Are cloaks practical?

To wear at home, indoors, I'd prefer a poncho. I did have one for many years, until it looked so ugly I threw it away. As a teenager (in the 1970s) I had a crocheted poncho, I loved that one too. Such a poncho makes that you don't need to heat the house that much.

Jay Angler wrote:...

ETA - I also liked the look of the 'blanket cloak' because it's still a perfectly useful blanket. A friend gave me a cross between a poncho and a cloak with an integral hood. I ended up stitching up the front so it would keep me somewhat warm, and now it would act as a blanket also, as the hood covered the hole in the poncho, so you ended up with a rectangular blanket, although not a very big one.

The 'house-poncho' I had was like a blanket with a hole for the head. SO it could be used as a (small) blanket too (folding it over the hole).

r ranson wrote:

Chaotic cloak making

My wife and I made a cape similar to the one in the thumbnail in black, with a single capelet that we finished shortly after we graduated college. It's polartec fleece lined with...something slippery...some fairly cheap coat lining, probably polyester of some sort. It looks epic, but it has some drawbacks. The biggest thing is the length - we really need to shorten it to just past knee length. It gets dirty in the winter because it's practically dragging on the ground. We added a row of hooks and eyes down the front to close it up in the wind. They're handy, but it would be nice to have the hooks covered so they didn't catch on my regular clothes. The hood isn't great for visibility either, but it is fairly warm. I've only worn it in public in lieu of a coat a few times; got a few positive comments. I've made heavier use of it as a coat/blanket while camping a few times, and sometimes around the house.

In short, it's cool but could use some improvements for regular use, and it wouldn't be particularly useful for anything that requires good use of the arms, or fitting in close spaces.

What I'd really like to do is make one of these things...

I got this Lululemon cloak/poncho/wrap thingy as a gift a few years ago and while I would never pay list price for it, I think it's super-clever and would be an easy beginner sewing project as it's all rectangles and straight lines (knit fabric so maybe advanced beginner- intro to stretch/knit!).

It's 2 panels of fabric sewn together along the long edges, with openings towards the ends that you can put your arms through. The edges of the short sides have snap tape on them so you can close it up and wear it as a scarf too. And it can be a blanket (it's probably about the size of a yoga mat when laid flat).

I keep mine at the office for chilly AC days and it came in handy as a scarf the day I spilled coffee down my front.

I don't think they make this exact one anymore but here's one on thredup that you can see the basic features of:

https://www.thredup.com/featured/119449239
 

I always liked the idea of little red riding hood's cape. Probably the first cloak I was introduced to



I remember having a woolen poncho as a child. I think all 5 of us had different colours and they had a little fringe round them. Cute and cosy, but possibly not that practical. Unfortunately I can't find a picture!

Cycling capes have to be well designed to be useful - this one looks like it might actually work:


source

It has a belt to stop the cape flapping at the back, a hood that can be worn under or over a helmet, hoops to go round hands or handle bars. You'd still get wet legs, but the top half would be pretty dry.

This is what I fancy for the highland weather:


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This is an Inverness cape which is a layered cloak with outer cape. the inner has holes so you can adjust your sporran under the cloak, or have your hands and arms out for normal use. They would have traditionally been made of tweed, which can be surprisingly weather resistant as well as warm. I think a hood would make it more feminine.

Other evolutions of cloaks:

Already mentioned: parkas, ponchos, raincoats

Also, Dusters - cowboy cloaks.

I got a duster when I turned 18. Turns out they're really good if you spend a lot of time out in the cold and wet, and not really good if you don't. They pair well with a wide brimmed cowboy hat. The good ones are all well oiled.

One of the problems with oiled clothing is... the oil rubs off on everything.

Now that I'm in zone 9. There is no need for this level of outerwear... the more common problem is running out of layers to remove in the heat. I left my duster back in zone 7, where I only used it in wet winters.

Making is a different story, But if you are talking buying, then this is my cape of choice.
Australian Riding Coat, Waterproof Oilcloth Duster.

