Cassocks and Soutanes

Y-Judes Vestments can create beautifully crafted Cassocks and Soutanes. The cassock is an ankle length robe worn by Clerics of the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Church, and some Presbyterian, Lutheran and other Reformation Churches.

The word “cassock” is derived from the French term “casaque” meaning a long coat, while in Ireland and some other English speaking countries, it is also known by another French derived word “soutane”.

The cassock (or soutane) comes in many styles. For example a Roman cassock often has a series of thirty-three buttons down the front (symbolic of the years of the life of Jesus) whilst an Anglican cassock is often double breasted (then more accurately referred to as a “sarum”) with a compliment of thirty nine buttons (thought to be in reference to the Thirty-Nine Articles).

Generally cassocks or soutane’s are black but in countries where heat is an issue they can be coloured white.

Other than Clergy, Seminarians and (Religious) Brothers, cassocks are sometimes worn by Acolytes, Readers, Altar Servers and members of the choir. Whilst Acolytes, Readers and Altar Servers usually wear black cassocks (frequently with a cotta or surplice) those worn by the choir are usually coloured.

For this reason Y-Judes vestments can make cassocks in a variety of styles and colours.

Cassocks/Soutane’s

Standard style cassocks/soutane’s are made single breasted and unlined, with 3 pleats and bypass pockets. They can be made in your choice of poly/rayon or poly/cotton with or without the standard compliment of 33 buttons.

Sarum Cassock

Sarum cassocks are generally made double breasted and unlined, with 3 pleats and bypass pockets. They can also be made in your choice of poly/rayon or poly/cotton with or without the standard compliment of 39 buttons.

Lightweight Cassock (Ecumenical Alb)

Another popular style (especially for Australian summer conditions) is the Lightweight Cassock or Ecumenical Alb. This is a smart convenient coat style garment with wide box pleats both at the front and back and can be made in your choice of poly/viscose, poly/rayon or poly/cotton.

Accessories

Cassocks are sometimes worn with an outer cape. Girdles (also called cinctures in some denominations) are also frequently used and are made of a 4 inch (10.2 cm) width fabric with fringe to match the cassock.

Other styles

For any custom cassock styles or colours (particularly for choir orders) please contact us for special prices.

Geneva Gown

The Geneva gown sometimes referred to as a pulpit robe or preaching robe, is an ecclesiastical garment customarily worn by clergy in the Christian churches of Protestant Denomination. They are most commonly made of polyester/rayon and can be secured with your choice of zipper, buttons, velcro or press-studs. Custom styles are also available.

Geneva gowns are sometimes worn with geneva bands (Preaching Bands) worn at the neck.