An alb is normally made of white linen, but other, and more precious fabrics are sometimes also used. Albs were often decorated with embroidered panels (the so-called apparels), which may be applied to the lower hem, the sleeve cuffs, or the neckline. In the past, the alb was sometimes also decorated with lace.
Shortened versions of the alb are the surplice (superpelliceum) and the rochet.
Source: BAILEY, Sarah (2013), Clerical Vestments, Shire Library, Oxford, pp. 10-11.
Digital source of illustration (retrieved 8 March 2017).
WV