A cloak is a type of loose garment that is worn over indoor clothing and serves the same purpose as an overcoat – it protects the wearer from the cold, rain or wind for example, or it may form part of a fashionable outfit or uniform. Cloaks are as old as human history; there has nearly always been some form of long outer garment used to protect people from the weather. Over time cloaks have changed their look to match current styles and textile needs.

Cloaks generally fasten at the neck or over the shoulder, vary in length, from ankle all the way up to the hip, mid-calf being the normal length. They may have an attached hood, and may cover and fasten down the front, in which case they have holes or slits for the hands to pass through. However, cloaks are almost always sleeveless.

Opera cloak

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In full evening dress in the Western countries, ladies and gentlemen frequently use the cloak as a fashion statement, or to protect the fine fabrics of eveningwear from the elements, especially where a coat would crush--or hide--the garment. Opera cloaks are made of quality materials such as wool or cashmere, velvet and satin.

Ladies may wear a short (over the shoulders or to the waist) cloak usually called a cape, or a full-length cloak. Gentlemen wear an ankle- or full-length cloak. Formal cloaks often have expensive, coloured linings and trimmings such as silk, satin, velvet and fur.

In fiction

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Cloaks were a stereotypical staple of the fantasy genre, usually associated with witches, wizards and vampires. Such cloaks are often magical; for example, they may grant the wearer invisibility.

See also

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• Cloaking device
• Invisibility
• Robe
• Shawl
• Stole
• Shroud
• Veil

Formalwear | History of fashion | Jackets | Costume design | Tops

Kåbe | Umhang | Szatnia