I don't know if it matters in terms pf practicality... but if I saw a pretty lady in a cloak, I would ask... "Are you single? May I take you to dinner?'  THere is something about a fresh face, long hair and a cloak.

r ranson wrote:Are Cloaks, and their baby cousins, capes, practical on the homestead?  Are they fashionable enough yet to wear in town?  

What's your experience wearing a cloak (or cape)?    (both good and bad)

I actually have quite a bit of experience with variations on "cloaks", both for myself and for my children.

When I was in the US Marine Corps, there was a thing that some of us would do with our woolen blankets (in cold deployments, not in the deserts; I was in a 'cold weather' unit) that we called a "Watch Cloak" wherein we'd take the basic wool blanket and add one of those huge spare buttons found on the trenchcoat.  We'd just sew it on and button it around the neck, so we'd have an extra layer during "firewatch".  It definitely wasn't part of the uniform, but it looked the part and worked well enough that no one really screwed with us.  And a year or so ago, I bought a pair of surplus wool blankets and made them into watch-cloaks for my sons.

And that's exactly how a cloak works best, as a extra outer layer while traveling with your blanket.  If you don't need to carry around your blanket, because you're going to be sleeping in the same bed, a cloak does not make a better coat than one with sleeves; but a cloak sure makes for a better blanket than a coat does.  On the other hand, a wool blanket and a large button does make a cheap outer layer, since you don't have to pay for the material or labor to make sleeves.  So if you only have a light jacket, adding a cloak as an over-layer works well for colder weather.  But if you live in a climate that demands a proper winter coat, a cloak isn't really going to cut it anyway.

And some years ago I commissioned a winter cloak, in pink, for my youngest daughter; and I made sure that it included a layer of thinsulate.  It was every bit as effective as a winter coat for a toddler, and even with the hood, made a pretty good blanket for naps away from the house.  And it grew with her pretty well; since it didn't have sleeves, it moved from being a knee high cloak at 4 to a waist high cloak at 7 before she was truly too big for it.  Then she gave it away.  The downside for a child has to do with strapping into a car seat while wearing it, as the cloak must come off.  They're not great with regular seatbelts with a shoulder strap either.  

There is nothing better than an oversized, zippered hoodie.
Well,  unless it is a rain-proof hoodie.

r ranson wrote:I've noticed that a lot of people who wear cloaks regularly, after a few years, they start wearing the closure to one side so that the front slit is about at the armpit of their dominant arm.

Yes, that's exactly how we'd wear the "watch cloak" mentioned prior; with the button to the right so you could hold onto your weapon well enough to at least look like you were doing your job.  Your right arm would be cold to the shoulder, but that's better than all of you being cold.

I guess this begs the question, "should a vest have sleeves?"... that darn mischief monster did it again;

Good video. Thank you so much! I’m going to cloak in wool next winter!  MJ

I like cloaks, I think they look cool! But I can't resist posting this clip. 😊

Another reason to not wear capes



But not a very good one

I like cloaks for when the temperature is too hot to wear a coat, but too cold to go without one. I even used to keep one near my desk when telecommuting. You can adjust the drape of the cloak to suit the temperature a lot more easily than you can with a coat.

A 'few' years ago, I made myself a cloak. I was living in the Pacific Northwest, East of the mountains where the rain wasn't anything like Seattle. Winters were COLD. And I didn't have a car, so walked everywhere.

I made the cloak out of polar fleece, and it had the lovely voluminous hood and slits for armholes. The closure at the front was 3 'frog' buttons, which looked really cool. It was almost ankle length.

Even on windy days, walking around getting things done, walking to and from work, etc., I stayed REALLY warm. In a light rain, that polar fleece actually repelled most of it, and even when it started getting wet was still much warmer than a coat. The inevitable snow could be brushed off, and hanging the cloak once I'd arrived at my destination allowed it to dry before heading out again.  I didn't need gloves, because I just pulled my arms in and my hands stayed toasty.

