The chasuble is the most conspicuous liturgical vestment worn by the clergy for the celebration of the Eucharist, especially among Roman Catholics and Anglicans. Worn over an alb,or a cassock it originated as a sort of poncho, with a round hole in the middle through which to pass the head, and falling to the feet. Thus, it had to be folded around the arms to allow them to be used. Strings and deacons were used to assist in this task. Over the centuries it was reduced to the shape of a broad scapular, which left the arms completely free at each side. This was referred to as the "fiddleback" style.

Following the Second Vatican Council, the scapular form fell out of fashion, with widespread use returning of the fuller, "Roman" style used in more ancient times, with the material and design becoming more simplified. For major celebrations, it is invariably made of some rich material, such as silk, cloth of gold or brocade and often richly embroidered. It hangs evenly from the priest's shoulders to his knees or ankles. Ordinarily it bears the image of the cross or of some saint, and is worn in a color scheme determined by the liturgical celebration of the day, or event (e.g., black, purple or white for a funeral service).

In the Eastern rites, the equivalent vestment is the phelonion.