What Are Black Chasubles?
A black chasuble is the Mass vestment worn by a Catholic priest for the dead — at funeral and Requiem Masses and on All Souls' Day — where the local custom keeps the traditional black. This collection gathers 7 black chasubles, priced from $139 to $228, made in Poland; 6 of the listings include a matching stole.
Black is the most sombre colour in the sacristy and the least common. It is not required in the current Roman rite, but it remains permitted and is still preferred by many parishes, religious communities and priests celebrating the older form of the Mass.
When Is a Black Chasuble Worn?
Black is worn when the Church prays for the dead:
- Funeral Masses and Requiem Masses — the traditional colour of mourning.
- All Souls' Day (2 November) — the commemoration of all the faithful departed.
- Good Friday — in the older use, where black was the colour of the day; in the current Roman rite red is used.
- Masses for the deceased on the day of burial or on anniversaries, where black is customary.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal allows black at funeral Masses where the conference of bishops permits it; violet or white may also be used. Local custom therefore decides whether a parish keeps black in the sacristy.
Is Black Still Permitted?
Yes. Black was the ordinary funeral colour before the liturgical reform of 1970, and the current Roman Missal still permits it at funerals where the bishops' conference allows. Many parishes now use violet or white instead, but black has never been forbidden, and it remains the preferred colour for Requiem Masses in the older form and for many religious communities.
For the alternatives see our purple chasubles and white chasubles; for the calendar see the complete guide to liturgical colours.
Black Chasuble Styles in This Collection
The 7 black chasubles are classic full-cut designs; the listings do not name a Roman, Gothic or semi-Gothic cut, so the shape follows the traditional full pattern with a decorated centre band. They are made for the sober, covered look proper to funeral liturgies rather than for the lighter summer cuts.
If you need a specific cut, compare our Gothic, semi-Gothic and Roman collections, and contact us before ordering — because we work directly with the workshop, a black vestment in a particular cut can often be arranged.
Fabrics and Embroidery
Black is a demanding colour for embroidery: gold and silver thread carry the design, while coloured thread disappears into the ground. In this collection 2 listings name an elan-wool fabric, 2 carry the IHS monogram and 3 describe a cross or crucifix motif; the embroidery is worked in gold or silver thread and finished with gold or silver piping.
Several listings describe the fabric as breathable and easy to iron, and one offers the centre belt in another chosen pattern. See the anatomy of the garment in our guide to the parts of a chasuble.
Sizes and Fit
The black listings do not state dimensions, so check the individual product page before ordering. The classic full-cut black chasuble is cut to drape over the shoulders and cover the arms, in the traditional funeral shape. If the celebrant is unusually tall or short, contact us — sizes can often be adjusted. Our guide how to measure for a chasuble explains which measurements matter.
What Is Included
6 of the 7 black chasubles include a matching stole; the seventh listing does not mention one, so check the product page. These are chasuble-and-stole sets, not full Roman sets; for a maniple, burse or chalice veil see our Roman chasubles.
Black Chasuble Prices
Prices run from $139 for a black embroidered chasuble in elan-wool to $228 for a richly embroidered black and gold model. The distribution across the 7 models:
| Price range | Models |
|---|---|
| $139–$199 | 5 |
| $200–$228 | 2 |
Black is a single-purpose vestment, so most parishes buy one well-made model rather than several. For a wider view see how much does a chasuble cost.
Care and Storage
Store the chasuble on a wide padded hanger or rolled flat, away from direct sunlight and damp. Spot clean with a soft cloth, avoid bleach, and never iron directly over embroidery or metallic thread. For deeper cleaning use a specialist dry cleaner. More in our guide how to care for embroidered vestments.
Made in Poland and Shipping
Our black chasubles are made in Poland, in our workshop in Lublewo Gdańskie. In-stock pieces are dispatched within 72 hours and reach the United States by FedEx in about 2–5 business days; made-to-order items add 3–14 business days. Orders over $100 ship free within the United States. See Made in Poland, the shipping information and the returns policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is black still a permitted liturgical colour?
Yes. Black may be used at funeral Masses where the conference of bishops permits it, and it remains the traditional colour of Requiem Masses in the older form. It is not required, but it has never been forbidden.
When is a black chasuble worn?
At funeral and Requiem Masses, on All Souls' Day and at Masses for the deceased where black is customary. In the older use it was also worn on Good Friday.
Black or purple at funerals?
Both are permitted. Violet is the more common choice in the current Roman rite, while black is the traditional funeral colour and is still preferred by many parishes and communities. White may also be used, especially for children and the baptised.
Is black worn on Good Friday?
In the older form of the Roman rite, yes. In the current rite Good Friday uses red. A black chasuble is therefore mainly a funeral vestment today.
Why are black chasubles less common today?
Because the liturgical reform of 1970 made violet and white the usual funeral colours and many parishes simplified their sacristies. Black remains available and is still chosen for Requiem Masses and by communities attached to the older liturgy.
What does black symbolize?
Mourning, death and the hope of resurrection. It expresses grief for the deceased and prayer for the souls of the faithful departed, in the confidence of Christian hope.
What embroidery is used on black chasubles?
Gold and silver thread. In this collection 2 models carry the IHS monogram and 3 describe a cross or crucifix motif, finished with gold or silver piping.
What fabrics are black chasubles made of?
2 listings name an elan-wool fabric; the others are described as breathable, easy-to-iron vestment fabrics. Check the individual product page for the exact composition.
How much does a black chasuble cost?
From $139 for a black embroidered chasuble in elan-wool to $228 for a richly embroidered black and gold model. All 7 cost less than $300.
Is a stole included with black chasubles?
6 of the 7 listings include a matching stole. Check the individual product page for the seventh.
Related Reading
- Complete Guide to Liturgical Colors: What to Wear and When
- How to Choose a Chasuble: Complete Guide for Priests and Sacristans
- The History of the Chasuble: From Ancient Rome to Modern Altars
- Parts of a Chasuble: Orphreys, Cross, Stole, Maniple and Burse Explained
- How Much Does a Chasuble Cost? Price Ranges Explained
- More from this family: all chasubles · Gothic · Roman · semi-Gothic
- Shop by colour: white · red · green · purple · black · pink · gold · ecru
