There are many different types of pastor robes and clerical garments. Some of these, such as outer robes and stoles, which are only worn ceremoniously, will only rarely need to be laundered. Others, like cassocks and clergy shirts, which some clerics might wear as everyday attire, might need to be laundered more frequently.
Here are some pointers you can observe to ensure you care for your pastor robes and other clerical attire properly, not only keeping them clean but preserving them for long-term use.
Store Them Properly
One of the most important things to remember about clergy robes which could be made from anything from synthetic performance material like rayon or polyester to natural materials like linen, wool, cotton, or silk, is that storing them properly is every bit as important as washing them.
When you’re moving them from place to place, it can be acceptable to transport them in a plastic garment bag – but never for long-term storage. Plastic can trap moisture and accelerate damage.
For long-term storage, keep your pastor robes in a breathable fabric garment bag and store them in a cool, dry location, away from light. Also, hang them on contour hangers and close all the garment’s fasteners to ensure they keep their shape over time.
Refer to the Label
The only universal advice we can offer on clerical garment care is to refer to the label. This is where you will find all binding manufacturer instructions on the frequency of care, how to care for and wash the clerical garments in question, and what sorts of detergents and cleaning cycles are acceptable (and which are not).
Always refer to these before washing or cleaning your clerical garments, and if you cut out the labels, be sure you keep them somewhere safe where you can refer to them in the future.
If You Wash Them at Home, Air Dry (Unless the Label Says Otherwise)
If you launder your garments at home, the safest way to dry them is to hang them to air dry. Air drying is slower, but gentler on fabrics, and less likely to damage them or cause shrinking or wrinkling.
Iron Them to Remove Wrinkles
Even if you do ever develop wrinkles in your pastor garments, be sure to iron them to remove them. Just refer to the care label first to make sure it’s acceptable to do so.
When in Doubt, Ask the Seller
If you ever have a question about how to provide the proper level of care for your pastor garments, and you either can’t find the information on the tag or have misplaced it, go straight to the source.
Contact the seller of your clerical garments and ask them how best to administer care. That should clear up any confusion for you.
Let the Professionals Handle It
Finally, if you are unsure about how to care for your clerical garments or are unwilling to perform special care, leave it to the professionals. Most dry cleaning specialists are highly experienced with a wide range of synthetics as well as natural materials made from linen, wool, silk, or other fibers that need very particular care.
Start with High-Quality Pastor Robes
The best way to ensure your clerical garments last longer is to start with quality garments in the first place.
Divinity Clergy Wear, online at DivinityClergyWear.com, sells a wide range of pastor robes, bishop attire, and even COGIC and G.C.P.E.-approved Class A vestments, along with cassocks and cinctures, stoles, surplices, clergy shirts and dresses, and much more.
Their offerings exhibit uncommonly high quality, and their customer service is even better. Either check out their website to learn more about their quality clerical attire or get in touch with them at 609-838-7154 for more information.
