Description
A formal alb for the highest liturgical occasions
The Candidus draws on monastic and basilica tradition, where the alb itself – not just the chasuble – was treated as a richly finished vestment. Wide bell sleeves, a softly gathered yoke, and the embroidered hem band give the garment visible weight in procession, while the warm ivory tone is more flattering than pure white under tungsten and candle light. It is the alb to wear when the assembly will see every step from sanctuary to nave.
Signature feature: hand-finished embroidered hem band
The 4 inch hem panel is woven separately and applied by hand to the lower skirt with mitered corners, then top-stitched along both edges to lock the design flat. The repeat alternates a Latin cross within a quatrefoil and a stylized fleur, embroidered in matte liturgical gold with deep burgundy outline. The result reads cleanly even from the back of a long nave.
Bell sleeves and gathered-yoke construction
The yoke is finely cartridge-pleated by hand into a stitched neckband, distributing the fullness evenly across the chest. The sleeves are set wide at the cuff to fall in soft folds when the arms are raised – an essential proportion for the orans posture. The skirt is fully lined to keep the embroidered hem band from twisting in procession.
Wool-blend fabric, gold cincture, and care
60% wool, 40% polyester, mid-weight at approximately 240 GSM, with a soft hand and warm ivory tone. Includes the matching gold-tasseled cord cincture in pure cotton with metallic-thread tassels. Dry clean only to preserve the embroidered band; spot clean any liturgical wax with a chilled spoon and a clean cloth before professional cleaning.
Who it is for and sizing
Made for pastors, rectors, and bishops who want one alb of unmistakable formal weight for ordinations, feast days, weddings, and televised liturgies. Standard sizes 36 to 54 in Regular and Tall. Made-to-measure adds bell-sleeve width, hem-band placement, and overall hem length adjustments.
Pricing & Variations (USD)
Standard sizes 36-50 (Regular & Tall): $329
Extended sizes 52-54: $359
Made-to-measure (4-6 weeks): $469
Add-ons: spare cord cincture +$45, custom embroidered initials on inside hem +$35
FAQs
Is the Candidus pure white or off-white?
It is a warm liturgical ivory, slightly off-white, chosen because it photographs and reads better than bright white under candlelight, tungsten, and on televised feast-day Masses.
Is the embroidered hem hand-finished?
The embroidery itself is machine-loomed for consistency, but the band is mitered and applied to the alb hem entirely by hand, then top-stitched along both edges to keep it flat through years of wear.
Does the alb come with the gold cincture?
Yes, every Candidus ships with a matching gold-tasseled cord cincture in cotton with metallic thread tassels, ready to wear.
How should I clean and store the Candidus between feast days?
Dry clean only when needed, and store on a wide padded hanger inside a breathable garment bag to protect the embroidered hem and the bell-sleeve drape.
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.