With vanity surely high on the list of must-avoid sins for any religious devotee, high-end designer clothes stores must, one would think, be well out-of-bounds for the head of an ancient order of friars.

So when Frs Brendan Grady and David Fox, of Aylesford’s 800-year-old Carmelite Order, were reported entering exclusive independent fashion outlet Raffles in the Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone, it was potentially nothing short of a religious emergency.

Should someone call the Pope? Surely they weren’t after Versace jeans?

Thankfully there was a perfectly reasonable explanation – the friars’ habits were falling apart and they needed a new seamstress.

It seems that while the friars have been distracted by the need to save their 16th Century water gate, which is in danger of rotting away, they have taken their eye off their similarly deteriorating clothes.

Fr Brendan, Prior of the Carmelite Community at Aylesford, explained they were “certainly not” looking for designer clothes, although he added: “Certainly some of the suits were very tempting, but I don’t think we could find an occasion to wear them.”

He said his own habit is held together with safety pins after the zip fell off some time ago, adding: “We’re just looking around to see if we can find someone who can do this sort of thing; it’s not a regular item that people create.

“I think they were a bit surprised at the request.”

Fr Brendan said the friars had been in town handing out leaflets advertising themselves and their new CD, Timeless Echo, when they inquired at Raffles.

But whoever does get the job as the friars’ new seamstress should know they’ll be following a pattern first stitched by an extremely holy hand.

According to tradition, the scapular, or apron, section of the friars’ three-piece habit was originally handed to Aylesford man and 13th century Carmelite Saint Simon Stock by the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1251.

Fr Brendan added: “I’m not one for visions but the tradition is Our Lady appeared to him and said that 'as long as you wear this garment I will be with you’.”

But he said the tunic section was less glamorous, adding: “It’s just what people would have worn in medieval times for normal workwear.”

The scapular, or hood section, completes the habit.

The Friars have a temporary charity shop near Raffles in the Royal Star Arcade, where Fr Brendan and the other friars will be available to speak to tomorrow (Saturday) .

Visitors can also buy their copy of Timeless Echo, a recording of Gregorian chants and more contemporary worship music performed by the friars and some professional singers and musicians.

A new DVD documenting their life and work is also available for sale.

In October, the Friars announced the launch of a £200,000 appeal to save their 16th century water gate, which was formerly the main entrance to the priory for those travelling on the River Medway.

Staff at Raffles confirmed they were making inquiries with freelance tailors who might be able to help the friars.