What Makes Clergy Shirts Different?

Whether you attend church in Toronto or other parts of Canada, you’ll likely notice that priests and other religious leaders wear deliberate attire that helps differentiate them from others. While robes may serve as the most distinctive item worn, clergy shirts are also considered a crucial part of religious dress.

Some religious attire pieces can be quite intricate; however, Catholic clergy shirts seem more straightforward. They typically consist of a white-collar on a black shirt and are most often combined with other vestments. Clergy shirts communicate a priest’s commitment to their faith to the congregation members and the community.

3 Things to Know About Clergy Shirts

So, what does make the shirts worn by priests different than a typical shirt? Let’s take a closer look at some of the details surrounding Catholic clergy shirts.

1. The purpose of a clergy shirt is different than that of a typical shirt. For instance, the collar included keeps the priest’s shirt or cassock collar clean and in good condition. The shirt’s white-collar can be cleaned or replaced quickly, so it helps to prolong the life of the shirt or cassock.

 

2. While there are parameters around what clerical attire can look like, you can still wear cool clergy shirts. There are many different styles and cuts available for these types of shirts that allow priests to express their personality while still representing their faith and their commitment in a professional way. There is some leeway when it comes to fit and style, but the shirt’s integrity must still always represent their faith in accordance with guidelines.

3. The colour of the shirt worn by clergy signifies something much different from typical shirts. From black to red to purple to white, each colour represents a different position or ceremony. Not only does this add prestige to the attire, but it helps to illustrate the critical work done by religious leaders.

Harcourts: Professional Clergy Vestments In Toronto

Whether you’re looking for cool clergy shirts or a custom robe, Harcourts knows how personal clergy vestments are. We work hard to ensure that all of our clergy pieces reflect not only the tradition of your faith but also symbolize your commitment to your congregation. We’ll gladly customize our vestments to meet your needs. The finest craftspeople create Harcourts’ vestments, so you can be confident that they’ll be durable, elegant, and of superior quality. To find out more about our products or how to order custom robes, please contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/what-makes-clergy-shirts-different/

Do You Know Why Lawyers Wear Black Robes?

Seeing black lawyer robes in Canada is just something we are accustomed to, but have you ever wondered why the robes are black? There is plenty of history behind the traditional legal attire that comprises barrister robes, shirts, and pants that includes details about why black was and is the colour you see in courtrooms around the world.

One of the simplest reasons that black robes were originally chosen was because dyes were not widely available when barrister robes became part of the legal dress.

Discover More About Why Lawyer Robes in Canada Are Black

In addition to the limited variety of fabric when robes became the norm many centuries ago, the colour black is also thought to represent authority and power. It has been said that lawyers in Toronto and around the globe continue to wear black to show their submission to justice and to signify that the law is blind, considering only the weight of evidence and no other factors.

Additional reasoning for black barrister robes is as follows:

• A black robe adds gravitas to the role of a lawyer and provides a unique visual to their professional image.
• Wearing a black barrister gown and waistcoat indicates participation in and support of the justice system and gives lawyers a sense of being upholders of equality under the law.
• The colour black can represent dignity, honour, and wisdom, and these are values that every lawyer has to uphold. This also helps build credibility and respect among clients and society.
• Wearing nearly identical black robes is also a way of showing that all lawyers are equally bound in their duty to uphold the law and justice.

As black legal robes have been worn for centuries, they have come to represent a qualified person who is capable of handling complicated legal issues. Black lawyer robes in Canada are a universal symbol of the legal profession.

Find Quality Lawyer Robes in Toronto

Harcourts has been supplying lawyers with barrister gowns and waistcoats and other legal attire for more than one hundred years. We’re well versed in the requirements and the history of legal attire and as such, we provide custom robes that reflect the distinct importance of the legal profession. All of our robes are still individually cut, sewn, and tailored, resulting in the highest quality robes available. To find out more about ordering your legal robes from Harcourts, contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/do-you-know-why-lawyers-wear-black-robes/

Graduation Ceremony Cancelled – How About a Virtual Celebration?

