A deacon stole is a liturgical vestment — a long, narrow band of cloth worn by an ordained deacon over the left shoulder and diagonally across the body to the right hip. In the Latin Catholic tradition the stole is conferred at ordination and marks the deacon's ministry of service. This collection brings together 24 embroidered and woven deacon stoles in eight liturgical colors, from $70 to $135.
What Is a Deacon Stole?
A deacon stole — also called a diaconal stole — is the stole worn by a deacon during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. It is a long band of colored cloth, usually decorated with a cross or another sacred symbol. The word deacon comes from the Greek diakonos, meaning servant, and the stole expresses that ministry of service. In the Latin Catholic Church the stole is the vestment that marks recipients of Holy Orders; it is conferred at the ordination of a deacon. The deacon's stole is worn diagonally, not crossed like the priest's stole. A deacon stole is worn only by an ordained deacon; it is not a generic choir stole.
How a Deacon Wears the Stole
The deacon puts the stole on over the alb and wears it diagonally across the body: over the left shoulder, across the chest, and down toward the right hip. At Mass it is worn under the dalmatic, which is the deacon's proper outer vestment. The stole is worn for Baptism, weddings, funerals, Eucharistic services, and other liturgical celebrations led by a deacon. Some deacon stoles have a clasp that fastens the two ends at the front; others are worn loose. The diagonal line is the quickest way to tell a deacon's stole from a priest's stole. A deacon stole should hang straight, with the embroidered ends visible at the front and hip.
Deacon Stole vs Priest Stole
Both are stoles, but they are worn differently. A priest wears the stole crossed over the chest; a deacon wears the same band diagonally over the left shoulder and down to the right hip. The deacon's stole is worn under the dalmatic, while the priest's stole is worn under the chasuble. The difference is not decorative: it expresses the distinct order of the minister. A deacon does not wear the priest's crossed stole, and a priest does not wear the deacon's diagonal stole. The deacon stole is usually a single band, while the priest's stole is a longer band worn around the neck.
What Does the Deacon Stole Symbolize?
In the Latin Catholic tradition the stole is the vestment that marks Holy Orders. For the deacon it is a sign of the order of deacon and of diakonia — service. The diagonal position distinguishes the deacon from the priest and reminds the deacon that his ministry is one of service to the Church and to the poor. Because the stole is conferred at ordination, it is also a personal reminder of the promise made on that day. The same band that identifies the deacon at the altar also identifies him as a servant of the people. A deacon stole is therefore both a liturgical garment and a sign of the office.
The Deacon's Vesting Order
At Mass the deacon vests in a fixed order: alb, cincture, stole, dalmatic. The alb is the white garment worn by all ordained ministers; the cincture gathers it at the waist; the stole is placed over the left shoulder and across the body; the dalmatic goes over everything. The stole always goes under the dalmatic. For services outside Mass, the deacon may wear the stole over the alb without the dalmatic. The deacon stole always goes under the dalmatic at Mass.
Liturgical Colors and When to Wear Them
The color of a deacon stole follows the liturgical calendar, not personal preference. The same rules that govern the priest's vestments govern the deacon's stole.
| Color | When it is worn | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White or gold | Christmas, Easter, solemnities, feasts of the Lord and Our Lady | Gold may replace white on solemn occasions. |
| Red | Pentecost, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, feasts of martyrs | Also used for the Holy Spirit and the Passion. |
| Green | Ordinary Time | The most-used color in the year. |
| Purple or violet | Advent and Lent | Also used for funerals in some places. |
| Rose or pink | Gaudete Sunday (Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Lent) | Optional, twice a year. |
| Black | Funerals and Requiem Masses where customary | Optional in the Ordinary Form. |
| Ecru or ivory | A softer alternative to white | Common in embroidered stoles. |
This collection of deacon stoles covers eight colors: red, green, purple, white, gold, black, pink, and ecru, plus two-tone green-red models. A deacon stole in green is the workhorse of Ordinary Time; a deacon stole in white or gold is kept for the great feasts; a deacon stole in purple is used through Advent and Lent. If you need a color for a particular season, see our guide to stole colors by liturgical season and the more detailed deacon stole colors guide.
