You don’t strictly need to wear a sash (known as a fascia) with a cassock in every circumstance; it depends on the setting, occasion, and ecclesiastical tradition.

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When the Sash Is Expected or Required

• Choir Dress and Solemn Occasions: When wearing the cassock in public, for liturgical functions (such as choir dress with a surplice), or official ecclesiastical duties, the fascia is traditionally worn
• Hierarchical Signification: The sash denotes rank and jurisdiction in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions (e.g., black for priests and deacons, purple for bishops/monsignors, and scarlet for cardinals). In formal or ceremonial settings, leaving it off when full choir dress is prescribed is considered incomplete.

When the Sash Is Often Omitted

• Under Other Vestments: When a priest vests for Mass and puts on an alb, he secures it with a rope cincture rather than a fascia.
• Informal or Private Wear: When wearing a cassock privately, around a rectory, or doing casual day-to-day tasks, some clergy wear a simple belt or go without a sash, though custom usually favours a belt or fascia to keep the garment gathered and neat.