Long Monastic Habit of Saint Benedict

Long Monastic Habit of Saint Benedict with Integrated Hood

Historical Context and Origins of the Garment

The Order of Saint Benedict is the oldest existing monastic order in Western Christianity. Its roots trace back to the early 6th century when the Rule of Saint Benedict of Nursia was written for the monastic community at Monte Cassino. The word "monk" itself originates from the Greek term "monos", meaning alone or solitary. This name perfectly reflects the lifestyle of the time, when religious brothers shunned worldly life and material pleasures, much like the ancient hermits in Egypt and the Mediterranean. The habit formed the basic everyday clothing, symbolising poverty and equality. Monks wore it during prayers, manual labour on monastery lands, and while copying books in scriptoriums.

Material Execution and Comfort

For maximum adaptation to your needs, the garment is offered in two historically appropriate material variants. Both the front and back panels are gathered into a yoke, which ensures comfortable wear and the fact that the habit looks great on almost any figure.

• Fustian / Cotton Velour (100% cotton): A strong and densely woven fabric with a lightly brushed face side. It is resistant to abrasion, holds its shape excellently, and is easier to maintain.
• Wool (100% wool): A traditional natural material with a coarser, highly authentic texture. It provides superior thermal comfort, which you will especially appreciate at chilly autumn and winter events.

Technical Parameters

Care and Maintenance Instructions

Proper care depends on the chosen material. The cotton fustian can be machine washed on a very gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). For the woollen variant, we strongly recommend exclusively professional dry cleaning or very careful hand washing in lukewarm water using special wool detergents to prevent the fibres from shrinking and felting. Never dry the garment in a tumble dryer. Drying is ideally done laying flat or on a wide coat hanger in a well-ventilated room.

Cleaning and care of costumes

Safety Warnings

Given that the habit is floor-length, exceptionally loose, and made of 100% natural materials, exercise immense caution near open flames (campfires, torches, candles). The long sleeves or bottom hem can easily catch fire if you are not careful. This is a civil costume that provides absolutely no protection against weapons during fencing practice or in contact battles.

Please note that the belt, footwear, and any other accessories shown in the photographs are not included in the delivery.

Recommended Accessories

We warmly recommend complementing this habit with a simple rope belt, plain leather sandals, and a wooden rosary, which perfectly correspond to the monastic fashion of the 12th to 14th centuries.

Customisation Options and Sizes

This monastic habit is also crafted in other colours upon request, according to the fabric swatches available in our magazine. Please note your desired colour in the comment box of your order. Always include (1) the swatch number, (2) the colour letter, and (3) the colour name (e.g., 03-A-Yellow). If a fabric with a different composition is selected, the price may change. Any potential price change will, of course, always be consulted with you before the order is processed.

The garment is available in standard sizes according to our size chart for men and women. Entirely without any surcharge, the garment is tailored exactly to your measurements. In that case, after completing your order, simply fill out the measurement chart available during the checkout process.