Practical for homesteading? Really not sure I'd want to use one!! Made with different materials, shorter, and removeable hood (really like the idea of a hood with a shoulder cape!), and repellant to hay, I might consider one.

Now I have more food for thought.....

Creighton Samuels wrote:
When I was in the US Marine Corps, there was a thing that some of us would do with our woolen blankets (in cold deployments, not in the deserts; I was in a 'cold weather' unit) that we called a "Watch Cloak" wherein we'd take the basic wool blanket and add one of those huge spare buttons found on the trenchcoat.  We'd just sew it on and button it around the neck, so we'd have an extra layer during "firewatch".  It definitely wasn't part of the uniform, but it looked the part and worked well enough that no one really screwed with us.  And a year or so ago, I bought a pair of surplus wool blankets and made them into watch-cloaks for my sons.

I saw something similar in Romania in the 1990s. The Carpathian sheepherders wore wool blankets with a leather strap and buckle sewn on around the neck. It looked to me like they would toss it back when they were staying warm walking, and then they would pull it over the arms and shoulders (probably holding onto the inside with their hands) when they were standing or sitting. It's a quick way to don and shed a layer, and since they didn't carry a backpack, it ensured they'd always be prepared for bad weather.

Nancy Reading wrote:...

Cycling capes have to be well designed to be useful - this one looks like it might actually work:


source

It has a belt to stop the cape flapping at the back, a hood that can be worn under or over a helmet, hoops to go round hands or handle bars. You'd still get wet legs, but the top half would be pretty dry.
....

That's what I call a rain-poncho. I wear one over my coat/jacket when it rains. You're right: feet and part of my legs still got wet. But now I have rain-trousers too (very wide, to wear over other clothes). And I know shoe-covers exist to keep the feet dry too....

r ranson wrote:While we're talking about cloaks and capes.

Super hero capes - functional or just to help show that they are moving quickly?  

Others have noted some truly magical/utilitarian ones, but many are also heraldic devices, part of their whole "uniform/suit/costume" or "identity/secret identity". Recognizable with it, difficult to be seen as, or even be the hero without it.

And we haven’t mentioned capes and cloaks children’s pretend games!  Hours and hours of cape wearing play is very practical!

Thekla McDaniels wrote:And we haven’t mentioned capes and cloaks children’s pretend games!  Hours and hours of cape wearing play is very practical!

Oh yes! My kids have some specially made dress up capes but they have access to tablecloths and sheets to make costumes and a cape is probably the most popular design choice! 😁 Necessary for any fashionable wizard, knight, royal person, or child heading off on a walk through wolf-infested woods.

r ranson wrote:While we're talking about cloaks and capes.

Super hero capes - functional or just to help show that they are moving quickly?

Best ask a professional's opinion on that one:

Wow!

I hadn’t realized the safety issues with capes.  I never knew how dangerous they could be until I watched the video, and how lucky my family was to not have suffered similar fates while wearing capes!

That’s pretty funny

Thekla McDaniels wrote:And we haven’t mentioned capes and cloaks children’s pretend games!  Hours and hours of cape wearing play is very practical!

O yes, that's the best use of capes!

My sister made a red circle cape for my then two year old daughter with red flannel along with a matching liripipe hood.  It is adorable but was a bit dangerous as a tripping hazard until she grew a little taller.  You definitely need ground clearance.  I then made my husband a circle cloak (75percEnt of one) out of denim we dyed green and lined with flannel.  It was really meant to be a costume but even though that much denim weighs like ten pounds it was surprisingly comfortable flipped back in the heat of summer and surprisingly warm in winter (-20 brutal Minnesota winter mind you).  I often borrowed it to do the chicken chores.  If you take one side and drape it across and over the opposite shoulder one arm can move a bit and it's so much faster than putting on a coat.  I think I have less of a wind problem partially because the design shifted the neck hole back into the circle so that it wants to lie closed and the heavy fabric.  It would take an awful lot of wind to even make it flutter.  Also attached hoods can work they just need to be very deep and use stiff or weighty fabric.  I think they're a great run out for a minute garment, but but maybe not for using two arms for long periods of time one.

