What Is the Difference Between a Cloak and a Cape?

Recently updated on March 6th, 2023

It’s easy to imagine superheroes and hobbits when we hear the words cloak and cape. In addition to their swish appeal, both garments add an air of stylish mystery to your wardrobe. What’s the best one? What is the difference between a cloak and a cape?

The cloak and the cape are both sleeveless outside garments made from a single piece of fabric. Generally, the size of a cloak varies from that of a cape. When wearing cloaks, wearers are protected from the weather by falling to the ground or below their knees. The waist or mid-thigh of a cape is the endpoint. The purpose of a cape is often to dress up, unlike that of a cloak.

As you now know, cloaks and capes are two different garments. Which one will work best for you? Discover the differences between a cloak and a cape by reading on.

Cloak vs Cape: Key Differences

When it comes to the differences between cloaks and capes, there isn’t much to choose from. The dry and warm top half is the purpose of both garments.

Each piece of clothing performs a specific function. From your neck to your lower leg, a cloak covers your entire body. It is possible for a cloak to touch the ground in some cases. Cloaks are traditional outerwear pieces that keep your whole body warm.

There is a huge difference in the length of capes. Covering only the back of your body, they reach up to your thigh area. A cape is more of a fashion accessory than a functional piece of clothing. Their combination with an off-the-shoulder ball gown creates a romantic and stylish look.

Now let’s explore some other key points that help identify garments like cloaks and capes. These properties are summarized in the following table. Later in the article, we’ll go into more detail.

What Is a Cloak?

A cloak is a type of garment that covers the whole body except for the face and hands. Clothes can be divided into two categories: outerwear and undergarments. Outerwear includes jackets, coats, vests, pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, sweaters, scarves, socks, gloves, hats, and shoes. Undergarments include bras, panties, swimsuits, sleepwear, shorts, pajamas, robes, nightgowns, lingerie, and hosiery.

In cold or wet weather, a cloak protects the entire body from the elements. You can pull them tight across the front to add warmth. The feeling is similar to wearing a woolen blanket. As a result of its insulating properties, wool is often used to make cloaks.

All walks of life would have worn the cloak during medieval times. The type of fabric would have made different types of people stand out, even though the basic design would have been the same regardless of social class.

The materials used would vary depending on whether the recipient was wealthy or poor. Velvet and fine fabrics were used by royalty, for example. Embroidery and fancy embellishments would have adorned their cloaks.

Wool would have been the choice of the humble. Plainer and more practical cloaks would have been worn by them. They would have been protected from the elements and dirt of the road by their cloaks since they were less likely to travel in carriages or on horses.

A cloak must cover your entire body from head to toe in order to be considered a cloak. Cloaks may end at the knee or at the floor, depending on their length. In most cases, the hood keeps out the rain, and the sleeves are sleeveless. Even so, there are sometimes slits for the hand to emerge from front-fastening cloaks.

Fashion has fallen out of favor with cloaks over the years. They are only worn by history bounders, historical re-enactors, and cosplayers these days. From TV, films, and fantasy fiction, the cosplay group gets their inspiration from cloaks. The cloak is kept alive by all of these factors.

Its purpose is to keep its wearer warm and dry, which fits the cloak’s identity as a utility garment. Contrary to a cape, a cloak serves both practical and functional purposes. A calm and controlled appearance is given to the wearer by wearing it. Wearing a cloak makes nothing impossible.

What Is a Cape?

A cape resembles a cloak in style and is a fashionable outerwear piece. The cape fastens around your neck, rests on your shoulders, and cascades down your back. The cape is a lighter, shorter version of a cloak that usually reaches your hips or mid-thigh area.

Sometimes capes have enough fabric to reach the front of your body, even though they usually cover only the back of your body. There will be no meeting of the middle of a cape, so it will always be open at the bottom. On a cape, there are no fastenings other than the string at the neck.

Capes are ideal for covering your shoulders and upper arms because of their size and shape. Similar to a shrug or bolero jacket, the cape adds interest and style to off-the-shoulder ensembles. In the process, you will remain warm and comfortable.

There has always been a connection between wealth and importance and capes since medieval times. A fur one, for example, would add extra panache to an expensive garment. It is for this reason that capes have traditionally been associated with fashion and status rather than practicality.

The cape remains synonymous with fun and frivolity even today. It’s likely that a cape will be part of every superhero costume. They look great in action shots and have the swoosh factor.

