Human Uses of Capes

An entertainer wears a red cape to enhance her performance wardrobe.

The first uses for capes were for warmth and protection against the elements. Over time, capes were made from various fabrics and furs, with designs changing. Some capes became elegant, fashionable accompaniments to clothing for the wealthy; others remained more practical woolen garments used as outerwear. Today, capes are used for several reasons, by religious and spiritual practitioners, as costumes for events or in theatrical productions, and by men and women who want to make a unique fashion statement.

History

The terms "cape," "cloak," "mantle" and "capuchin" have been used interchangeably in modern times, with many of those garments simply being referred to as capes. Since ancient times, tribal people, Gaelic clans, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans wrapped themselves in blankets, furs and fabrics usually cut into half-circles or circular shapes, which draped around the shoulders of the wearer. Cloak was the proper term for the longer garment, especially when hooded. The short version was the capuchin, and a man's garment was called a mantle. Decoration, layering and finer fabrics developed through time, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, cloaks and capes were typical fashion. These eventually were replaced by tailored coats, including the redingote, used for riding.

Spirituality

Some people wear robes or hooded capes for spiritual practice in nature.

Religious and spiritual leaders and practitioners long have worn capes and mantles, including various forms of the religious habit or vestments worn by monks, popes, priests, and the Dalai Lama. These clothing articles aren't limited to the five core religious groups of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism, but extend into alternative belief systems and pagan circles. American Indians wear capes in the forms of embroidered and fringed shawls and blankets with clasps. These often may be seen at powwows and ceremonial events. Earth-centric spirituality groups may wear capes and cloaks for rites of passage and seasonal celebrations. Covering the head with hooded garments often is considered a form of humility and an attempt to connect with divinity, but it also is done for practical reasons to protect against wind and rain when ceremonies or sacred events are held outdoors.

Arts and Entertainment

Actors and other stage performers may be costumed in cloaks.

Magicians sometimes use capes as flashy outerwear or as an element in their mystifying tricks. Actors in period costume for film and stage are outfitted appropriately, so capes frequently are seen if the story is set in a previous era. Meryl Streep wore such a cape in "The French Lieutenant's Woman," and Batman was called the "Caped Crusader." Some elaborate extravaganzas use capes in costuming for nightclub acts, dance troupes and circus routines. Pianist and entertainer Liberace gave new meaning to capes in the entertainment industry--his famous blue cape and others delighted audiences. Parades and feast-time celebrations may feature troupes of performers in Europe and South America clad in feathered headdresses and fancy sequined capes, gauze cloaks, and every other kind of imaginable showy wrap. Pirate, medieval and Renaissance re-enactment groups or individuals wear all types of capes, wraps, cloaks and mantles at festivals around the world.

Fashion

The fashion industry continues an active line on capes.

U.K. newspaper "The Telegraph" states that "Capes enjoyed a starring role on the autumn/winter 2010 catwalks." Stars in Hollywood, including Natalie Portman and Angelina Jolie have been photographed wearing capes. Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn wore them in the era of glamor. One of the most famous capes was worn by Jackie Kennedy during her husband's presidential inauguration ball in 1961. Fur seldom is used in capes any longer. Men and women may be seen wearing capes at social functions or for personal choice.

References

• Fashion-Era: Cloak Fashion History
• Blue Velvet Vintage; Leopard Print Coats-An Enduring Trend; January 9, 2010
• Access Hollywood; Glam Slam: Get Katie's 'Kennedy' Style; Ryan Patterson; March 30, 2011
• City Review; Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years; Michele Leight
• Liberace Foundation and Museum
• Catholic Doors Ministry: Roman Catholic Vestments

Resources

• Cape Women Online; Dalai Lama Teaches Service at Gillette Stadium; Nicola Burnell
• Orange County People for Animals: Trapping and Fur Farms
• Telegraph; Fashion Trend: Capes; November 5, 2010
• Dark Knight Armoury: Clothing
• College Fashion: Would You Wear a Cape
• Medieval Collectibles: Cloaks, Capes, Robes