Monk's Habit

Medieval European monastic robe

The monk's habit is the ankle-length robe worn by male religious of Medieval Europe, with strictly regulated colors marking each order: Benedictines in black with scapular, Cistercians in white, Franciscans in coarse brown with rope cincture, Dominicans in white with black mantle. Rope belts, hooded cowls, and scapulars symbolized vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Woven from coarse wool or unbleached linen, habits expressed the ascetic ideal in visible contrast to worldly finery. Monks in medieval times were also scholars, tending scriptoria, medicine, and contemplative study. In fantasy, the habit is the archetypal dress of clerics, sages, and reclusive mystics.