# Capes: Sensible garment or fashion statement? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 8, 2022, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524 "2022-04-08T14:53:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/61 "2022-04-10T15:22:42Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Got to love all the mind readers who just _know_ why people like me wear cloaks. I’ll co-sign this. People often reach for an unkind conclusion instead of a generous one. However, I admit I once saw a photo of me wearing my cloak, bent down a bit to hear what a Little Person friend of mine was saying. It was surreptitiously snapped by another friend as we all strolled together along a waterfront. It looked like something out of a David Lynch dream sequence. There’s no way that wasn’t going to attract attention. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/62 "2022-04-10T15:27:53Z")
I’m aware wearing a cloak is unusual and attracts attention (when not at a Burn or a reenactment event or a LARP). But I wear mine _in spite of_ that, not _because of_ it. Because the advantages outweigh that disadvantage. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/63 "2022-04-10T15:29:07Z")
As do I. I don’t fault others for making their judgments, though. I’m not fragile. Not implying you are, either. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/64 "2022-04-10T16:12:12Z")
Which is fine. Many of the rest of us however are making sartorial decisions with more consideration to what message is received by others. Clothing choices are a signal we send of who we want others to perceive us to be. You wear what you wear for your own pleasure, aware that it will call lots of attention to you, and make your decision in spite of the knowledge that others will be gawking at you as the person in the cape. Many of the rest of us are perhaps less secure? The knowledge that others would (correctly or mistakenly) conclude we want that much and that sort of attention and that the choice would get that sort attention would constrain us. Many us would prefer to not be having that attention or sending a signal that we are aware will be read as our wanting that attention. But I agree capes and cloaks can be practical choices, especially if someone is going in and out fairly frequently. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/65 "2022-04-10T16:59:08Z")
I’ve always thought the purpose of Batman’s cape was if shooters were aiming for the center of mass they are likely to hit the cape, not Batman. The utility of this in real life (esp if you not in a low light situation and not flitting around) is questionable. Brian ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/66 "2022-04-10T18:29:57Z")
> [@N9IWP](#): > > I’ve always thought the purpose of Batman’s cape was if shooters were aiming for the center of mass they are likely to hit the cape, not Batman. Your thinking about bullfighters here. Not being snarky. ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/67 "2022-04-10T18:43:37Z")
I went to Royal Military College a long, long time ago and capes were a part of our uniform for fall-dress. And during the fall-dress period first year cadets had to wear them if we went into Kingston for any reason. So I have worn them a lot for one year and, functionally, I would have to say that, aside from the weird appearance, I could not see any advantages or disadvantages. However, as a dedicated backpack user since then I don’t see how they would not be awkward. [http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0262/3527/3274/products/57\_156a284c-d9fe-49e8-9ab1-06f4a668e799\_1024x.jpg?v=1647546757](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0262/3527/3274/products/57_156a284c-d9fe-49e8-9ab1-06f4a668e799_1024x.jpg?v=1647546757) ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/68 "2022-04-10T18:47:43Z")
Bullfighter usage illustrates a cape being used for misdirection, yes. And often the henchmen level thugs were less intelligent than the poor tormented bulls. Does Batman Beyond count as canon? [Source](https://www.cbr.com/batman-16-things-you-never-knew-about-his-cape-and-cowl/). > [@](#): > > In 2010’s [“Batman Beyond”](https://www.cbr.com/tag/batman-beyond) #4 (Adam Beechen, Brian Benjamin), the new Batman Terry McGinnis went to see an older version of Dick Grayson. Grayson explained that Batman’s flowing cape was intended to draw attention and hide his body when moving, making it hard to know where to shoot or strike. The idea is that enemies will shoot or punch at the cape and avoid Batman’s body. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/69 "2022-04-10T19:09:12Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > Why yes, we DID do SCA for many years, how did you guess? Yep, that is sooo SCAdian! ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/70 "2022-04-10T19:25:38Z")
Of interest to the thread perhaps: [https://historyofyesterday.com/cloak-and-dagger-from-sword-fighting-style-to-political-commentary-24c2461585f4](https://historyofyesterday.com/cloak-and-dagger-from-sword-fighting-style-to-political-commentary-24c2461585f4) [quote] While initially, wielding a dagger alongside the rapier was common, eventually, as techniques became more advanced, only a single sword was used. However, a great many fencing masters of the day were well aware of the drawbacks and potential risks of fighting essentially unarmored, and so drew on what was already a common practice of the era, and had been since the Early Middle Ages — using the cloak as a defensive weapon. Essentially, the cloak would be wrapped around the left arm and used as a kind of shield, while some of it would be left trailing down to provide additional protection. When defending against a rapier, with its relatively weak slashing power, it could provide good protection and create an opening for attack if the defendant managed to knock the blade aside. The trailing section could also be used to catch the blade, immobilizing it momentarily and again providing an opening for attack. It was not just a useful defense against rapiers, however, and in the earlier medieval period was used sometimes as a defense against the much heavier and more powerful longsword and broadsword, and even sometimes as a defense against wild animals when hunting. Given that cloaks were generally made of quite thick heavy material that was wrapped around the arm multiple times, what initially seems like a poor defense technique transforms into a legitimate and valuable form of protection. … [/quote] It then goes on to explain how from there it entered into theater and the current usage of “cloak and dagger” came about, ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/71 "2022-04-10T19:30:19Z")
