A religious habit is a distinctive set of garments worn by
members of a religious order. Traditionally some plain garb recognisable as a
religious habit has also been folded by those leading the religious eremitic
and anachoritic life, although in their case without conformity to a particular
uniform style. In the typical Roman Catholic or Anglican orders, the habit
consists of a tunic covered by a scapular and cowl, with a hood for monks and a
veil for nuns; in other orders it may be a distinctive form of cassock for men,
or a distinctive habit and veil for women.
Modern habits are sometimes eschewed in favour of a simple
business suit. Catholic Canon Law requires only that it be in some way
identifiable so that the person may serve as a witness to Gospel values. This
requires flexibility and creativity. For instance in Turkey, where religious
garb is not allowed in public, a Franciscan might wear street clothes.
