Cassock shopping help

[SenorSalsa]

First off, I posted this on the Vocations board as well, but I figured this board might also have some answers, and I know that I personally don’t stroll through all the boards looking for topics…

I am entering the seminary in the fall and need a cassock for serving. I would like one that could be used more often when that time comes.

Right now I am deciding between a Toomey and a Renzetti

the way I see it is:

Benefits of the Toomey-cheaper price
Drawbacks-cheaper quality

Benefits of the Renzetti-more custom-made, better quality
Drawbacks-more expensive

I spoke to a lady from Renzetti and asked her opinion on what I would want. She suggested that since I will be in Florida, I get the lightweight wool blend, saying the polyester would make me hot in the high heat-this confused me because the year-rounder from Toomey says it is 100% polyester. I know that I want cloth buttons.

So basically my questions to you are
is the wool really that much better than the polyester?
Should I get piping? I like the look, but it is also $40 more, is it worth it?
Should I get a lining? The Toomey comes with it, on the Renzetti its a $75 option, she said its 50/50 on if hot weather people want it

Thanks for any help

 

[LucyLou]

I can offer some information on the fabric. Ask if the wool is a tropical weight wool. This is very light weight and used in suits for men in the south. This is relatively durable and breathable. Wool will hold its shape better. Adding lining adds to the heat element as it is usually made from polyester, rayon or some other synthetic fiber. Wool should be dry cleaned not washed in water (even if the label says so)

Polyester can be more durable than wool, it is machine washable. I live in Texas and do not wear polyester outside because it is so very hot.

Some seminaries encourage their future priests to wear cassocks all the time once they are at a ceratin level. If you only plan to use yours only for mass (about an hour every day) then I recommend the wool. If you take care of it, it will last for a several years.

If you are hard on clothes and wear them out fast, then the less expensive polyester one is the better choice as you will have to replace them more frequentlly.

Congratulations on your vocation. I will keep you in my prayers.
LucyLou

 

[baltobetsy]

Sounds like you’d sweat to death in the Toomey one. Yes, lightweight wool really is cooler than polyester, especially LINED polyester.

As for the lining in the wool one, it would depend on the lining material. It would help the cassock keep its shape, but it does add another layer. Do you get hot and uncomfortable easily? Is the Florida climate new to you? If so, I’d say go unlined.

Piping might be a bit much for a first year student. Maybe you should save your money on this.

As you can guess from my name, I’m neither a priest nor a seminarian, but I have had many years’ experience with cassocks as part of choir attire.

Betsy

 

[SenorSalsa]

Sounds like you’d sweat to death in the Toomey one. Yes, lightweight wool really is cooler than polyester, especially LINED polyester.

As for the lining in the wool one, it would depend on the lining material. It would help the cassock keep its shape, but it does add another layer. Do you get hot and uncomfortable easily? Is the Florida climate new to you? If so, I’d say go unlined.

Piping might be a bit much for a first year student. Maybe you should save your money on this.

As you can guess from my name, I’m neither a priest nor a seminarian, but I have had many years’ experience with cassocks as part of choir attire.

Betsy

The Florida climate isn’t new to me(been here almost 10 years), but I am of Italian decent, I sweat walking from the house to the car.

I had the same thoughts as you on the piping. I like the look, but thought it might be excessive right now.

 

[Kielbasi]

There is a lot to be said for polyester- you definitely want a garment you don’t need to iron constantly.

Also, make sure you get the right size and if necessary go the extra step and have it tailored to the right length and get a real good fit.

It wasn’t an accident that Karl Malden and Bing Crosby looked dapper in their cassocks- I’m sure they spent the necessary time and money to get fitted.