A cloak has it's own beauty, but for a brief walk in winter,  I prefer a hooded robe coat with some airtight underlining. Right now I have a down ski jacket, it's fairly warm for my upper body but my legs would be freezing.

here's the first of a series on making a cape.  I love how it has the front panel to keep the wind out.

Another cloak making video that has quite a few cloak reviews near the start

Personally, I find cloaks very stylish. Capes are nice too. Working in the garden, though they flop around your arms and restrict your movements. One place to never wear them is around machinery.
In a downpour, going to lock up the chickens at night, they'd be really handy.
One of my favorite details is when they have a loop in the back of the neck so you can hang them up: [Unless tailored specially, they do not fit well on a hanger].

I'm glad I'm not the only one who fantasises about cloaks and capes.  I would love to have a Margaret Rutherford type of cape, with the integral scarf, but I wouldn't be able to wear it as impressively as she did.  webpage


I am currently happy settling for a big, snuggly, hand knitted ruana (which is a word I prefer to poncho ).

More years ago than I care to remember, I made myself  black woollen cloak thinking it would be warm. Unfortunately, I found it too draughty unless I hugged it around myself. I still wore it when the weather wasn't too cold even though I heard myself called "Bat girl" on more than one occasion. My son wore it to school for a play they were doing when he was about 9 and since then I haven't been able to get it away from him. Even though he is now an adult (so they say) he and his weird friends were all wearing cloaks for some role play game they were involved in recently.  His friends all wanted to know where it came from. It is ankle length on me but only knee length on him.

I love cloaks. I need to make another for myself, but the last one I made for a friend had two capelets that covered arm holes with detachable sleeves.

They're amazing, and depending on the material, you can waterproof them rather easily. 11/10, do recommend.

I think this is as of yet unsaid: Cloaks do offer the ultimate in portable spontaneous toileting privacy. Unfortunately, the inherent poor lighting could result in undesirable consequences...

Peter George wrote:I think this is as of yet unsaid: Cloaks do offer the ultimate in portable spontaneous toileting privacy. Unfortunately, the inherent poor lighting could result in undesirable consequences...

Hahah!  So true.  I award an apple for humorous wit! ; )

I've decided.

My life would be better with a cloak.  

Now to find a pattern. I'll go back through this thread again, but if anyone wants to suggest a pattern that would be awesome.

...

My medieval garb book suggests a simple half circle with a smaller circle cut out for the neck, but it assumes we will be wearing this with a removable hood, and I'm not sure that's what I want.  I think something with a hood or a collar perhaps.  I need ideas.  

I think a simple half circle might not be optimum.  Seems like you would not have fullness in the right places, and lengths would be kinda weird, the part that travels over the shoulder would be shortened.  Even a simple yoke with modified half circle attached to perimeter seems like an improvement

There was a line of patterns in the third third of the 20th century with at least a couple cloak patterns.  I might still have one.

I’ll go search it, but the pattern I might have is called a “kinsdale cloak”, I think, and the publisher of the patterns may have been “folk wear”.  They also had a pattern for a French cheesemakers smock.  Just fyi in case anyone else wants to try to track them down.

Well, I am feeling mighty clever!  Folkwear is the brand / publisher.  They do have a pattern for a “kinsdale cloak”.  And it looks like there are some available through etsy.  Another cloak pattern the  Moroccan burnoose!

All the cloaks I see are for mystical, misty climates with magical machinations. In other words, medieval romance novels.

Out here, it's been too hot and too dry for too long. I find myself wishing for a desert cloak to avoid being barbecued by friendly old Sol. Not much romance, only extreme UV. Any suggestions?

Did you see the Moroccan burnoose pattern?  

It might be just what you need…. Morocco is pretty sunny.  It even has a hood so you can shade your head!

When I lived in high desert and worked outdoors, wearing my shade was my chosen strategy 😊