A cape is a clothing accessory or a sleeveless outer garment of any length that hangs loosely and connects either at the neck or shoulders. They usually cover the back, shoulders, and arms. They come in a variety of styles and have been used throughout history for many different reasons.

Semantic distinction

In fashion, the word "cape" usually refers to a shorter garment and "cloak" to a full-length version of the different types of garment, though the two terms are sometimes used synonymously for full-length coverings. A shoulder cape is thus sometimes called a "capelet". The fashion cape does not cover the front to any appreciable degree. In raingear, a cape is usually a long and roomy protective garment worn to keep one dry in the rain.

History

The first known usage of capes is unknown, but some early references we know of are from Ancient Roman military uniforms. Later on, capes were common in Middle Ages, medieval Europe, especially when combined with a Hood (headgear), hood in the Chaperon (headgear), chaperon. They have had periodic returns to fashion – for example, in nineteenth-century Europe. Catholic Church, Catholic clergy wear a type of cape known as a ferraiolo, which is worn for formal events outside a ritualistic context. The cope is a liturgical vestment in the form of a cape. Capes are often highly decorated with elaborate embroidery. Capes remain in regular use as rainwear in various military units and police forces, in France for example. A gas cape was a voluminous military garment designed to give rain protection to someone wearing the bulky gas masks used in twentieth-century wars. Rich noblemen and elite warriors of the Aztec Empire would wear a tilmàtli; a Mesoamerican cloak/cape used as a symbol of their upper status. Cloth and clothing was of utmost importance to the Aztecs. The more elaborate and colorful tilmàtlis were strictly reserved for elite high priests, emperors; and the eagle warriors as well as jaguar warriors.

In formal wear

In full Evening gown, evening dress, Lady, ladies frequently use the cape as a fashion statement, or to protect the wearer or the fine Textile, fabrics of their Ballgown, evening-wear from the elements, especially where a Coat (clothing), coat would crush—or hide—the garment. These capes may be short (over the shoulders or to the waist) or a full-length cloak. Short capes were usually made of, or trimmed in, fur; however, because fur is less accepted as a fashion accessory in modern times, other expensive materials are substituted for it, with an opulent Lining (sewing), lining and trim. Typical fabrics used are velvet, silk, and satin. Capes are still authorized as an alternative to the more utilitarian trench coat for U.S. Army officers in mess dress, formal evening uniform.

The caped overcoat variant

Caped overcoats were popular for men during the Victorian era, with some caped Ulster coat, Ulsters featuring multiple layered capes, and the Inverness coat (both formal evening and working day variants) had a cape. The Inverness coat is no longer commonly worn (though it has begun to be revived, on a limited scale, in steampunk fashion), and the Ulster lost its cape in the 1920s.

As protection

In modern times, capes are commonly used by hair and beauty salons for the purpose of hair styling services, in which usage they protect clothing from loose strands of hair being cut from the head or from the chemicals often used in such styling.

In fiction

The cape is a symbol for superheroes in the American comic book genre. They are often used by comic book artists to create the illusion of motion in a still image. Most often, they are worn by heroes like Superman merely as a costume adornment. Other times, as in the case of Batman, Shroud (comics), Shroud, Cloak and Dagger (characters), Cloak, and Doctor Strange, the cape serves a functional purpose, with Batman's cape allowing him to glide and Clock and the Shroud's capes enhancing their ability to teleport via the Darkforce. Spawn (character), Spawn has a cape (actually a part of his living symbiotic costume) that obeys Spawn's mental commands, changing shape to scare, confuse or even kill would-be attackers, while Meta Knight of the ''Kirby (series), Kirby'' franchise disguises his wings as a cape. Some media, such as ''Watchmen'', ''The Incredibles'', and ''Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'', comment on the potentially lethal hazards of a cape.

In Religious Contexts

In some ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, capes have become a symbol of stringent modesty norms. Wearing capes developed as a way for ultra-Orthodox women to express their spiritual devotion and demonstrate a higher level of modesty. This trend gained traction in Israel, particularly within the Toldot Aharon sect, where it was initially encouraged by religious leaders as a form of spiritual striving. Some women believe that wearing a cape brings divine protection and blessings, including fertility and health benefits.

Gallery

Dracula Cape.jpg, Bela Lugosi as seen in Dracula (1931) sporting a cape. Nezahualpiltzintli.jpg, Tlatoani Nezahualpiltzintli; Aztec king of Texcoco (altepetl), Texcoco wearing a Mesoamerican cape Milano Italy Carabinieri-01.jpg, Two Italian carabinieri (gendarmes) with capes PazyrikHorseman.JPG, Pazyryk culture, Pazyryk horseman wearing cape 300 BCE Pelerine1911.jpg, A young woman in a crocheted cape

Notes

{{Clothing Medieval European costume Robes and cloaks