Alb Fabric Guide

Albs are made out of several different materials. Here is a detailed explanation of the different types.

It is accepted by most ecclesiologists that our most common vestments such as chasubles, dalmatics and albs were a simple adaptation of the secular clothing worn throughout the Roman Empire in the early Christian church. These vestments would have been made out of wool or linen as they still are today... on occasion. Most fabrics used in modern vestment production are polyester blends designed for comfort and wearability, but unlike the thick and stretchy polyester popular for three years in the 1970s, these new blends have been transformed into fabrics worthy of the finest vestments.

If you're interested in having an alb made from any of these materials and it isn't listed as an option, please call a customer service representative.

Alb Options

Tropical

If you live in a hot geographical environment or have a church without air conditioning then you might consider 100% polyester Tropical fabric for your alb. This simple fabric is lightweight with a knit tight enough to avoid the old bed-sheet look and hide your street clothes underneath. It is available in a variety of colors and can be used in most applications.

Romano

Another commonly used lightweight fabric is Romano. This course fabric is an 80/20 polyester/rayon blend and resembles linen but is loosely woven and transparent even in poor light. In spite of the drawbacks it's coarse nature makes it difficult to wrinkle and makes for a good travel fabric.

St. Ann

Another commonly used lightweight fabric is Romano. This course fabric is 100% polyester and resembles linen but is loosely woven and transparent even in poor light. In spite of the drawbacks it's coarse nature makes it difficult to wrinkle and makes for a good travel fabric.

A similar material with more texture and body is the St. Ann. This wrinkle-free fabric is more tightly woven than the Romano and is softer to the touch. A good choice for dressy albs.

Crepe

 Crepe (krap)

 If you've looked in the sacristy closet and can't find your alb among the dozens of other albs, perhaps you need one that will never be mistaken for another. This whimsical fabric is soft to the touch and the most stretchy of our polyester blends. A bold choice for any application, the crinkled Crepe fabric is sure to be a favorite in your collection.

Padua

Padua – (paj-oo-uh)

The Padua polyester blend is a perfect choice for a dress alb. The elegant pattern is reminiscent of more traditional vestments and can be used in a variety of applications including altar cloths and palls.

Francia

100% high quality polyester.