Templars Clothing

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from http://www.templarhistory.com/fullmoon.html
The wardrobe of the Templars is best known as a white mantle emblazoned with the Red Cross of the crusaders. However this cross was not part of their original dress and didn't come to be until later. Pope Eugene III gave the Red Cross to them in 1147 or 1148. It was to be worn above every Templar's heart as a symbolic shield. The purpose of which was so they would not escape in front of the Moslems. Their white mantle was said to be a symbol of purity and a reflection of the knight's vow of chastity. Templars by their rule of order were required to wear sheepskin under garments that were never to be removed. This was a symbol of their vow of chastity. They were also encouraged to never bathe, lest another Templar see their naked body. As in all male societies, homosexuality was a concern. For this reason, the Templars were made to sleep with lamps burning, to stave the darkness that may entice such homosexual practices. In a day when a Knights hair flowed long the Templars wore their hair short but were forbidden to cut their beards. To the Moslems facial hair was equated with masculinity, therefore the Templars masculine appearance was said to intimidate their enemies. The short hair was of a more practical purpose. Long hair would have a tendency to creep out of a helmet and blow into the face when riding during battle. As not all members of the order were full knights, so to were there different garments to denote the different ranks. Below is an overview of these garments.
Garments Of The Three Templar Classes
The Knights (Full Brothers) These Templars were dressed in the traditional white mantle (symbolic of their newfound purity). After 1147 - 1148 the red eight pointed cross was added to the mantle. This Cross was called a Cross Pattee and although the fish tailed cross is often depicted in paintings it is actualy the cross of the rival Order of the Hospital.
The Sergeants (men at arms, stewards etc.) The sergeants as they were commonly known were dressed with the red eight pointed cross on the back of a black or dark brown mantle.
The Clerics (priests) The Chaplains of the order were garbed in a green mantle with the red Templar Cross on it. They always wore white gloves that can be found in Freemasonry today and as far back as Egyptian times).