I have occasionally been on the receiving end of fashion-related comments such as, “I like your shirt”, “I love your jacket! Where did you get it?”, and even “I think those pants are too tight.” It’s hard to be invisible… ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/72 "2022-04-10T19:40:11Z")
It doesn’t have to be a cloak, absolutely, but that is pretty standard for dagger fights AFAIK. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/DkMvrU_gMcI/hqdefault.jpg "Hugo del Carril - Best Argentine Knife Fight Ever!") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkMvrU_gMcI) ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/73 "2022-04-10T22:36:47Z")
I grew up wearing a rain poncho, and, actually, a light wool poncho in the fall. And i have a cape i used to wear. It’s not warm enough for my current climate. Not because capes aren’t warm, but because a mid-weight wool cape isn’t as warm as a heavy down coat. And it has no pockets. And it weighs more than a comparable coat. And yes, i look weird when i wear it. But it’s a very practical item. I, too, wonder why capes went out of style. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/74 "2022-04-10T23:12:06Z")
My guess is cars. The one thing you simply can’t get around is that cloaks are bulky and trying to wedge yourself into the driver’s seat and figure out what to do with all that fabric under your butt then trying to wrest the seatbelt around the whole thing after which trying to get your arms out to hold the steering wheel–well, it’s cumbersome, and it’s a PITA to have to doff and don the damned thing every time you get in and out of the car. I think cars killed the cloak. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/75 "2022-04-10T23:56:02Z")
[Another speculation](https://repeller.com/serious-q-when-and-why-did-men-stop-wearing-capes/) I was able to find which actually makes some sense: Dracula, heh, drove a stake through its heart - > [@](#): > > Overcoats became popular in [the mid-1800s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Overcoat), — usurping the cloak — [and greatcoats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatcoat) (essentially long wool overcoats) began to take the place of other military attire. But cloaks continued to exist as a staple of fashion for many men and women. … snip … > > … However, it’s commonly agreed that cloaks fell out of popularity [in the 1930s](https://www.quora.com/Why-and-when-did-cloaks-go-out-of-fashion). It’s hard to say the precise reasons why any item falls out of popularity, but usually clues can be found in the events of the time. And in this case: _Dracula_ premiered in 1931. [This is the original poster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_(1931_English-language_film)#/media/File:Dracula_movie_poster_Style_F.jpg) for _Dracula_ , which might as well be called “look at this guy in a cloak!” _Dracula_ was a massive hit, so much so that it kicked off a slew of monster movies (the next of which was _Frankenstein_ .) And this was at a time when [65% of Americans](https://www.businessinsider.com/movie-attendance-over-the-years-2015-1) went to a cinema on a weekly basis. If you were the kind of person who was well off enough to own a cloak, most of the people you knew would have seen _Dracula_ . > > To say that the movie is just Bela Lugosi swanning around in cloak, spinning it all over the place before biting women on the neck, is to really undercut how brilliant his performance in the movie is. But, to a casual viewer, perhaps a 1931 viewer, it is a movie about a man swanning around in cloak, spinning it all over the place before biting women on the neck. Very quickly the attitude towards that attire could go from “a cloak being a normal if slightly dated thing to wear to an evening at the opera” to “an item of clothing that makes you look like you are imitating an aristocrat from a hugely popular monster movie.” I have great faith that human nature and the tendency towards joking remain the same through history and it is impossible for me to imagine that a man in 1932 would show up to a party in a cloak and not have his friends make Dracula jokes. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2022, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/76 "2022-04-10T23:59:46Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Also, it’s hard to quickly shrug off a sleeved coat for use as an off-hand parry device in a sword fight. Boy, did I find that out the hard way ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2022, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/77 "2022-04-12T22:06:09Z")
Capes used to be both fashion statements and practical garments, at least in spaghetti Westerns. [![](https://i.etsystatic.com/10388225/r/il/6aa53e/1553555950/il_794xN.1553555950_dtt1.jpg) ](https://i.etsystatic.com/10388225/r/il/6aa53e/1553555950/il_794xN.1553555950_dtt1.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2022, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/78 "2022-04-12T22:08:01Z")
I thought that was a poncho. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2022, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/79 "2022-04-12T22:14:28Z")
Real gauchos/cowboys prize their ponchos [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Gaucho1868b.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Gaucho1868b.jpg) so I assume it’s part of their culture, though obviously not a purely artistic fashion statement. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2022, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524/80 "2022-04-12T23:54:44Z")
Yup, [![](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/68/o/2017/06/20/6827c8a391065dca8dfcf42a956f7cbf_lg.jpg) ](https://imagez.tmz.com/image/68/o/2017/06/20/6827c8a391065dca8dfcf42a956f7cbf_lg.jpg) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524.md?page=5)