An amice was often worn to protect other precious garments that are worn on top (as for instance the chasuble). In the Roman Catholic Church, the vestment is no longer obligatory. It is however still being worn if the alb is not covering the clothing underneath. The so-called apparelled amice was decorated with embroidered or woven bands. The decorated part would rise up along ghe neck like a collar.
See also the entry on the Vestments of Hubert Walter, dating to c. AD 1200.
Source: BAILEY, Sarah (2013), Clerical Vestments, Shire Library, Oxford, pp. 11-12.
Digital source of illustration (retrieved 8 March 2017).
WV