# Why did capes go out of fashion? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 17, 2003, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368 "2003-06-17T02:41:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sock\_Munkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Sock\_Munkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sock_Munkey)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2003, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/21 "2003-06-17T14:00:19Z")
Spider-man would get all tangled up in a cape the way he leaps and tumbles around. ---
**Author:** ![Alcibiades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/cab0a1/32.png) [@Alcibiades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alcibiades)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2003, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/22 "2003-06-17T14:48:14Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*I agree with **Paul in Saudi**. Capes were very useful when you were driving a coach or had to walk about in the rain. (What is a cape, after all, but a king of poncho?) Drivers would wear capes to protect them from the elements as they drove their coaches and wagons, and toffs would wear them to protect their elegant clothes. But they lost their utility when we started getting around in enclosed cars. \*\* Coaches had doors, as far back as 17th century France. [sub]Or so historical movie epics would have me believe.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![netscape\_6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@netscape\_6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/netscape_6)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2003, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/23 "2003-06-17T15:50:11Z")
but someone had to drive the coach. he had to set out in the elements. ---
**Author:** ![netscape\_6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8c91f0/32.png) [@netscape\_6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/netscape_6)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2003, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/24 "2003-06-17T16:00:57Z")
but someone had to drive the coach. he had to set out in the elements. ---
**Author:** ![Alcibiades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/cab0a1/32.png) [@Alcibiades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alcibiades)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/25 "2003-06-18T02:07:37Z")
No clear answer then. Bummer. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/26 "2003-06-18T02:16:41Z")
I’m going to have to agree. I’ve got a nice, comfy, _stylin’_ cloak that I had made for the Renaissance Festival. And, while it’s all of the above, it certainly isn’t good in an enclosed vehicle- I always have to take it off when I get into a car. But it’s damn comfortable just walkin’ around. ---
**Author:** ![Trigonal\_Planar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/0ea827/32.png) [@Trigonal\_Planar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trigonal_Planar)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/27 "2003-06-18T03:38:19Z")
When were capes ever in style? I know people used to wear long trailing coats but I can’t say I’ve seen people wearing capes as common dress. ---
**Author:** ![CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crankyasanoldman/32/11670_2.png) [@CrankyAsAnOldMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrankyAsAnOldMan)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/28 "2003-06-18T03:49:01Z")
Well, since no one else is coming up with a good answer, allow me to continue in that vein. My mom made me a cape for my December wedding. I didn’t want it white, because I’d hoped to wear it for other events. It’s black wool with a purple lining. Damn do I love that thing. I haven’t worn it for formal occasions, but it’s been a witch cape for two halloweens and it’s terribly fun to wear. She was planning to cut it down (it’s ankle-length) but I love it too much long. ---
**Author:** ![Fredge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/258eb7/32.png) [@Fredge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fredge)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/29 "2003-06-18T11:44:16Z")
It’s Darwinian; everyone who had capes came to the painful and untimely conclusion that “Cape does not enable wearer to fly”. ---
**Author:** ![Alcibiades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/cab0a1/32.png) [@Alcibiades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alcibiades)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/30 "2003-06-18T11:58:09Z")
Ah, but you see, superheroes had capes because they looked flamboyant: specifically, like professional wrestlers and circus entertainers of the 1930s. They are also good to illustrate movement in a drawing. ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/31 "2003-06-18T12:25:04Z")
Cloaks were still in regular use at the turn of the century, which was considerably post-Industrial Revolution. They were even still used a bit during the 20’s and 30’s. My guess combines fabric scarcity in the second WW, plus the enclosed space argument. And coats are warmer, yard for yard. 😃 Cloaks are still neat, though. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/32 "2003-06-18T12:59:03Z")
