Clergy apparel does not use one universal sizing system. A men's clergy shirt may be ordered by neck and sleeve length, a women's clergy shirt may use dress size and bust measurements, and an alb may be selected primarily by height. Clerical collars introduce another wrinkle: a full removable clergy collar is normally sized differently from the shirt underneath it.
This guide brings the most important measurements together in one place so pastors, priests, deacons, ministers, choir members and church staff can choose church apparel with greater confidence.
Jump to: How to Measure | Men's Clergy Shirts | Women's Clergy Shirts | Clergy Collars | Albs | Church Robes & Cassocks | Sizing FAQ
How to Measure for Clergy Apparel
Use a flexible measuring tape and, when measuring for robes or albs, wear the type of clothing and shoes you normally expect to wear underneath the garment.
- Neck: Measure around the base of the neck where a shirt collar naturally rests. The tape should be comfortable rather than tight.
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of the chest and across the shoulder blades, keeping the tape level.
- Bust: Measure around the fullest part of the bust without pulling the tape tight.
- Waist: Measure around the natural waistline.
- Sleeve: Measure from the center back of the neck, over the shoulder, around a slightly bent elbow and down to the wrist bone.
- Height: For albs and robes, measure full standing height while wearing the shoes normally worn during worship.
Men's Clergy Shirt Sizing
Most Christian Brands men's clergy shirts from Murphy Tailored Church Apparel are sized much like traditional men's dress shirts: by neck size and, for many long-sleeve styles, sleeve length.
Murphy men's clergy shirts are generally offered in neck sizes from 15 through 20 inches, including half sizes. Long-sleeve options commonly use sleeve ranges of 32-33, 34-35 and 36-37 inches, although not every sleeve length is offered with every neck size or every shirt style.
For example, the French Cuff Banded Collar Shirt in Fuchsia with White Cuffs is a Murphy men's clergy shirt selected by neck and sleeve measurement.
R.J. Toomey clergy shirts also use neck-based sizing, but fit and available size ranges can differ from Murphy styles. When replacing an existing clergy shirt, checking the manufacturer as well as the labeled size can help avoid surprises.
Women's Clergy Shirt Size Chart
Christian Brands and Murphy women's clergy shirts use a different system from the men's shirts. Women's styles are generally ordered by women's apparel size, with bust and neck measurements used to determine the proper fit.
| Size | Bust | Neck |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 35-1/2" | 14" |
| 10 | 36-1/2" | 14-1/2" |
| 12 | 38" | 15" |
| 14 | 39-1/2" | 15-1/2" |
| 16 | 41" | 16" |
| 18 | 43" | 16-1/2" |
| 20 | 45" | 17" |
| 22 | 47" | 17-1/2" |
| 24 | 48" | 18" |
This chart is particularly useful for Murphy women's tab-collar clergy shirts such as SW-101, SW-102, SW-104, SW-111 and SW-112. Other women's clergy blouses and brands may have additional sizes or a different fit, so check the individual listing when available.
How to Choose the Correct Clergy Collar Size
For example:
- 16" clergy shirt → 16-1/2" clerical collar
- 16-1/2" clergy shirt → 17" clerical collar
- 17" clergy shirt → 17-1/2" clerical collar
- 17-1/2" clergy shirt → 18" clerical collar
Do not confuse collar height with neck size. A 1-1/4 inch or 1-1/2 inch designation describes how tall the visible white collar is. The neck-size measurement determines how the collar fits around the neck.
Our 1-1/2 inch Clergy Collar and Stud Set is designed for use with compatible banded and neckband clergy shirts.
It depends on the shirt. Many tab-collar shirts include a removable white tab. Banded-collar and neckband shirts may be photographed with a full clerical collar even though the full collar and collar studs are sold separately. Always check the individual product description.
Christian Brands Alb Size Chart
Albs are generally selected primarily by the wearer's height because the finished garment length and sleeve length increase with each size.
| Alb Size | Fits Height | Finished Length | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 5'3" - 5'6" | 54" | 31" |
| Small | 5'6" - 5'9" | 56" | 32" |
| Medium | 5'9" - 6'0" | 58" | 33" |
| Large | 6'0" - 6'3" | 60" | 34" |
| Extra Large | Over 6'3" | 62" | 35" |
Alb style matters too
Height is only the beginning. Christian Brands offers several alb constructions, including front-wrap albs, traditional pullover albs, self-fitting albs, box-pleated albs and monastic styles. Two albs labeled the same size can have different chest, waist, shoulder and neck allowances because they are cut differently.
A front-wrap alb, for example, is fitted very differently from a loose traditional or self-fitting alb. When body measurements are close to the limits of a size, use the product-specific sizing information rather than relying on height alone.
Shop albs and other liturgical wear.
How to Size Pulpit Robes, Choir Robes and Cassocks
There is no single Christian Brands or Murphy "robe size." Different robe families use different patterns and sizing charts.
| Garment | Important Measurements |
|---|---|
| Men's Pulpit Robes | Chest, height, sleeve and sometimes neck or back length |
| Women's Pulpit Robes | Chest/bust, height, sleeve and, on some styles, hips |
| Cassocks | Chest, neck, height and sleeve |
| Judicial Robes | Height, sleeve and gender-specific chest measurement |
| Choir Robes | Height, back length and gender-specific chest measurement |
Murphy uses multiple pulpit-robe patterns, including separate Women's A, Women's B, Men's H, Men's Plymouth/Pilgrim and Men's S sizing systems. This is why the style or item number matters when choosing a robe.
When ordering a robe, take measurements while wearing the normal clothing and shoes that will be worn underneath it.
Clergy Apparel Sizing FAQ
How do I know what size clergy shirt to order?
For most men's clergy shirts, start with your neck measurement and then choose the appropriate sleeve length if the shirt is long sleeved. Women's clergy shirts commonly use women's apparel sizes supported by bust and neck measurements.
Should a clerical collar be the same size as my clergy shirt?
No. For the full removable clerical collars used with many Christian Brands, Murphy and R.J. Toomey styles, order the collar approximately 1/2 inch larger than the shirt collar size.
What is the difference between a tab collar and a full clergy collar?
A tab collar is the small white insert visible only at the front of the neck. A full clerical collar wraps around the neck and is commonly worn with a banded or neckband clergy shirt. Tab-collar shirts often include the tab, while full collars are frequently sold separately.
Are men's and women's clergy shirt sizes the same?
No. Men's shirts are commonly sized by neck and sleeve measurement. Women's clergy shirts may use dress sizes with corresponding bust and neck measurements.
How do I know what size alb to buy?
Begin with your full height while wearing your normal worship shoes, then verify that the chest, waist and neck allowance of the particular alb style will fit comfortably.
Can I use the same size chart for every church robe?
No. Pulpit robes, choir robes, cassocks and judicial robes may use completely different sizing systems. Always identify the specific robe style before selecting a size.
Need Help Choosing a Size?
Church apparel can be less standardized than ordinary clothing, especially when moving between Murphy, R.J. Toomey and different robe or alb styles. If you are unsure, contact Church and Faith Supply before ordering and send us the product you are considering along with your height and relevant neck, chest/bust and sleeve measurements. We will be happy to help you narrow down the correct size.
Shop Clergy Shirts & Pastor Wear | Shop Liturgical Wear | Shop Church Apparel
Sizing information is based on manufacturer guidance for Christian Brands Church Supply, Murphy Tailored Church Apparel and R.J. Toomey. Product sizing and available size combinations may vary by individual style. When an individual product listing differs from this general guide, use the product-specific sizing information.