A Third Order Franciscan Habit is traditional religious clothing associated with members of the Franciscan Third Order, particularly communities of Third Order Regular religious men and women. Its design varies according to the specific Franciscan community and historical tradition. Unlike the habit of First Order Franciscan friars, Third Order habits can differ in color, cut, and accessories while expressing Franciscan identity, simplicity, penitence, and commitment to the Gospel.

A Third Order Franciscan Habit is commonly described simply as a Franciscan habit or Third Order habit, although individual congregations may have their own names and distinctive forms. Members of the Secular Franciscan Order generally do not wear a full religious habit because they remain lay or diocesan clergy living in the world. Habit terminology therefore depends on whether the community belongs to the Third Order Regular or Secular Franciscan tradition.

Some Third Order Franciscans wear a religious habit, particularly members of Third Order Regular communities. However, members of the Secular Franciscan Order generally do not wear the full habit associated with Franciscan religious communities. Their clothing reflects their vocation as lay or secular members living in the world. Habit practices therefore depend on the specific Franciscan branch, congregation, and community. Holy Clergy offers traditional Franciscan-inspired religious habit styles for appropriate religious communities.

A Third Order Franciscan Habit can vary considerably because different Third Order Regular communities developed their own traditions. Many traditional Franciscan-style habits feature a simple tunic, a hood or cowl, and a rope or cord cincture. Brown, gray, black, or other colors may be used depending on the community. The overall design emphasizes simplicity and modesty while identifying the wearer with Franciscan religious life and spiritual tradition.

A Third Order Franciscan Habit is worn by members of Third Order Regular religious communities when their institute’s rules prescribe or permit the habit. It is not simply a costume that anyone can adopt to represent Franciscan membership. Secular Franciscans generally follow a different form of identification because they live their vocation in the world. Holy Clergy provides religious habit designs for legitimate religious communities seeking traditional Franciscan-style garments.