Clergy Shirts and Dog collars.

[kit_friend]

What is the role of the 'dog-collar' in the traditional vicar's clerical shirt?

[andy hughes]

It is simply a matter of non-verbal advice of the wearer's status as a cleric. Some people may find it easier to approach a minister for a chat if they can see who he or indeed she, is easily, and the simplest way to identify a minister is by the famous 'dog collar'.

[kit_friend]

thanks andy, but is it true that they were originally introduced as a simple pander to fashion?

[rekstout]

I thought they the uncomfortable stiff starched ring was originally worn as a demonstration of ones of dedication to God - rather like the wearing of horse hair shirts by monks in times gone by. Nowadayas the collar is traditional and - as already opined - a matter of fashion/identification