Today, however, cloaks are rarely used in everyday fashion. Moreover, the cloaks of the wealthy have rich embellishments and embroidery, reflecting their wealth and status. Commoners wore homespun woollen cloaks that usually reached their calves while the wealthy wore full-length fine cloaks. In the past, specifically during Medieval and Renaissance period woollen cloaks with hoods were worn for commoners, the wealthy as well as, royalty. Moreover, they are designed to wrap all the way around the wearer’s body. Cloaks protect the wearer from the elements – rain, cold, winds, etc. It falls below the knees and is often floor length. What is a CloakĪ cloak is a sleeveless overgarment that hangs loosely from the shoulders. Moreover, in some military and police units, capes are used as rainwear. In formal evening wear, ladies use the cape as a fashion statement.Ĭapes can protect the fine fabrics of the evening wear from the elements, whereas a coat would wrinkle or hide the garment underneath. Fashion capes do not sufficiently cover the front. However, they return to fashion from time to time. They were also worn by clergy for formal events. However, some modern versions of superheroes wear longer capes.Ĭapes have a long history. Superheroes like Superman and Batman usually wear a cape. Capes usually don’t have hoods moreover, not all capes close at the front. They are typically shorter than cloaks and fall to your hips and thighs. – Comparison of Key Differences Key TermsĬapes are sleeveless outer garments that drape your back, arms, and chest, and usually, connect at the neck. What is the Difference Between Cape and Cloak Sometimes, we tend to use the two words, cape and cloak, interchangeably.

They are not very common in everyday fashion. The main difference between cape and cloak is their length capes are shorter and typically reach the wearer’s hips and thighs while cloaks are often longer and reach below the knees.īoth capes and cloaks are sleeveless outer garments made of a single piece of fabric that hangs loose.

Cloaks and capes of runescape