The fabric used also has a great deal to do with the comfort of the vestments. Did you know that almost all the brocades available for purchase online by suppliers in various parts of the world are largely - even entirely - synthetic? The quality of synthetic fabrics varies greatly, of course, but those which are selling online for a low price per metre are not among the finest. Such fabrics can misbehave in all sorts of ways and be difficult to sew. Unhappily, vestments made from such cheap fabrics are seen in online photographs all too frequently. Caveat emptor!
When asked about comfortable vestments, the Saint Bede Studio suggests the use of pure silk, be it silk damask or silk dupion. The former, of course, is magnificent, but expensive. But silk dupion is also quite lovely, with a beautiful sheen and comes in many different shades of the liturgical colours. It is moderately priced. A vestment made from silk dupion, even when fully lined, is extremely comfortable to wear and flows beautifully. Such a set of vestments is shewn in the adjacent photographs.
An alternative to silk is to request a chasuble made from ecclesiastical brocade, but without a lining. An unlined chasuble is much easier in the very hot weather. Please note, that although the Studio does make unlined chasubles upon request, our stoles, maniples and chalice veils are always fully lined.
The Saint Bede Studio : vestments made by Catholics for Catholics.
Enquiries : stbede62@gmail.com
AMDG.
