Practical aspects of wearing a habit

[JReducation]

While working I found myself wondering how those Religious who wore either white or pale coloured habits managed to keep them clean!

We wear a very light grey, like the light grey on CAF. It’s not easy. But I found a way. You take an old one, cut it in half so that it reaches below your hips and you wear it over jeans. When you finish the dirty work, you throw on the long tunic again.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Sancta_Rosa]

Sancta Rosa,

I’d appreciate a little guidance. What fabrics are good for what seasons? I don’t know this information, I’m afraid. I’ve always judged by weight, not by fabric. But for habit-shopping, I clearly need to shop by fabric. So would you write up a little chart for me? I can copy it onto e-paper or paper.

You mention long-sleeved polo shirts. Are those better as undershirts for jumpers? I’m having a LOT of trouble finding modest, plain, no-text shirts that aren’t hoodies. Hoodies aren’t so bad, but I’ve never seen a summer one.

Well I’ll do my best My absolutely for best sky blue habit is made from a heavyweight poly-something synthetic which is very practical because it doesn’t crease easily and it always looks smart. BUT I would not want to work in it, - it is purely for formal occasions, going to Mass & etc. Marian light blues are teeeerrrific for attracting dirt which is why I mostly wear ordinary blue denim ankle length long jumpers over a light blue polo necked long sleeved ‘T’ shirt and an ankle length denim skirt for working in.
Presently I’m making a long jumper from light blue cotton drill for those more dressy working occasions and I’m waiting for some more lightweight canvas to arrive by post so I can make some good serviceable aprons.
I can sympathise about finding plain no-text shirts. Several times I’ve been digging about in a box at a charity shop and thought I’ve found a perfect shirt, only to find something garish spread across the front of it. Or one of those nasty little mock designer logos of a kind that can’t be removed without ruining the garment.
Linen is nice to wear. I have a loose natural fibre linen jumper that came from a charity box, but normally linen would be out of the question for me due to the expense.

As to seasons I seem to have done alright this Winter wearing cotton drill and denim. When it’s cold a good woollen pullover underneath does help though. I did finally order a new woollen habit supposedly for Winter, only it’ll more than likely get here in time for Spring (Oy vey…). In Summer I find cotton or polycotton to be good for me and if it’s cooler all I do is increase the layers.