Fabrics and Embroidery
The deacon stoles in this collection are made in a range of fabrics: jacquard, damask, brocade, and smooth wrinkle-resistant cloth. Jacquard and damask are woven fabrics with a subtle pattern; brocade has a richer, raised design. Many stoles are embroidered with gold woven Jerusalem crosses, the IHS monogram, a cross, the Franciscan TAU, or the Heart of Jesus. Selected models are made in Poland and arrive in a gift box. The product descriptions list the actual fabric for each stole; the collection is built on woven and embroidered fabrics. A deacon stole in brocade or jacquard is easy to keep clean and holds its shape.
Sizes and Fit
The standard deacon stole in this collection is 130 cm (51.2 in) long and 12 cm (4.7 in) wide. Two models are 13.5 cm (5.3 in) wide. The length is measured along the band, not from shoulder to hem. A deacon stole that is too long will hang below the hip; one that is too short will sit awkwardly across the chest. If you are choosing between sizes, measure a stole you already use and compare the arm length. Custom adjustments are available on request for selected models; see the deacon stole size guide for a step-by-step method.
How Much Does a Deacon Stole Cost?
Prices run from $70 to $135 across 24 models. Seven models are under $100, six are $100–$119, and eleven are $120–$135. A deacon stole under $100 is usually a plain or clasp style; the higher end covers embroidered, brocade, and two-tone stoles. Orders over $100 ship free within the United States.
| Price band | Models | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | 7 | Deacon stole with a clasp ($70), IHS embroidered Cross ($80), Jerusalem cross stoles ($89) |
| $100–$119 | 6 | Cross (7) ($100), TAU cross ($104.46), white/ecru jacquard ($108) |
| $120–$135 | 11 | IHS two-color ($121), purple jacquard ($134), green-red two-tone ($135) |
Choosing a Deacon Stole
When choosing a deacon stole, decide first which liturgical colors you need, then pick the fabric and embroidery to match. A stole embroidered with the IHS monogram or a cross suits everyday use; a gold brocade or jacquard stole is a natural choice for solemn feasts. For a plain, hard-wearing option, the deacon stole with a clasp is a good starting point. A deacon stole with a clasp is easier to put on; a loose deacon stole is simpler to adjust. A deacon stole that matches the dalmatic gives the most coherent set. If you need more than one color, compare the colorways directly on this page.
- Color: start with the colors your ministry uses most — green for Ordinary Time, white for feasts, purple for Advent and Lent.
- Fabric: jacquard and damask for regular use; brocade for solemn occasions.
- Embroidery: Jerusalem cross, IHS, TAU, or the Heart of Jesus.
- Fastening: a clasp keeps the ends tidy; a loose stole is simpler to put on.
- Size: check the length and width on the product page.
- Gift: selected models arrive in a gift box for ordination or anniversary.
Care and Storage
Dry-clean or hand-wash the deacon stole with a mild detergent. Do not bleach. Rinse well and press on a low setting. A deacon stole worn every Sunday should be stored flat or rolled to prevent creasing of the embroidery and woven bands. Keep it away from direct sunlight for long periods. For more detail, see how to care for embroidered vestments.
A Deacon Stole as a Gift
A deacon stole is a traditional gift for ordination, a diaconal anniversary, or a new ministry. Selected models are made in Poland and packed in a gift box. A deacon stole in a gift box is a practical choice because it can be worn immediately. If you are giving a stole, choose the color used most often in the recipient's parish — green for Ordinary Time, white for feasts — or give a two-tone model that covers more than one season. See our ordination gift guide for more ideas.
Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Deacon Stoles
The Catholic deacon stole is a single band worn diagonally. Anglican and Lutheran deacons also wear a diagonal stole, but the customs, colors, and length can vary by province or synod. If you are buying for another tradition, check the local requirements before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deacon Stoles
What Is a Deacon Stole Called?
A deacon stole is also called a diaconal stole. In British usage it is often written deacon's stole. It is a stole — the vestment worn by ordained ministers — cut and worn in the way proper to the diaconate.
How Is a Deacon Stole Different From a Priest's Stole?
A priest wears the stole crossed over the chest; a deacon wears the same band diagonally over the left shoulder and down to the right hip. The deacon's stole is worn under the dalmatic, and the priest's stole is worn under the chasuble.
