Ever since the thirteenth century, the Augustinians have worn a black habit made of wool, a less pretentious and prestigious material than linen. The first instructions concerning the Augustinian habit were issued in 1244 by Cardinal Riccardo Annibaldi and later confirmed by him in decrees dated 1253 and 1255. From these instructions, we learn that the Augustinian habit was made up of:

-A loose tunic, belted at the waist by a cincture of leather
-A hood
-A white scapular tied with a cord
-A staff, a distinctive element of hermits’ attire, since the Augustinian Order was originally connected with the hermitic life. The use of the staff was abolished after the Grand Union of 1256.
-Black leather shoes

We also learn from reading Cardinal Annibaldi’s precepts that the Novices during their probation period wore:

-A white tunic and scapular
-A black ankle-length cape
-A cincture