Society of Jesus/Habit and Dress

Jesuits do not have an official habit. In the Constitutions of the Society, it gives these instructions concerning clothing; “The clothing too should have three characteristics: first, it should be proper; second, conformed to the usage of the country of residence; and third, not contradictory to the poverty we profess…” (Const. 577)
Historically, a "Jesuit-style cassock" became standard issue: it wrapped around the body and was tied with a cincture, rather than the customary buttoned front, a tuftless biretta (only diocesan clergy wore tufts), and a simple cape. As such, though Jesuit garb appeared distinctive, and became identifiable over time, it was the common priestly dress of Ignatius' day. During the missionary periods of the Continental Americas, the various native peoples referred to Jesuits as "Blackrobes" because of their black cassocks.
Today, most Jesuits wear the Roman collar tab shirts in non-liturgical, ministerial settings
Category:Society of Jesus