Ordination garments: What to wear?

The lead up to any Ordination is a special journey on many fronts — for some, it is your first visit to us here at J. Wippell & Co., where you can be guaranteed our expert advice from material to fit, and everything in between. Here, we'll put together your very own Clerical Wardrobe, starting with the basics, and being to make the most of our 10% Ordinand discount! 

 

It’s no secret that we have everything you could possibly need from Shirts and Cassocks to Chasubles and Stoles, but what are the essentials to start building your Vestment foundations right?

As a base, your Diocese and Leaders will specify if there is any particular style or garment that you must abide by, but in general you can expect to need:

 

Cassock

The essential clerical wardrobe item, available in Single or Double-breasted styles. Traditionally, the Single-breasted style was considered more Catholic, while the Double-breasted considered Anglican, but today there is far more flexibility. 

Wippells cassocks are made to order to your measurements, and are fully customisable to suit your needs.

If you're wearing your cassock every day, you might prefer our natural fibre Wool fabric options for better breathability. 

 

 

Cassock Alb

The modern blend of the cassock and alb: a practical garment with a classic look. Our cassock albs are available with a great range of hood and collar options.

 

 

Surplice

A core part of 'Choir Dress' — the typical daily service outfit. 

Choose from the traditional Pointed-sleeve style or practical Rounded-sleeve version (less sleeve material to accidentally dip in wax!).

 

 

Clerical Shirts

You'll probably want a couple of these for your everyday wear: the iconic collared shirt is a clerical staple.

Available in three collar styles — Tab Collar / Tunnel, Full Collar, and Tonsure Collar

Make sure to check with your Diocese if you're unsure which one you'll need.

(Make sure to get a few spare collars too!)

 

 

Preaching Scarf

Another core component of regular choir dress, sometimes called a 'Tippet'. 

 

 

Cincture or Girdle

You'll likely hear that you need a 'cincture' — but this could mean two things. At Wippells, the cincture is the black band you wear around your waist on top of the cassock. Some clericals will also say 'cincture' for the Rope Girdle, which is tied around the waist on top of an alb, usually for Eucharistic services.

Many churches require both, but it's always a good idea to double-check if it's one or the other.

 

 

The Stole

The stole is a liturgical garment worn on top of a surplice or alb. For ordinations, these are usually red or white — just check previous ordination pictures if you're not sure. 

If you are being ordained a Deacon, you'll need a 'Diaconal Tie' to allow the stole to sit from one shoulder across to your hip — a bit like a sash. If you are to be vested as a Priest, the stole is worn around your neck so both ends hang in front of your body.

To keep your stole pristine, we recommend wearing an amice around your neck.

Not all of the items listed will be needed to purchase at once for your big day, and they are always available to you as and when they are needed.

Orders can be placed with us months in advance of receiving your Ordination Grant; there’s no need to pay until you receive the grant prior to your Celebration. As part of your consultation with us, we can make sure everything is in place ready for when you need it.

 

If you're not sure where to begin or simply have a few questions, get in touch and our team will be happy to assist. Book a virtual consultation with one of our team here and we can get you on the right track for your ordination.