Clergy Apparel Guide: The History of Albs

An alb is a popular type of liturgical vestment, used by many different churches. It’s common to see albs worn by members of the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Anglican churches. The alb has a history that dates back longer than most clergy apparel used today. It was intended to imitate the ordinary look of first-century clothing and was first used by the Christian church. An alb was also worn immediately after a baptism in the first four centuries of the Church. To this day, the alb is meant to be a reminder of baptism. 

Who wears an alb?

An alb is most commonly worn by ministers during Mass. Albs can also be worn by clerics, laypersons, or anybody else who leads worship services. Clergy members who wear an alb are also likely to wear a stole over the top that aligns with the color of the given season. 

How would you describe how albs look?

Albs have always been traditionally white due to the influence of early first-century clothing. Occasionally you’ll see albs in other colors including ivory. If you see an alb in other colors, it will usually be a light, natural color. Even though it is common to wear an alb on its own, an alb can also be worn with other traditional clergy clothing, including over a cassock. The alb is long and should reach your ankles, but not go past them. The bottom portion of the alb can have some decorative banding that wraps around the entire alb, often made of lace. It is very common for a rope cincture to be worn around the waist when wearing an alb. 

Our 1964 catalog showing different banding options found on albs

How to choose the right alb?

Gaspard provides multiple different types of albs, including pull-over albs, step-in albs, and wrap-around albs. We also have both men and women’s alb collections. We recommend talking with your church to find out if there is a particular alb style that is preferred. When you are ready to order, visit our albs section or give us a call at (800) 784-6868.