Stole and maniple

The stole was first worn in western Europe by Roman Catholic priests in the sixth and seventh centuries. It is a long narrow band which usually has a device at each end and a cross at the neck, and is worn round the neck under the upper vestment and over a long white robe called an alb.

During the Middle Ages, the way in which the stole was worn identified different ranks of clergy, from lowliest to most powerful. Deacons wore it over the left shoulder and tied at the right side; priests wore it round the neck with the ends crossed on the breast and held in place by the girdle of the alb, or hanging straight down if it was worn with the ungirdled surplice. Bishops wore the stole hanging straight down the front (because their albs were ungirdled).