A hairshirt is a rough garment made from material such as goats' hair and worn in the form of a ‘shirt’ or other item of clothing, for the purposes of mortification and penance. The Latin name possibly derives from ‘Cilicia’ where this cloth was originally made.

During the early ages of Christianity the use of hair-cloth, as a means of penance and as an aid to the wearer in resisting temptations of the flesh, became very common, not only amongst the ascetics and those who aspired to a life of perfection, but even amongst ordinary lay people, who made it serve as an antidote to the seeming comfort of their lives. St. Jerome, for example, mentions the hairshirt as being frequently worn under the robes of men. St. Athanasius, St. John Damascene, Theodoret, and many others also bear witness to its use in their times.

Traditionally the ‘veil’ or ‘mantilla’ represent purity and modesty in many religions and cultures. A veil, or head covering, is a symbol that can enable the woman wearing it to ascend the ladder of sanctity. When a woman covers her head in the Catholic Church it symbolises her dignity and humility before God, not men.

In the early Church virgins wore a cincture as a sign and emblem of purity, and hence it has always been considered a symbol of chastity as well as of mortification and humility. The wearing of a cord or cincture in honour of a saint is of very ancient origin, and we find the first mention of it in the life of St. Monica.

In the Middle Ages cinctures were also worn by the faithful in honour of saints, though no confraternities were formally established, and the wearing of a cincture in honour of St. Michael was general throughout France. Later on, ecclesiastical authority set apart special formulae for the blessing of cinctures in honour of the Most Precious Blood, of Our Lady, of St. Francis of Paul, and St. Philomena. There are in the Church three archconfraternities and one confraternity the members of which wear a cord or cincture.

Our hairshirts, mantillas and other items are available to ship worldwide (all prices include shipping) in discreet packaging. For more details and pictures, please use the links below.

Chain metal Discipline hand made by Italian Nuns - $49.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Metal and elasticised cord discipline made by Italian Nuns - $49.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Metal chain and elasticated cord discipline - $29.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Heavy-weight chain and manila rope discipline - $25.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Hemp and Manilla rope discipline with seven tails - one for each of the deadly sins - $39.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Traditional lightweight Rope discipline - $35.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Sacred Heart Cilice handmade by Italian nuns - $49.99 USD. Price includes shipping.

Cilice Sacred Heart Scapular style - $39.99 USD. Price includes shipping.

A traditional sack-cloth hairshirt with belt and metal buckle - $100.00 - $59.99 USD. Price includes shipping.

Sack cloth Hair-Shirt with stitching around the seams to avoid fraying. The Shirt comes with a cincture cord and crucifix. - $49.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Sack cloth Hair Shirt , stitched and hemmed around the edges to stop fraying and loops for the Cincture cord and Rosary - $69.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

Authentic Cord of St Joseph made of cotton rope with medallion and A4 Leaflet with instructions - $25.00 USD. Price includes shipping.

An authentic cord or 'Cincture' of St Francis beautifully made for Cilice.co.uk by Franciscans, comes with information Leaflet and bag - $49.00 USD. Price includes shipping.