Vestments & Clergy Apparel

Stoles

A stole is the long band of fabric worn around the neck by a priest or over the left shoulder by a deacon. It is the sign of ordained ministry and is worn at every sacrament. Stoles in this list vary by length, from 46-inch back length to 110-inch overlay stoles worn outside the chasuble; by fabric, mostly polyester or cotton blend; and by ornament, from embroidered Chi Rho and wheat to simple crosses. Reversible stoles carry two liturgical colors.

A priest who already owns chasubles needs matching stoles in each color. The Christian Brands embroidered stole is made in the four main colors, and the Alpha Omega overlay style suits a plain chasuble. Reversible stoles from BLESSUME and Cambridge give two colors in one piece and suit a hospital chaplain or a priest who travels. Deacons should check for the diagonal cut; the BLESSUME deacon stole and the Christian Brands portable stole are made for that.

7 stoles

The list covers white, gold and overlay priest stoles, two reversible stoles and two deacon stoles.

Questions before you order

What length should a priest's stole be?

A stole worn under the chasuble should end near the knee, which for most men means a back length of 44 to 48 inches. Overlay stoles worn outside the chasuble are longer, around 110 inches end to end. A back cord often holds them in place.

How is a deacon's stole different?

A deacon's stole goes over the left shoulder and fastens at the right hip. It is cut on a diagonal or has a snap, tie or Velcro closure at the side. A priest's stole hangs straight down the front from both shoulders. The two are not interchangeable.

Which stole colors does a priest need?

White, green, red and purple cover the liturgical year. Purple is also used for confessions and anointing, so many priests keep a purple or purple-white reversible stole in the car. Rose and gold are optional; black is permitted for funerals but seldom used.

Can stoles be washed?

Cotton-blend stoles such as the BLESSUME reversible styles are listed as hand washable. Polyester stoles with embroidery and lined stoles should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned to protect the stitching and backing. Press on low with a cloth over the embroidery.