It is well known that Superman and Batman wear capes. There has been a cape of some description worn by Wonder Woman since the 1970s, whether it be in the original TV series or the recent films. It enables the cape to retain its reputation as an embellishment or accessory.

How Do Cloaks and Capes Differ?

There is such a similarity between cloaks and capes that they are often used interchangeably. Even though this is true today, back in history, cloaks and capes would have been more clearly differentiated.

They all have pros and cons that make some of them more suitable for certain situations than others. To see which one does better, let’s examine some of the characteristics they share.

Style

There is a lot of similarity between the style of cloaks and capes. In both cases, the outer garments are sleeveless and worn across the shoulders. However, there is a difference here. A garment’s function is determined by its style elements, and they each serve a particular purpose.

A cape is a fashion accessory used to add a sense of romance and glam to a garment. A knot at the neck ties them to your shoulders and cascades down your back. Making eveningwear look mysterious and intriguing with a soft silhouette. A military dress uniform can be adorned with pomp and ceremony.

In contrast, cloaks are practical garments. Cloaks embody calm, confidence, and control, from the fabric to the no-nonsense body covering. With steadfast common sense and aplomb, they accomplish tasks with both style and ease.

Length

Unlike a cloak, a cape ends near your hips and covers your entire body from your neck to your feet. It makes a difference in some situations whether one garment is better than the other because of this seemingly small difference.

It can sometimes be difficult to maneuver a cloak because of its length. Due to its length, this garment is prone to be tripped over. Capes are generally preferred by superheroes over cloaks because they are shorter. This cape’s compact size makes it ideal for a quick getaway because it is less likely to tie you in knots.

It’s easier to live a modern lifestyle with a shorter cape, even if you’re not a superhero. It ends at your hips, so it won’t get in the way when you drive. In addition, you won’t have to worry about it pulling on your neck fasteners or making you uncomfortable.

It is true that cloaks keep you warm from head to toe, but they are cumbersome when they are that long. It can be more trouble than it’s worth from a modern perspective. This point goes to the cape.

Hood

Hoods can be very useful in certain situations. You can use them to keep your ears warm and out of the wind as well as keep the rain off your head. In addition to its robust and weatherproof body, cloaks include an inbuilt hood.

Should your swashbuckling history-bound adventure require it, you can also remain hidden. Your head is covered by its integral hood, so you can remain hidden. Cloaks can help you elude capture so that you can continue to cosplay.

Despite having hoods, capes are usually just for show and lack the body and coverage of cloaks. In terms of practicality, caps tend to be flamboyant and are better suited to making you look good rather than making you feel comfortable.

Choosing a cloak as part of your outfit is necessary if your ensemble includes a hood. Cloaks win hands down in this area.

Sleeves

Due to the lack of sleeves on capes and cloaks, this one is somewhat challenging. Your back, shoulders, and upper arms are the only parts of your body covered by a cape. Leaving your hands free and allowing you to move freely.

A cloak covers everything down to your arms, including your neck. You can use this to keep your arms warm and tuck them in. The cloak will fit you perfectly if you pull it tighter around you with your hands.

The cloak has a trick up its… sleeve even though it’s sleeveless. To poke your hands through the slits on the sides of cloaks with front fastenings, there are slits on each side. A great feature, as it allows you to have your cake and eat it too. In sleeveless garments, sleeves provide invaluable functionality. This one goes to cloaks for their adaptability alone.

Functional Purpose / Usage

In terms of functionality and usage, cloaks and capes may look similar, but they are very different. The one or the other is better for some things depending on your requirements.

The purpose of a cape isn’t to be functional. An outfit would not be complete without them. The floaty swish of their length and glamor they add as you move to add a sense of mystery and charisma to any outfit. Your garment will look great with a cape accessorizing it. As a result of its design and style, it is not able to keep your body warm or keep the rain out.

The cloak, on the other hand, can seem a little dull. It is their functionality that more than makes up for their lack of glamor. Cloaks have a lot of practicality. A cloak can keep you dry and warm at the same time. This will give your outfit a sense of purpose and your persona a sense of competence.

Material

Cloaks are usually made of heavy, robust fabrics because they are utilitarian garments. The majority of cloaks are made of heavier fabrics to fight the weather, though lighter fabrics are also available. For cloaks, wool or velvet are ideal materials.

A cape, however, can be made out of any fabric, whether it is utilitarian, fashionable, or even fine. The most popular material for capes is silk or silk substitutes. The same is true for fur. A cape can be made from any material that adds opulence.