> [@](#): > > Coaches had doors, as far back as 17th century France. True. But as **netscape 6** pointed out, someone had to drive them. Also, coach interiors were different from interiors of cars and a cloak or cape would not have been as cumbersome as they would be getting in and out of a Honda Civic. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/33 "2003-06-18T13:41:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alcibiades \* > \*\*No clear answer then. Bummer. \*\* Incorrect, **Paul in Saudi** nailed it spot-on. Just because someone cannot imagine why or how capes were worn doesn’t change the fact that they _were_ worn. Until automobiles the upper-classes were not in control of their modes of transportation. They were _passengers_ who sat on their duffs and did not control the horses pulling the coach. The reason they wore capes was to be warm. Automobiles and heaters are the same reason coats have gotten shorter and lighter. > [@](#): > > _originally posted by Lissla Lissar_ > **And coats are warmer, yard for yard** Not really. Or we’d be using coats instead of blankets and sleeping bags at night. > [@](#): > > _originally posted by Trigonal Planar_ > **When were capes ever in style? I know people used to wear long trailing coats but I can’t say I’ve seen people wearing capes as common dress.** That’s because you haven’t seen me go to the opera;) Seriously, as recently as FDR wearing his cape over his wheelchair. That’s one of the last examples I can come up with. Here’s a photo of him wearing it at [Yalta](http://history.acusd.edu/gen/20th/coldwar1.html) ---
**Author:** ![msgotrocks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8edcca/32.png) [@msgotrocks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msgotrocks)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/34 "2003-06-18T13:54:27Z")
[WAG] Maybe it has something to do with sewing machines - more of them in people’s homes, better ones in factories. It’s already been stated that capes take up much more fabric than coats and offer less warmth. Sewing machines made it quicker and easier for people to sew more tailored garments in heavy fabrics. So a person could make a cheaper, more practical garment with about the same effort. [/WAG] I have a feeling it probably came about as a result of many things. Darwinism in fashion. ---
**Author:** ![yoyo3500](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/5daacb/32.png) [@yoyo3500](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyo3500)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/35 "2003-06-18T14:17:53Z")
Actually, I still wear a cape. I don’t think they went out of fashion. My cape goes especially well with my tights and underwear, which I tend to wear as outerwear. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/36 "2003-06-18T14:31:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by msgotrocks \* > \*\*[WAG]It’s already been stated that capes take up much more fabric than coats and offer less warmth. \*\* Stated but still not true. I have been an historical re-enactor for almost 15 years. I have spent thousands of dollars re-creating garment from ancient Rome, Ireland, Scotland, Georgian England and Victorean England. Both civilian and military. I have camped out in winter snow dressed as a Viking and stood guard in August, in the Victorville desert (110 degrees in the shade) wearing The 24th Regiment afoot Zulu War regalia. My research has taken me to viking excavations in Dublin to the Vatican in Rome. Anyway… I can tell you from my own personal experience that capes are very warm and comfy in bitter cold and rain. Much better than coats, _until_ you need to operate machinery (Other factors are money, amount of wool, new waterproofing technology, wartime wool shortages, Beau Brummel, and so forth.) It’s as simple as that. Most every post since **Paul in Saudi** have been guessing and speculation. Just google “history fashion capes” and look at all the sites. ---
**Author:** ![Woeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df705f/32.png) [@Woeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Woeg)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/37 "2003-06-18T14:36:31Z")
This is one of the many reasons I love medieval re-creation…I get to wear my cloak regularly, and not look funny! 🙂 For the record, my cloak is WAY warmer than my coats typically are, and better at hold the heat in. I think it has to do with the fact that, being not as tight to the body, it allows a warm layer of air to form between it and your body. It’s damned comfortable for all things, save driving and operating machinery…but on a cold morning, when I am doing wake-up calls for events, it’s my most prized article of clothing. ---
**Author:** ![FisherQueen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/58f4c7/32.png) [@FisherQueen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FisherQueen)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/38 "2003-06-18T14:50:37Z")
Another re-creator checking in to say, on a cold, wet day, I would much rather be in a cloak than a coat, and I’m quite bitter that modern fashions do not allow me to wear my long wool cloak everywhere without looking silly. The only reason coats are superior is that they allow you more movement of the arms and hands. ---
**Author:** ![Tir\_Tinuviel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2003, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368/39 "2003-06-18T16:37:38Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gary T \* > \*\*A cape would have to be much less effective than a button-up coat in cold weather with strong wind. More fabric for less protection = goodbye, cape. \*\* Actually, I find that my floor length cloak is **much** warmer then my long coat. Wind doesn’t matter too much, as the clock is so large that one side can easilly be pulled over the opposite shoulder to stop the wind getting through or blowing it open. Traps a nice layer of heat around you. yum! Like **Woeg** and **FisherQueen** my favorite cloak was bought at a re-enactment festival, but I’d been wearing one for years before that. I still wear it fairly often in the winter. I kinda get away with it, what with the fangs and all… 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-capes-go-out-of-fashion/182368.md?page=1)