R.J. Toomey
R.J. Toomey Front-Wrap Alb, 100% Polyester
A white front-wrap alb in 100 percent polyester with Velcro shoulder closures, reinforced seams, and a collar cut to sit under a chasuble.
Vestments & Clergy Apparel
Albs
The alb is the white, full-length garment worn under a chasuble or dalmatic, and on its own by servers, lectors and deacons. Albs in this list differ in cut. Front-wrap albs close with Velcro or buttons at the shoulder. Self-fitting albs have a built-in belt or zipper, and monastic albs add a hood and wide sleeves. Fabrics are 100 percent polyester or a 65/35 polyester-cotton blend. Sizing is usually by height, with back length and sleeve length given in inches.
Start with the measurements. Makers such as R.J. Toomey and IvyRobes size by height, so check the back length against the wearer's shoulder-to-floor measurement. A self-fitting alb saves a cincture and suits lectors and deacons who vest quickly. Poly-cotton breathes better in warm churches; all-polyester resists wrinkles and dries fast. A hooded alb from Trinity Church Supply or BLESSUME pairs with overlay stoles and plain chasubles. Anyone who wears a cassock underneath should choose a fuller cut.
7 albs
The seven albs below cover front-wrap, self-fitting, hooded and monastic cuts from five makers, in sizes from extra small to extra large.
R.J. Toomey
R.J. Toomey Lightweight Self-Fitting Alb, Poly-Cotton
A lightweight white self-fitting alb in a 65/35 polyester-cotton blend, with a 58-inch back length in the medium size.
Abbey Brand
Abbey Brand Adult Front-Wrap Alb, Style 433
An American-made adult front-wrap alb, style 433, in a 65/35 polyester-cotton blend with button closure.
Abbey Brand
Abbey Brand Fitted Alb With Stand-Up Collar
A fitted white alb with a stand-up collar, a zipper, and an adjustable Velcro belt, sewn in permanent-press 65/35 polyester-cotton.
Trinity Church Supply
Trinity Church Supply Hooded Monastic Alb
A white monastic-style alb with a hood and wide sleeves, made in a 65/35 polyester-cotton blend for easy care.
IvyRobes
IvyRobes Front-Wrap Clergy Alb, Sized by Height
A washable 100 percent polyester front-wrap alb offered in five height-based sizes, with Velcro shoulder closure and a right-side pocket slit.
BLESSUME
BLESSUME Pleated Front-Wrap Alb With Cowl Hood
A pleated front-wrap alb with cowl hood in hand-washable polyester, sized from the maker's chart in the listing photos.
Side by side
The specifications the makers publish, in one table.
| Product | Color | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.J. Toomey Front-Wrap Alb, 100% Polyester R.J. Toomey | White | Medium | Check availability |
| R.J. Toomey Lightweight Self-Fitting Alb, Poly-Cotton R.J. Toomey | White | Medium | Check availability |
| Abbey Brand Adult Front-Wrap Alb, Style 433 Abbey Brand | White | Small | Check availability |
| Abbey Brand Fitted Alb With Stand-Up Collar Abbey Brand | White | Medium | Check availability |
| Trinity Church Supply Hooded Monastic Alb Trinity Church Supply | White | Small | Check availability |
| IvyRobes Front-Wrap Clergy Alb, Sized by Height IvyRobes | White | XS (5'3-5'6) | Check availability |
| BLESSUME Pleated Front-Wrap Alb With Cowl Hood BLESSUME | — | — | Check availability |
Questions before you order
How do I measure for an alb?
Measure from the base of the neck at the back to the hem point you want, usually the top of the shoe. Compare that figure with the maker's back length for each size. Most makers also list a height range, and sleeve length matters if the alb will show under a chasuble.
Polyester or poly-cotton: which is easier to care for?
Both machine wash. Polyester dries quickly and resists wrinkles, so it can be hung straight from the washer. A 65/35 poly-cotton blend breathes better and feels less slick, but it may need light pressing. Permanent-press blends reduce that.
Does an alb need a cincture?
A front-wrap alb usually looks neater with a rope or band cincture, though it can be worn loose. Self-fitting albs have a belt, zipper or Velcro adjustment built in and do not need one. Hooded monastic albs are normally worn with a cincture.
What is the difference between a priest's alb and a server's alb?
The garment is the same; the differences are in sizing and detail. Server albs come in children's and youth sizes and often use Velcro at the shoulder. Clergy albs are cut to sit smoothly under a chasuble, with a collar that shows neatly at the neck.