Clothing!!

[NPC]

I know this is a strange question and is really of no consequences whatsoever, but I wonder if anyone knows anything about the origins of priestly clothing…

I’m not asking about liturgical vestments, as I understand the reasons for these (tradition, colours for Church seasons, etc). I’m wondering about their everyday-clothes - black (normally) and the white collar. I expect part of the reason was to set them apart from lay persons, but is there more to it than that - traditions, symbolism??

So, I would be grateful for any responses to this strange question… Many thanks!!

 

[Vox_Borealis]

Priests are required by canon law (para. 284) to wear ecclesiastical clothing, though that does not really answer your question as to why.

As for the form of their everyday clothing (black with white collar)–this is a modern adaptation of the traditional Roman collar, so-called because priests used to wear outfits that were descended from ancient Roman clothing (from the Late Imperial period).

But getting back to your question–it is my understanding that priests are supposed to stand out as such in the outside world (unless they are on vacation), though it is usually left up to the local bishop to determine what that means.