Many women notice veils in different fabrics at Mass and quietly wonder, “Is there one correct fabric? Is one fabric more reverent than others? Did I choose the right one?” There are beautiful and meaningful reasons to wear each type of fabric. A veil may be lace, cotton, silk, or any modest fabric. What matters most is the intention, reverence before God, and recognition of the sacred.
Women’s veils are often lace in the Catholic Church for symbolic, historical, and practical reasons. Lace has long been associated with craftsmanship, delicacy, and beauty. Wearing something beautiful to Mass reflects the idea of offering our best to God, especially in the presence of the Eucharist. The way light passes through lace is often associated with grace and the soul’s openness to God.
Unlike heavy fabrics, lace veils are transparent or semi-transparent, which carries a beautiful symbolism of reverence without concealment. The head is covered as a sign of humility, but the face remains visible, reflecting dignity rather than disappearance. This symbolizes modesty and humility drawing attention away from the woman, keeping the focus on Christ present on the altar. Lace reminds us that veiling is not about hiding a woman, but about an inward posture of prayer and awe before God.
When head coverings were customary in society (especially in Europe), lace was a common material for women’s mantillas, particularly in Spain and Italy. Cultural customs naturally shaped what became familiar in church practice. Lace’s softness and intricacy have often been associated with femininity and receptivity, qualities traditionally linked to the Church as Bride and to Marian devotion. Many women choose lace as a way of echoing Our Lady’s gentleness and purity. Lace is breathable, lightweight, and easy to fold and carry, making it practical for frequent use at Mass.
Opaque veils made with cotton, silk, wool, or linen have a different but equally meaningful emphasis. Opaque veils show a clear separation for the sacred. Just as the tabernacle or chalice is fully veiled, an opaque veil strongly symbolizes setting something apart for God. The fuller covering can help foster a sense of interior stillness and focus by blocking things that may distract you from view.
Opaque veils are also preferred by some women due to the ancient and biblical resonance. Opaque coverings more closely resemble head coverings described in Scripture and early Christian practice.
These veils are also often chosen for traditional liturgies like the Latin Mass or for intense seasons like Lent. Opaque veils can feel more “monastic” or penitential, though they are equally appropriate year-round.
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the model for veiling, not because Scripture commands lace or a certain style, but because of who she is. Mary is humble, receptive, and hidden, “He has looked upon the lowliness of His handmaid.” She is always oriented toward Christ, never toward herself. In art and tradition, Mary is nearly always shown veiled, emphasizing modesty, obedience, and sacred motherhood. Whether lace or opaque, the veil becomes a small imitation of Our Lady’s posture before God: “Let it be done unto me.”
The material matters far less than the intention of the heart. The Church teaches that veiling is optional, but when chosen, it becomes a reminder of Christ’s real presence and a physical act that helps cultivate interior prayer and devotion lived quietly. When choosing veils, select those that help you pray most deeply.