as to whether a cincture can be worn. In the RC church, the cincture is reserved for certain ranks of the clergy.
Double-breasted
This is a quintessentially English style of cassock, seen often in the UK and the US but more rarely in continental Europe.
However that’s not say that all English priests wear this style – far from it.
These cassocks are typically associated with parish ministry (as opposed to cathedral ministry). You might envisage a humble village or inner-city vicar wearing a cassock like this.
While it is seen as traditional (it is, after all, a robe), it is nonetheless seen as generally humble and unpretentious.
Traditionally it is tied around the waist with a leather belt (never a cincture with falls!). This is relatively uncommon today, but is seen from time to time, especially when worn by priests who are high-church but still choose to wear double-breasted.
Variations, including colour
Cassocks may vary in colour, usually according to two factors:
1. Clergy seniority
2. A specific institution
Clergy seniority
Most ‘ordinary’ priests (such as parish vicars) wear plain black cassocks, and always have. However, the colours red and purple are commonly introduced for senior clergy. For instance…
Red piping and buttons may be used in both Anglican and RC traditions by cathedral canons (i.e. senior priests who work in cathedrals)
This is a cassock worn by a Roman Catholic cardinal, including red cincture (and pectoral cross – the sign of a bishop).
The shoulder cape is called a pellegrina, the distinguishing features of which are (a) the opening at the front, and (b) that it is attached to the cassock at the neck (both of these features differentiate it from a Mozzetta).
A cardinal will also sometimes wear a cassock entirely in scarlet. If you’re dressing a Cardinal, get in touch and we’ll advise which you need.
Bishops in both Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions usually wear purple cassocks (properly called Amaranth, or Roman Purple).
Two exceptions to this are:
- Roman Catholic bishops who are also cardinals will typically wear red or black-and-red cassocks (see above), and
- Anglican archbishops typically wear black cassocks.
Specific institutions
Some churches/cathedrals employ cassocks of a particular colour, usually purely out of tradition. For instance, the clergy of Wells Cathedral wear blue cassocks, and English royal chaplains wear scarlet cassocks.
Period/historical
Cassocks have been worn throughout Christian history. They have changed a bit, but not much. Here for instance is a Tudor-style cassock which Vestus made bespoke for a period drama. Hook-and-eye fastenings are used in place of buttons, and fur lining is visible at the neck and cuff.
