Episcor Men’s Cassock

The Bright Purple Cassock for Cardinal and High-Ranking Clergy

The Episcor Men’s Cassock fills a specific need in the Clergyss purple range: the bright magenta-purple associated with Roman Catholic cardinals and high-ranking prelates, as distinct from the darker violet-purple worn by bishops. The distinction between these two purples is precise and significant in traditions that observe it – the darker violet belongs to bishops and is used in penitential seasons; the bright magenta-amaranth belongs to the rank of cardinal and is entirely different in character.

The Episcor is constructed to the same full-length, single-breasted standard as the rest of the Clergyss purple cassock range, with a close collar and clean button front. The cassock is the correctly-coloured vestment for clergy in traditions that use the bright amaranth-purple as a mark of rank or office.

Fabric, Construction and Care

The Episcor uses a vibrant-dye fabric chosen for its ability to render the bright magenta-purple correctly without fading or shifting in colour temperature through laundering. Bright purple dyes are more susceptible to fading than darker tones, and Clergyss’s fabric selection for the Episcor prioritises dye fastness to protect the cassock’s vivid colour through regular use.

Care as for other cassocks in the range: dry cleaning is recommended for colour preservation, particularly for a bright-coloured vestment where fading would be immediately noticeable. Machine washing on a cold, delicate cycle is possible if dry cleaning is unavailable. Hang immediately after washing and press gently on a low setting through a pressing cloth.

Who This Cassock Is For

The Episcor is specifically for clergy in the Roman Catholic and other traditions who are entitled to wear, or are vested in, the bright magenta-purple of cardinal rank, and for ceremonial groups and choirs that vest in bright purple. It is not a substitute for the darker episcopal purple of the Violae or Prelatus for bishops and diocesan clergy in most traditions. Standard, extended, and made-to-measure options are available.