Capes win this one. Fabrics are not limited when it comes to fashion and style accessories. Pick a material that matches your individuality and let your imagination run wild.

Fastening

It depends on the style of your garment which fastenings to use on cloaks and capes. The only cloak with a variety of options is the cloak itself.

The cape sits on the shoulders and is tied around the neck. There is no need for any further fastening device on the front since they don’t stretch around to the chest area. During chilly weather or on wet days, they may feel a bit light and breezy.

The neck of a cloak can be fastened with a tie just like a cape’s neck. Cloaks with an open style work well with this. You can add extra fastenings to the front section of those that wrap around your body. Clasps, buckles, buttons, and toggles are examples of these.

Cloaks win out when it comes to versatility. All weather conditions can be accommodated by a cloak with more fastener options. In the fall, wind and rain are strong, but in spring, the weather is mild. Cloaks can be worn throughout the year because of the fastenings.

Price

The cost of capes is probably less than that of cloaks. A cloak’s fabric quantity is not the only factor that determines its quality. In addition to being shorter, capes can be made of a variety of materials, which makes them more affordable.

Cloaks are usually made from velvet or wool since they are intended to be worn in inclement weather. Fabrics with a heavier weight cost more to purchase. In addition to polyester fleece, there are cheaper alternatives. However, since many cloak wearers today strive for historical accuracy, they tend to use the more expensive natural fibers.

It takes much less material to make a cape, and it can be made from any material. When compared to cloaks, capes are relatively cheap to make. Imitation fur can even be used to make fur options on a budget. Despite the budget-friendly price, the effect is the same. Since capes are seen as fashion accessories, historical accuracy is not as important as it is for cloaks.

Is It Still Common To Wear Cloaks And Capes Around The World?

Yes. There are still people who wear capes and cloaks. Wearing it on a regular basis is not recommended. Despite their appeal, neither garment is a staple in a woman’s wardrobe.

As part of historical reenactments, you are more likely to see someone wearing a cloak. Cloaks are worn by cosplayers when they dress up as their favorite fantasy characters, such as Harry Potter characters or Hobbits from Lord of the Rings.

In today’s society, cloaks are mainly seen in movies and on TV. A period drama such as Wuthering Heights or Game of Thrones comes to mind.

The popularity of capes has fluctuated over the years. They did not venture into the world of style again until the 20th century. Due to movie stars wearing capes in the 1920s and 1930s, capes became popular. While wearing evening wear or ball gowns, they covered a lady’s shoulders with shrugs or boleros. In formal settings, a cape is still a common sight.

Is It Socially Acceptable to Wear a Cape?

It isn’t socially acceptable to wear a cape if it bothers you or you don’t want to stand out from a crowd.

There is no denying that capes have lost some of their lusters over the years. Due to this reason, wearing a cape every day makes you stand out. Taking a different approach to modern fashion may be seen as a sign of being different. You might get jeered at in the worst-case scenario.

What if you buck the trend? There is no one wearing capes right now, so they are out of fashion. They haven’t thought about capes, not because they don’t want to, but because they haven’t been thinking about them. You might be surprised at how people react when you wear your cape around town. Maybe you can set your own trend and start something new!

Cape vs Cloak vs Mantle

Having explored the differences and similarities between capes and cloaks, it’s time to investigate another cloak-like term. The term mantle can also be used to describe cloaks or capes. But why? How do capes, cloaks, and mantles differ?

For authoritative positions, a mantle is typically an open cape or cloak. Often worn by those in positions of power or status, these mantles are also called robes. In most cases, the mantle is part of the ceremonial dress of the priest. Those fancy robes worn by royal ceremonial events or orthodox bishops come to mind.

There is a phrase that has been coined based on the term’s association with professions or positions of importance. In ‘donning the mantle’, one assumes the responsibilities and duties associated with the role.

Although capes, cloaks, and mantles refer to similar garments, your choice will depend on the image you want to convey. Capes are suitable for those who are footloose, fashionable, and fancy-free. It screams mantle when pomp and ceremony are involved. Cloaks are great for protecting against the elements and adding a sense of adventure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a cloak is a piece of clothing worn over a cape. A cape is a type of garment that covers the shoulders and back, usually made from velvet or satin. Both cloaks and capes have long been associated with royalty and nobility, but today both styles are popular among celebrities and everyday folk alike.

You should find it easier to choose between a cloak and cape now that you understand the differences between the two. It is possible that you will find that your project would be better served by a mantle!