The Roman stole is a narrow, straight-hanging liturgical stole in the Roman (Latin) style, worn by Catholic priests around the neck with the ends hanging down in front during Mass and the sacraments. At Best Catholic Shop, our Roman stoles are embroidered with cross motifs and offered in the standard liturgical colours — Purple, Red, White, Cream, Green — from $111.
What Is a Roman Stole?
A Roman stole is a liturgical vestment — a band of coloured cloth worn around the back of the neck, with the two ends hanging down parallel in front. The Roman (also called Latin) style is characteristically narrow and straight, in contrast to the broader Gothic stole. It is one of the vestments a priest puts on for Mass and for the sacraments, and it is worn in the liturgical colour of the day. The stole is usually decorated with crosses; the Roman stoles in this collection carry embroidered cross motifs worked in a golden metallic thread.
Design Features
- Narrow, straight, Roman-style cut
- Embroidered cross motifs
- Finished with fringe at the ends (as described on the individual listings)
- Available in 5 liturgical colours
Every stole in this collection is embroidered with a golden metallic thread, a technique that keeps the cross motif crisp through repeated washing and ironing.
Materials and Embroidery
The Roman stoles here are made from a high-quality plain liturgical fabric chosen for durability: it is stain- and crease-resistant and can be washed and ironed, which makes it practical for regular parish use. The sacred embroidery is worked in a golden metallic thread. Because the fabric and thread are both designed to withstand cleaning, the stole keeps its appearance after ordinary care.
Liturgical Colours
Roman stoles are worn in the colour appointed for the celebration. This collection covers 5 colours — Purple, Red, White, Cream, Green — so a priest can match the stole to the season and feast. To understand what each colour signifies through the liturgical year, see our guide Priest Stole Colours and the Liturgical Season, and browse the wider range in Embroidered Liturgical Stoles.
Size and Fit
The standard measurements given on these Roman stoles are 128 cm long (measured with the fringe) and 24 cm wide. The narrow width is what distinguishes the Roman cut and keeps the stole sitting neatly on the shoulders. Adjustments can be made on request — see the individual product listing for details.
Care
Follow the care instructions on each listing. Where the description states it, the stoles are suitable for standard washing and ironing, and the golden-thread embroidery is made to retain its quality after cleaning. Store stoles flat or rolled to avoid creasing — our vestment hangers are made for this purpose.
Price and Ordering
Roman stoles in this collection range from $111 to $145, depending on the model — the embroidered Roman-pattern stoles in the 5 colours are $121–$131, and the concelebration stole is $145. All items are in stock and ship from our workshop in Poland; see shipping information and returns policy for delivery and returns.
Choosing a Roman Stole
The Roman pattern is a good choice when you want a traditional, tailored stole that sits closer to the body than a fuller Gothic stole. To complete a set, pair the stole with an embroidered chasuble; for the history behind the styles, see The Evolution of Liturgical Vestments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Priest's Stole Called?
It is simply called a stole (in Latin, stola). In the Catholic Church it is a liturgical vestment worn around the neck by priests and deacons, and it symbolises priestly authority.
What Is a Stole in the Catholic Church?
A stole is a band of coloured cloth worn around the back of the neck, with the two ends hanging down in front. Priests wear it over both shoulders for Mass and the sacraments; it is almost always decorated with crosses.
Do Catholic Priests Wear Stoles?
Yes. The stole is one of the vestments a priest wears for Mass and for the sacraments such as baptism, confession and the anointing of the sick. A deacon wears the stole across the body, over one shoulder.
What Is the Difference Between a Roman and a Gothic Stole?
The Roman (Latin) stole is narrower and straighter, while the Gothic stole is broader and hangs fuller. The Roman cut is the traditional tailored style; our Roman-pattern stoles follow it.
How Long Is a Roman Stole?
The stoles in this collection measure around 128 cm in length (including the fringe) and about 24 cm in width. Exact measurements are given on each product listing.
What Colours Do Roman Stoles Come In?
This collection offers 5 colours — Purple, Red, White, Cream, Green — covering the main liturgical seasons. The colour worn on a given day follows the Church's liturgical calendar.
When Is a Roman Stole Worn?
A priest wears the stole for Mass and for the celebration of the sacraments. It is worn in the liturgical colour appointed for that day or season.
How Are These Roman Stoles Made?
They are made from a high-quality plain liturgical fabric with the cross motif embroidered in a golden metallic thread. The fabric is stain- and crease-resistant and can be washed and ironed.
