Cincture

A liturgical cincture, also known as a girdle, is a liturgical vestment used in Christian worship by clergy, acolytes and altar servers. It is a long cord or rope-like belt tied around the waist over the loose-fitting alb to secure it. It carries deep symbolic significance and has been in use since the Early Church.

Braided Cincture

The cincture’s origins trace back to Roman customs where tunics were secured with belts or cords. It was first mentioned by Pope Celestine I in 425 AD in his epistle that reprimanded bishops for neglecting proper attire. From the 8th or 9th century, it was widely recognised as part of liturgical attire.

Traditionally, the cincture symbolises the virtues expected of clergy: purity, chastity, and self-mastery in Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. Priests’ cincture represents readiness for service and spiritual watchfulness, inspired by the Bible: “Let your loins be girded” (Luke 12:35).

Priests’ Girdle

The colour of the cincture corresponds to the liturgical season or occasion. In our offer, you will find blue, gold, pink, purple, green, red and white girdles. We offer long cinctures (about 157 inches) made from cotton and other materials. They are finished with tassels or knots at each end. The tightly twisted design lies flat against vestments without bunching.

The cincture is worn over the alb, wrapped around the waist and tied at the left side. After securing the girdle, the tasseled ends should hang evenly.

Explore our collection of cinctures and chasubles to complete your liturgical vestments.