How Do You Wear a Deacon Stole?
Put the deacon stole on over the alb, place the band over the left shoulder, bring it diagonally across the chest and back to the right hip, and secure it if the model has a clasp. The dalmatic goes over the stole. See the step-by-step guide.
Why Is the Deacon Stole Worn Diagonally?
The diagonal position distinguishes the deacon's stole from the priest's crossed stole and expresses the deacon's ministry of service. The band runs from the left shoulder to the right hip.
What Is the Symbolism of the Deacon Stole?
It is the sign of the order of deacon and of service (diakonia). In the Latin Catholic tradition it is conferred at ordination and marks the deacon's role in the liturgy. See what the deacon stole symbolizes.
Can a Deacon Wear a Stole?
Yes. An ordained deacon wears the stole for Mass, Baptism, weddings, funerals, and other liturgical celebrations. A deacon does not wear the priest's crossed stole.
Do Catholic Deacons Wear Stoles?
Yes. The deacon stole is part of the deacon's liturgical vesture, worn over the alb and under the dalmatic. It is usually a single band worn diagonally.
What Is a Deacon's Robe Called?
The outer vestment is the dalmatic; the white garment underneath is the alb. The deacon stole is the band worn over the alb and under the dalmatic. See embroidered dalmatics.
What Colors Do Deacon Stoles Come In?
This collection offers eight: red, green, purple, white, gold, black, pink, and ecru, plus two-tone green-red models. The color follows the liturgical season or feast.
What Color Stole for Each Season?
White or gold for Christmas, Easter, and solemn feasts; red for Pentecost, Good Friday, and martyrs; green for Ordinary Time; purple for Advent and Lent; rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sunday; black where customary for funerals.
What Fabric Are Deacon Stoles Made Of?
The deacon stoles are made of jacquard, damask, brocade, and smooth wrinkle-resistant cloth. Many are embroidered with gold Jerusalem crosses, IHS, a cross, the TAU, or the Heart of Jesus.
What Size Is a Deacon Stole?
The standard size in this collection is 130 cm (51.2 in) long and 12 cm (4.7 in) wide; two models are 13.5 cm wide. Check the product page for the exact measurements.
What Is the Price Range for a Deacon Stole?
Prices run from $70 to $135. Seven models are under $100, six are $100–$119, and eleven are $120–$135. Orders over $100 ship free within the United States.
Can a Deacon Stole Be a Gift?
Yes. A deacon stole is a traditional ordination or anniversary gift. Selected models are made in Poland and arrive in a gift box.
How Should a Deacon Stole Be Cleaned?
Dry-clean or hand-wash with a mild detergent, rinse well, and press on a low setting. Store flat or rolled to protect the embroidery and woven bands.
Where Can I Buy a Deacon Stole?
You can buy a deacon stole directly from this page. Open a product for price, fabric, measurements, and availability, or contact us for a custom color.
Are Deacon Stoles Different in Anglican and Lutheran Churches?
Anglican and Lutheran deacons also wear a diagonal stole, but customs and colors vary. This collection is made for Catholic liturgical use; confirm the requirements of your province or synod.
What Is a Two-Tone or Double-Sided Deacon Stole?
A two-tone deacon stole is finished in two colors, often green and red, so one vestment can serve more than one season. The IHS two-color and green-red models are double-sided.
Do Deacon Stoles Come in a Set?
We sell individual deacon stoles rather than fixed sets. Because the collection covers eight colors, you can build a set by choosing the colors your ministry needs.
What Is the Difference Between a Deacon Stole and a Dalmatic?
The deacon stole is the narrow band worn over the alb; the dalmatic is the wide-sleeved outer vestment worn over the stole. A deacon normally wears both at Mass.
Related Reading
- Deacon stole vs priest stole
- How to wear a deacon stole
- What does the deacon stole symbolize?
- Deacon stole colors and seasons
- Deacon stole size guide
- Stole colors by liturgical season
- What is a dalmatic?
- How to wear a dalmatic
- How to care for embroidered vestments
Shop all liturgical stoles, Marian stoles, Roman stoles, stoles with saints, wedding stoles, Christmas stoles, and Easter stoles. For the deacon's other vestments, see dalmatics and clergy albs.
