The Apparel and Uniform of the Order of Saint Lazarus throughout the ages

The Apparel and Uniform of the Order of Saint Lazarus throughout the ages –

A Chivalric Order requires its members to dress appropriately according to the occasion and according to established current dress regulations defining the percieved unifom of the organization. The Order of Saint Lazarus throughout the ages has included provisions within its statutes to define what the dress code or “uniform” of its members should be.

These statutory regulations reflected the percieved charisma or role of the Order within the society it was working in, ranging from enforcing a monkish-style habit for its members in the early centuries, becoming more gentry and eventually military in style as the role of the Order within society changed. The military style generally followed the military dress fashion of the time.

This booklet aims to review the history of the development of the Order’s dress code, uniforms, and insignia. It further defines the present-day dress regulations with simple instructions on what is appropriate wear in different circumstances.