When you think of a pastor or a minister, who do you picture? Perhaps you see an older man with white locks standing in a flowing black robe. He may be wearing a traditional Liturgical stole. You may picture a woman in a fitted garment with a sash cord tied around the waist. Either picture is common in churches across the country. This hasn't always been the case.

The number of ordained women leading worship has more than tripled over the last quarter century. At the time when more women began attending seminaries and schools of theology, clergy apparel was geared toward men. There were small variations in styles, ranging from economy to a more deluxe gown featuring velvet. Black was, by far, the most popular color with white sometimes used in summer or for special occasions.

The patterns were designed to accommodate male body builds and included conveniences such as a shorter zipper and pocket slit for access to a "trouser" pocket. Early clergy apparel for women followed traditional styles, but with patterns more fit for the wearer. Styles were narrower at the shoulders, while zippers were longer and full pockets available. The robes were available with plain cloth or velvet-front panels.

Style offerings for clergy apparel have increased to meet the needs and concepts of female Bishops, Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and Psalmists.

Designers look to female seminarians and ordained clergywomen for guidance as to what apparel they feel is appropriate and meaningful, while still meeting comfort and budget requirements.

The traditional garment features fluting over the shoulders and across the back. This gathering has a felt lining and should include 3.5 inches of flat fabric for every inch of fluting. This gives the robe its fullness, while allowing the fabric to drape nicely.

A robe that looks very much like this but is lighter weight with less shoulder bulk utilizes shirring over the shoulders and across the back. It may also include a gently rounded yoke-line instead of the square yoke usually seen. This robe should have 2.5 inches of flat fabric for every inch of shirring, and it does not require the felt lining, making the shoulders and back more flexible.

Both of these patterns should include the concealed longer zipper, full pocket and have the option of an additional slit to access a skirt or slacks pocket.

As time went on, women pastors desired a wider selection of robes, and additional styles were created in response. Robes with darted, tapered waistlines and buttons to complement the fabric are available. The buttons are decorative, and the robes still have the convenience of a concealed zipper.

From this basic fitted yet comfortable and economical garment, other patterns emerge. Some prefer the slimming effect of pleats above the waist in the front and back of the robe. Braid options can further personalize this simple, yet elegant, robe choice.

The standing collars are liturgically correct, yet they have comfort built into the design with slight rounding instead of sharp-angled points.

To achieve a different look, sash cords are available in different lengths and colors. Cinctures, a 3-inch band in a choice of fabric, can be added in either a contrasting or matching fabric. Cuffs can be added to match the cincture.

Stoles are often used to accessorize and are offered in different widths, straight or tapered, a wide variety of fabrics, and with embroidery to signify the occasion, denomination, or a special event.

Embroidery is also used to personalize traditional clergy robes, which include velvet or plain cloth optional front panels. With the advent of the Computer Aided Digitizer (CAD), any design, if sent to the manufacturer in a clean .tiff or .jpg format, may be used to customize either robes or stoles.

The evolution of apparel for clergy and others participating in religious services and ceremonies across denominations continues. Some have a large budget and desire ornate apparel or several different robes and stoles to signify dates on the religious calendar, weddings, confirmations, and the like. Others are just starting off and need "all-purpose" vestments.

There are unlimited possibilities in the styles, fabrics, colors, and options available today. Your imagination—and that of the parishioners who may purchase apparel to note an ordination, service anniversary or other event—is all that limits the field of choice. Enjoy the freedom to design and the 21st century palette of choices.

Emily Heer is the product and design manager for Collegiate Apparel, a division of Herff Jones, Inc., www.robes.com.

Product Roundup

Hoffman Brothers
Hoffman Brothers Minister & Choir Robe Company spans three generations with dedication to quality, value and ideals rare in today's commercial world. The company was established in 1932 with the mission to offer only those garments that:
* Heighten appearance
* Instill confidence
* Enhance the "presence" of the wearer with unequaled quality and materials
The Hoffman family honors its past and present customers who have sought, and then continued to prefer, the company's products and services.
www.HoffmanRobes.com

Thomas Creative Apparel
Thomas Creative Apparel, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of clergy robes and other related apparel. Whether a church selects a traditional clergy robe or needs help designing a custom robe or cassock, Thomas offers the largest selections available in:
* Style
* Fabrics
* Colors
For a more personal look, Thomas custom embroiders church or individual logos for a minimal fee. Thomas also offers a wide selection of choir robes, with on-staff specialists available to help churches choose the perfect robes for church and choir décor.
www.thomasrobes.com

Renzetti – Magnarelli
Renzetti – Magnarelli Clergy Apparel has been serving the vesturing needs of various religious orders and church organizations since 1945. Renzetti – Magnarelli is known for its high-quality garments at extremely reasonable prices. Their garments are custom made with Old World craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation and are made according to your individual measurements and specifications at a cost. Offerings include:
* Cassocks
* Clerical Vests
* Rabots
* Vestments
www.clergyapparel.com