Schools in Toronto and around the world started postponing their graduation ceremonies when the realities of a global pandemic could no longer be ignored. While many soon to be graduates hoped that the chance to wear their graduation gown was simply delayed, it was soon clear that physical ceremonies were going to be cancelled indefinitely.

After many years of hard work, it was disappointing for students to learn that their chance to walk across the stage in traditional graduation robes and hats was a milestone they were going to have to forego. Enter the virtual graduation ceremony! While we know it’s not the same, it has provided some type of closure for students graduating in a year that’s been anything but normal.

3 Ways to Make Virtual Graduation Ceremonies Memorable

The details of the graduation ceremony and celebration may be different but the accomplishment is the same, and those graduates need to be recognized! Schools are doing what they can to make the best of the situation, but that doesn’t mean that graduates shouldn’t also get involved and add to the occasion.

Here are three ways to help make a virtual graduation ceremony as positive of an experience as possible:

Wear a graduation gown. We know you might be thinking this is over the top, especially when the world has been living in jogging pants and sweatshirts, but this is one time when your outfit needs to match the occasion. You’ll be surprised at how good you feel when you put on that graduation robe! Graduation attire is full of tradition and prestige and there is no reason why you can’t at least experience that and snap a few pictures at the same time.

Make it personal. In all parts of the world, academic institutions are doing a great job at adding as much personal details as possible to their virtual graduation ceremonies. From adding a photo highlight reel of the graduating class, to ensuring there’s a social media hashtag for sharing pictures and videos of everyone in their graduation hat, there are so many online tools that can be used to bring people together when they can’t get together physically.

Amplify the elements that remain the same. Virtual ceremonies can still include an exceptional and exciting guest speaker and graduates can still have their names read and their accomplishments honoured. While you may be tempted to make a virtual ceremony short and sweet, don’t be surprised by how many graduates are craving something formal. Do what you can to make the content as rich and special as possible.

Harcourts – Here to Help Graduates Celebrate Their Accomplishments

Many things in Toronto and all over the world look different than they did just six months ago. However, one thing that remains the same is the high-quality graduation hats and robes you can find at Harcourts. Our commitment to helping graduates look and feel their best has not changed. We’re pleased to still be helping those who are celebrating this important milestone order a cap and gown to honour all their hard work. To find out more about how to safely purchase graduation attire, please contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/graduation-ceremony-cancelled-how-about-a-virtual-celebration/

How Do I Get Custom Robes During Social Distancing?

In March of this year, COVID-19 became a reality in Canada. The global pandemic has changed the entire course of 2020. As we attempted to flatten the curve, Harcourts, like so many other businesses, closed its doors in April and customers were no longer able to come in to be measured for custom robes.

Thankfully, Canada was able to curb the spread of the virus, and on June 8 we opened the doors of our Toronto showroom again. It’s understandable to still be unsure as to whether or not it’s okay to venture out for items you need, and when you do, how do you know that the locations you visit are practicing proper guidelines to keep visitors and employees safe? If you need to order courtroom attire or get measured for a robe for clerical use, know that Harcourts is doing all we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

8 Ways Harcourts Keeps Customers Safe During Custom Robe Fittings

We’re so pleased to be open again and to be back to doing what we do best. Harcourts has been providing lawyer robes and custom tailored robes since 1842 and our commitment to quality and an outstanding fit remains the same.

While we’ve needed to adapt in order to safely provide our services, we feel confident in welcoming back our customers and continuing our work in delivering custom robes that fit and feel superb. In order to keep everyone safe, you’ll need to make an appointment to come in by calling (416) 977-4408 ext 109 or by email at info@harcourts.com.

