tippet

Meriwether Lewis wearing a tippet presented to him by Sacagawea's brother, Cameahwait.

A tippet is a stole or scarf-like narrow piece of clothing, worn around the arms and above the elbow. They evolved in the fourteenth century from long sleeves and typically had one end hanging down to the knees. In later fashion, a tippet is often any scarf-like wrap, usually made of fur, such as the 16th century zibellino^[1] or the fur-lined capelets worn in the mid-18th century.

Ecclesiastical use

Anglican priest wearing a black tippet.

The ceremonial scarf worn by Anglican priests is called a tippet. The tippet is worn with choir dress and hangs straight down at the front. Ordained clergy wear a black tippet, while licensed readers wear a blue one. In some countries it is normally simply referred to as a preaching scarf, black scarf, or blue scarf. The tippet is different from the stole, which although often worn like a scarf is a Eucharistic vestment, usually made of richer material, and varying according to the liturgical color of the day. Tippets are worn for the Daily Offices of Morning Prayer and Evensong.

The black preaching scarf (rarely blue, grey or green) is also worn by some Scottish Presbyterian ministers and other non-conformist clergy.

Gallery

14th century fur-lined tippet or hanging sleeve

16th century zibellino or fur tippet

18th century fur-lined tippet or capelet

Notes

References

• Arnold, Janet: Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd, W S Maney and Son Ltd, Leeds 1988. ISBN 0-901286-20-6
• Netherton, Robin, "The Tippet: Accessory after Fact?", in Robin Netherton and Gale R. Owen-Crocker, editors, Medieval Clothing and Textiles, Volume 1, Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK, and Rochester, NY, the Boydell Press, 2005, ISBN 1843831236
• Payne, Blanche: History of Costume from the Ancient Egyptians to the Twentieth Century, Harper & Row, 1965. No ISBN for this edition; ASIN B0006BMNFS