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.
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.
As do I. I don’t fault others for making their judgments, though. I’m not fragile. Not implying you are, either.
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.
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
Your thinking about bullfighters here. Not being snarky.
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.
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.
Yep, that is sooo SCAdian!
Of interest to the thread perhaps:
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,
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…
It doesn’t have to be a cloak, absolutely, but that is pretty standard for dagger fights AFAIK.
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.
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. 
Another speculation I was able to find which actually makes some sense: Dracula, heh, drove a stake through its heart -
Boy, did I find that out the hard way
Capes used to be both fashion statements and practical garments, at least in spaghetti Westerns.
I thought that was a poncho.
Real gauchos/cowboys prize their ponchos
so I assume it’s part of their culture, though obviously not a purely artistic fashion statement.
Yup,
