Get Your Preacher Robes at Divinity Clergy Wear

Thomas Metron, a Trappist Monk of the Cistercian Order, once wrote: “If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for.” At Divinity Clergy Wear, we live for the privilege of being the stop for all your clergy robes and clerical attire needs. We offer a wide array of preacher robes for Anglicans, Catholics, and Lutherans.

These include Class A Vestments, which include the Anglican cassock, American surplice, black tippet, and pectoral cross.

A double-breasted cassock with deep cuffs and a two-inch collar opening, our roman cassock is fashioned from a comfortable, durable, wrinkle-free blend of polyester and rayon. The cassock comes with a number of quality features, including lightly padded natural shoulders, a fully-lined torso, back and side pleats, and two concealed side openings. Along with the cassock we provide a matching four-inch band cincture that is finished with hand-knotted fringe.

The design of the cassock derives from the old classical Roman tunic, which the clergy formally adopted in the sixth century CE to differentiate themselves from the laity. The cut of the long tunic reflected the stress on modesty found throughout Christian life. In the Middle Ages (twelfth century), the garb of priests became closely regulated by the Church council. It was at this point that the cassock became the garb of the priesthood alone.

Next, in our series of Class A Vestments, is the American surplice. Featuring a moderately full body, this surplice is gathered onto a trim, round yoke, with raglan sleeves providing ample fullness. Proportioned to fall below the knee, this surplice is constructed from a cool, lightweight, machine-washable polyester and cotton broadcloth.

The surplice originated in either France or England in the eleventh century, as an orthodox variation on the Celtic alb, before spreading to the center of Christianity, Rome. Six centuries later, during the Enlightenment, the surplice was shortened from shin to knee-length. There are a number of different cuts associated with the surplice, including winged and sleeveless variants.

Third is the black tippet, a narrow, scarf-like piece of clothing, worn over the shoulders. A symbol of clerical office, our tippet is made using nine-inch-wide panels of fabric that contain sewn-in pleats, finished with plain ends. The tippet is proportioned to fall below the knee.

The use of a clerical tippet dates from the fourteenth century, where it was used to distinguish between the clergy in the choir and the choristers. The tippet was originally a form of outdoor dress, having been fur-lined. Before it was possible to heat huge stone churches, the tippet was a heavy garment intended to warm the chest and neck of the person wearing it. As with many vestments, the history of the tippet trends from practical to traditional use.

Finally, the pectoral cross. Our pectoral cross is constructed from sterling silver and suspended from a thin black cord. The cross is specifically regulated for all ordained pastors, and can be worn exposed with the ceremonial vestment, or in the left shirt pocket in civic attire.

In ancient and medieval times, pectoral crosses were worn by both the clergy and the laity, but over time came to be a signifier of status within the Church. The modern pectoral cross is fairly large (up to six inches long) and made from precious metals (silver, in this case). Some are studded with semiprecious stones or contain a molded corpus or other religious symbols. It is traditionally worn in the center of the chest, below the heart.

Divinity’s official preacher robes are all of the highest quality. Fully customizable, all of our clerical attire is available in sizes ranging from small to 8 extra-large. We are proud to offer the largest selection of clergy suits, clergy robes, preacher robes, and sundry clerical wear online. Whether searching for discount clergy robes or big and tall shirts and jackets, we are sure to have the perfect pieces you need. If you’re looking to dress up for church service, then Divinity Clergy Wear is the store for you. Our warehouse in Hamilton, NJ has everything that you and your family will need to look your best. We promise nothing short of top-quality customer service, developed over years of satisfactory business. Our family-owned and operated business has served countless customers, maintaining a spotless record of customer satisfaction. We offer free domestic shipping for online sales over $299. Our customized clergy products can take 7-14 business days to be cut, processed, and shipped from the time of purchase.

Divinity Clergy Wear is proud to offer clergy wear for both men and women. Browse our site to see everything we have to offer, or give us a call at 877-453-3535 to learn more about how we can help.