Our habit is a sign of our poverty, minority, and fraternity, and of our consecration to God and to the order. It identifies us as followers of St. Francis and indeed was modeled on the clothing typically worn by the poor in St. Francis’ time. The habit consists of a tunic (a plain brown robe with a hood), a cord fastened around the waist, and sandals (although most friars wear shoes instead of sandals).  

A friar receives the habit at the beginning of his novitiate year. A friar is not required to wear the habit, but the great majority of friars do so every day, at their ministries and in their community. In their free time, the friars typically do not wear the habit, but they are still living the Franciscan life as much when they are in habit as when they are wearing regular clothing.