Fantasy Wardrobe: Cloaks, Mantles and Capes
Every fantasy has somebody donning a cloak. The cloak has become a staple in a fantasy wardrobe. So lets delve into the wardrobe.
Kinds of Historical cloaks
Paenula: Also called a sagum. Though worn by both men and women, this cloak was popularized by Roman Soldiers and by Roman officers. It was constructed of a rectangular piece of material that reaches the knee and fastened by a clasp called a fibula.
Lacerna: The purple cloak of Roman generals is similar to the paenula excepting that it was ALWAYS purple and fastened by a large brooch and the shoulders.
Leana: Another Roman cloak. It was thick and usually made of wool.
Palliuim: Named for the myth of Athena and her bestie Pallas, though this cloak could not protect a person like the mythical version. It was colorful and decorated cloak made for the wealthy to wear.
Mantle: The mantle loose drape of fabric worn over indoor clothes. It is really more cape than cloak.
Cardinal/Scarlet hooded cloak: This cloak was made wool that was doubly woven to make the cloth resistant to any weather. Don’t let the name fool you, they can come in every colour.
Wool: Warm, keeps in the heat, cheap and easy to come by. Worn both in warm and cold climates. (Fancy/everyday)
Satin: Light, airy (fancy)
Silk: Also light and airy, expensive. Worn in warmer climates or for events. (Super fancy)
Velvet: Thick, soft and expensive. Does not do well in rain. (Fancy)
Roughspun: A coarse sort of material that is heavy, warm and weather resistant. (Not fancy)
Gossamer: An airy fabric almost like finely woven netting. Glossy and super duper fancy. Though not worn in history, I just like how it looks.
Tartan: Thick, durable (and sexy thanks to Jamie Fraser). Tartan can be dyed in many colours and is warm AF.
Cloaks don’t stay on by the grace of gravity. Cloaks need to be fastened to the wearer.
Laces: Like shoelaces, the cloak can be closed by laces and tied to hold the cloak in place.
Clasp: A buckle to fasten one side of the cloak to the other. Can be as simple or as ornate as you like.
Buttons: Though less fashionable, a good button could hold your cloak on.
Brooch: A pin to keep the cloak from fall off, commonly pinned at the shoulder.
Cape vs Cloak: A death match
Cloaks: Covers from head to feet. Will have a hood. Cloaks would have been simple with very little ornament, though this has changed over the years.
Capes: Usually drapes to cover the back but could be draped over one shoulder. Will have no hood. Capes are usually worn at a costume party or a fancy dress, such as opera and masquerade. They are often embroidered, beaded and styled.
Cloaks can be shaped and styled in almost any way you like.
Arm slits: In Renaissance times, cloaks had slits for the arms to pass through.
Embroidery: Patterns sewn onto material to make shapes and designs.
Hoods: drapes that cover the head.
Linings: cloaks can be lined with another material. Fur and lambswool for warmth. Silk for pleasure.
Fur pelts: Fur can be sewn onto a cloak to make it warmer. Vikings often used wolf pelts. Beaver and dear are durable and warm.
Feathers: Feathers can line a cloak, leading to a lovely and fluffy style.
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