When you come in for your appointment, you’ll notice these new protocols in place:

• Plexiglass has been installed in customer service areas.
• We have hand sanitizer available for everyone’s use.
• We only allow one customer in the showroom and one customer in for measure at a time.
• We ask that all customers wear masks when visiting us.
• Customer appointments are spaced out and scheduled every 20 minutes.
• Our tailors and staff will be wearing face masks and gloves.
• Tailors are washing hands between customers and sanitizing tape measures and other tools.
• When customers come to pick up their courtroom attire or other items, they are able to try them on. The fitting rooms are sanitized and the clothing is steamed and pressed before it’s given to the customer.

Find Custom Tailored Robes in Toronto With Harcourts

If you need clerical, academic or lawyer robes and are looking for a custom fit, contact Harcourts. We’ve created a safe and welcoming space to continue to serve our customers while still being vigilant in protecting everyone from the spread of COVID-19. If you want the perfect fit and to be dressed in robes that look professional and help you feel your best, we can help. To make an appointment to visit our showroom or for a fitting, please call (416) 977-4408 ext 109 or email at info@harcourts.com. We look forward to seeing you.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/how-do-i-get-custom-robes-during-social-distancing/

Is It Possible to Make A Priest Collar At Home?

A clerical collar is a piece of Christian clerical clothing that closes at the back of the neck and appears seamless in the front. The collar may be built into a shirt or may be added to a shirt. A priest’s collar is almost always white and is typically made of cotton or linen. More recently, you can also find them in Toronto now made of plastic.

While the Internet can provide instructions on how to make just about anything, there’s more to consider when trying to decide if making your own collar is the right thing to do. As with most DIY projects, getting the final result you’re after is never quite as easy as it seems and often doesn’t produce the quality product you want.

Prioritize Fit and Comfort for Your Clerical Collars

Priest collars, also called Roman collars, were invented in 1865 by a minister in Scotland and served to provide a sense of separation between clergy and the secular world. Their role is quite important and remains a highly recognized symbol of distinction for those working on behalf of their faith.

Not only do you want to ensure that your collar looks professional and aptly represents the work you do, but also you need it to be comfortable and to fit well. Here are some of the challenges you can face when you try to make your own priest collar at home:

• Improper Fit: The last thing you want is to have to be constantly pulling or adjusting your clerical collar. Not only will this be distracting to those you serve, but it will also become a source of irritation for you.
• Poorly Chosen Material: Unless you have some expertise in textiles and sewing, chances are you won’t make the right choice when it comes to selecting the best material for your needs. From choosing something that will be easy to work with, to make sure it’s not itchy or that it wears too easily, there is much more to consider than you likely realize.
• Wear and Tear: Will the clerical collar you make be something you can count on or will you constantly have to be making more collars due to the flimsy nature of the ones you’ve made yourself?

Harcourts know how much clerical attire matters and can provide exactly what you need while still honouring your style, fit, and comfort. Our high-quality clergy vestments not only stand the test of time but are created with outstanding craftsmanship that honour the tradition and importance of the work you do. We would be pleased to help you find what you need, allowing you to focus on serving your faith, your congregation, and the people in your community.

Find Clergy Vestments and Attire at Harcourts In Toronto

Whether you use a traditional clergy term or have your priest collar called something else more modern, the fact remains that this piece of clothing holds great value. Harcourts will gladly customize clergy attire and vestments to meet your requirements. We offer a variety of design options, and can also create custom robes, stoles, and scarves that can be embroidered if needed. While assuring your comfort, you can also trust that our vestments are durable, elegant, and of superior quality. To find out more about how we can help, contact us.

How to Care for Your Graduation Attire

Getting your diploma is a major milestone. Dressed in your graduation gown, you’ve worked hard to get to this day and it’s natural for you to not have thought a lot about what happens when the celebration is over. However, your graduation attire needs to be properly cared for both before and after your convocation ceremony, and the same goes for your graduation suit.

