Types Of Long Capes

Capes are more than child's play and super heros.

Long capes were worn historically by both men and women in many different cultures around the world. These capes have various historical and current uses in fashion depending on what fabric the cape is made out of. Contemporary long capes are used as everyday clothing as well as for formal dress and costumes.

Rain Capes

Long rain capes tent protectively over clothing. These capes will typically have a hood. Rain capes can be made out of waterproof rubber or vinyl that is lined with fleece, flannel or other material. They can also be made out of treated wool for use in colder weather or snow during the winter. Rain capes are often heavy and fit loosely around the body, completely closing up the front to the neckline of the wearer.

Formal Capes

Long capes can be worn with male or female formal wear. These are often a part of historical costumes or a part of role-playing wear. These capes are made from velvet, satin, silk and other more delicate fabrics. Formal capes are designed to drape over clothing and may feature a hood, pleats, or other decoration or embellishments on the cape. A formal cape will tie or button at the neck but should be easy to remove. Formal capes may have holes for the arms to go through.

Uniform Capes

Uniform capes may be worn by officials ceremonially for certain occasions. They are commonly worn over uniforms or clothing by judges, church officials and some military and police officers. Sometimes these capes are integrated into formal uniform attire and may be required depending on the position. A long uniform cape may not be worn all the time while participating in an official capacity, depending on the customs or rules of the occasion. Uniform capes will carry the patches or emblems of the wearer's affiliation, as well as thei wearer's rank and position. Examples of these capes include the papal cape worn by the Pope on formal occasions and the capes worn by the royal guard outside Buckingham Palace during certain seasons.

Cold Weather Capes

Long capes are common cold weather clothing for women. These capes are used in place of a jacket or coat during the winter but may not be suitable for wear during heavy rain or snow. Long cold-weather capes fit loosely over clothing and fasten in the front. They are made from heavy material such as fleece or wool. A long cold weather cape will also feature a hood to completely protect the wearer during the winter from the wind and light rain or snow.

Costumes

Long capes are often worn during historical re-enactments or role playing as part of a costume. These capes may be carefully constructed to closely resemble the capes worn in a certain historical period, often out of the modern equivalent of the fabric believed to be used at that time. Other capes may be fashioned out of more modern materials such as polyester, satin or other materials, designed to resemble something worn by a comic-book or movie superhero. These capes are often either homemade or purchased from specialty retailers.

Tags: capes worn, Long capes, These capes, Capes Long, capes often