In the rush to get organized or in the rush to move on to the next phase of life post-graduation, don’t ignore the proper guidelines when it comes to handling graduation robes and accessories.

Three Tips for Caring for Your Graduation Suit and Convocation Gown

For most students, managing laundry and keeping clothes pressed and wrinkle free is likely not much of a priority. Still, as graduation approaches, it’s important to understand how to keep your graduation attire in top condition so you’re ready for your big day.

Since you’ll be seen in your graduation gown as you virtually accept your diploma, and then in your formal attire for a small celebration, you need to make sure you look professional and prepared.

Take a look at our tips for ensuring your graduation suit and convocation gown look great, both before and after your graduation day.

1. If you’ve ordered a custom tailored Harcourts graduation robe, it will be ready to wear when you receive it. Be sure to take great care in hanging it up until the big day and to keep it covered so it’s not accidentally stained or damaged.

2. After your ceremony, you’ll need to place your gown back in a garment bag and keep it hung up with care. If you wish to preserve your gown, have it cleaned professionally and then place it in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or in an airtight vacuum bag. It is not recommended that you try and launder the gown yourself.
3. When it comes to your graduation suit, it will also be pressed and ready to go when you pick it up from the store.  Keep it nicely hung up and covered until you need to wear it. After your graduation day, it’s best to get the suit dry cleaned right away to avoid any stains setting. Once cleaned, return it to a garment bag and keep it hanging in your closet until you need it. Hopefully your days of job interviews are not far away, so it’s best to have your suit ready!

Find Your Toronto Convocation Attire with Harcourts

If you are interested in ordering your own custom graduation gown, contact Harcourts. With a long standing history of providing high quality gowns for graduations at every level, we can work with you to ensure you have something that fits well and makes you feel great on your big day. To find out more about graduation attire from Harcourts, please call us at (416) 977-4408.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/how-to-care-for-your-graduation-attire/

Are Convocation Robes Still A Trend?

As time passes, it’s natural for things to change. In fact, since people first started wearing robes for convocation, there are very few things that haven’t changed! Convocation robes can be traced back to the 12th century, and while the reasoning for instituting robes may have altered since then, rest assured that wearing your cap and gown is still very much a trend when it comes to convocation.

Wanting your convocation attire to show your individual style is understandable, but there are plenty of other ways to showcase your personality while still ensuring your convocation robe stays true to tradition. From the shoes you wear with your outfit to adding special jewellery, you can accessorize your look to help mark this special occasion.

Why Robes Are An Important Tradition

Putting on a black robe may not seem like something to be excited about, but Toronto graduates should know that convocation dress really is an important rite of passage. Before you express disappointment at having to cover your chosen outfit, stop and think about why robes at convocation are a trend that should stay:

• Distinguishes graduates from other people attending the ceremony.
• Supports the centuries old tradition of graduates wearing the well-known cap and gown.
• Robes add pomp and circumstance to the ceremony and support the celebration of the momentous achievements of new graduates.
• Creates unity among all graduates so that everyone looks uniform as they celebrate the same achievement.

It’s safe to say that the trend of wearing robes for convocation is here to stay. In some cases, you may see traditional black robes being swapped out for dark blue, perhaps a variance in robe length or the use of colours to denote academic discipline, but for the most part, the age old tradition continues to remain intact. Truthfully, most people look forward to wearing their convocation dress and enjoy the chance to snap a few photos looking the part of a distinguished graduate.

Find the Convocation Dress You Need From Harcourts

As you prepare to be a part of a convocation ceremony, why not rely on convocation regalia experts like Harcourts to help you find the right attire? Located in Toronto, Harcourts uses materials of the highest quality to produce robes that reflect the importance of convocation tradition. Whether you choose to rent or buy, our robes are elegant and well made, ensuring you’ll look professional and accomplished as you walk across the stage. To find out more about what we offer, please contact us.

Source: https://harcourts.com/blog/are-convocation-robes-still-a-trend/