Capes are frequently worn today as costumes or as part of a military dress ensemble. However, before they were relegated to a fashion accessory, they used to hold more symbolic meaning for wearers. No precise date has been established for when capes first appeared in history. They have been around for centuries and have evolved from a very basic piece of apparel to clothing that now signifies power, flair, and occupation.
The Earliest Days of the Cape
As noted, no written account tells us when the cape first made its appearance in history. It is theorized that this piece of clothing has been worn literally since the start of time. In fact, an ancient French word, “cloke,” is thought to derive from the Latin word “cloca,” meaning cape. One of the earliest accounts of capes being worn comes from a costume plate that dates back to 1066. This costume plate depicts a soldier or a shepherd wearing a cape across his shoulders. Another historical account, this one dating to the 1300s, shows a woman sitting down while wearing a cape attached to the collar of her dress. The earliest written accounts sometimes refer to capes as mantels or “mentels”. Other accounts simply refer to them as cloaks. People who made cloaks or capes in the medieval times were called “mentel makers.”
The Historical Meaning of the Cape
Despite no date being assigned for the cape's first appearance in history, this garment has taken on different meanings throughout time. For example, the way a cape was worn or its style and length often denoted the wearer's station or occupation in life. Capuchin monks wore capes that had hoods and were cut to reach their waists. Elizabeth I, alternatively, wore elaborately stitched capes that went all the way down to her feet so her feet would not get wet.History tells us that the earliest styles of capes were merely round pieces of cloth that attached to a person's collar. As time went on, however, capes began being tailored and sometimes embellished with stitching, depending on the wearer's rank or occupation.
Victorian-Era Capes
As with much of fashion, capes took on a different level of style and significance in the Victorian Era. In fact, they became more fashionable for women to wear than men. In the 18th century, it was custom for well-bred women to wear bright red capes, also known as scarlet capes. Scarlet capes became a hallmark of high fashion during the Victorian Era, and any woman with breeding and good societal standing was rarely seen in public without one. Scarlet capes signaled to the rest of society that the woman wearing it was neat, clean, and going about her usual business, like visiting neighbors or going to church. These capes were so important to women that many wore their capes as part of their wedding ensembles.Capes in those days also were made from a variety of materials. The most basic of capes were made from broadcloth. However, more elaborate and expensive styles were made from velvet or satin. They typically were double stitched and trimmed with fur like ermine or chinchilla to make them even more stylish. They also were cut long so that a woman would be properly covered and also so that she would be protected from the elements while wearing it.
Modern Capes
From 1066, and even before, until now capes continue to make their impact on the world of fashion. While perhaps not the hallmark of high society or style, they still have their place in modern society. While many think of capes as being part of a superhero or Halloween costume, they are in fact more than just costume accessories.In fact, all branches of the military include capes as part of a female soldier's dress uniform. Many police units across the world also allow both men and women to wear capes to protect them the cold and rain. Likewise, many marching bands utilize capes as part of their uniforms and often highlight their capes during certain parts of their performances, particularly during percussion movements.
The cape has been around since the inception of time. Its significance has evolved steadily throughout the centuries.
FAQs
It is theorized that this piece of clothing has been worn literally since the start of time. In fact, an ancient French word, “cloke,” is thought to derive from the Latin word “cloca,” meaning cape. One of the earliest accounts of capes being worn comes from a costume plate that dates back to 1066.
When was the first cape invented? ›
While capes have been around since at least the 11th century, the garment was reimagined over the course of the 1900s by some of the greatest designers in fashion history.
What does wearing a cape symbolize? ›
A cape symbolizes heroism, virtue, and courage. Whenever we think about a mythical hero, we imagine them wearing a cape as they swoop in to save the day. When paired together, the red cape evokes power and strength while reminding us that we should help others where and when we can.
Why did people start wearing capes? ›
Originally, Capes were used as protection against weather conditions such as wind or rain. They would be wrapped around one's body when sleeping outdoors in cold climates. During medieval times, knights wore Capes made from thick fabric to protect them during battle.
Who came to the Cape first? ›
The first Europeans to reach the Cape were the Portuguese. Bartholomeu Dias arrived in 1488 after journeying south along the west coast of Africa. The next recorded European sighting of the Cape was by Vasco da Gama in 1497 while he was searching for a route that would lead directly from Europe to Asia.
Who discovered the Cape first? ›
The first European to sight the cape was Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 on his return voyage to Portugal after ascertaining the southern limits of the African continent.
Why is a cape called a cape? ›
Late Old English had capa, cæppe "cloak with a hood," directly from Latin. also from late 16c. "promontory, piece of land jutting into a sea or lake," late 14c., from Old French cap "cape; head," from Latin caput "headland, head" (from PIE root *kaput- "head").
What religion wears capes? ›
Cape dresses are traditionally worn by female Anabaptist Christian church members, such as Mennonite, Brethren, Amish and Charity women.
Is there a difference between a cape and a cloak? ›
They'll use “cloak” for long, sleeveless garments designed to be wrapped all the way around the wearer, and “cape” for garments that are often narrower and shorter and hang primarily on the back.
Did Native Americans wear capes? ›
A cloak, or outer draped garment that looks like a cape, was used by almost every Native American tribe since the beginning of their civilizations. Made of a square, circular, or rectangular piece of cloth, a cloak was most often pinned at the neck and draped over the shoulders and hung down the back to the ankles.
A royal mantle, or more simply a mantle, is a garment normally worn by emperors, kings or queens as a symbol of authority. When worn at a coronation, such mantles may be referred to as coronation mantles. Many princes also wear such a mantle.
Why are capes badass? ›
Capes have the obvious effect of making the wearer look larger and more imposing. Thus artists often use them as a way to make characters look capable, powerful, and in charge. Just look at Batman over there. He wouldn't look half as awesome without his cape.
Who brought slaves to the Cape? ›
The slaves that came to the Cape were brought here in three ways: firstly through voyages sponsored by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), which sent slave ships from the Cape, primarily to Madagascar and outlets on the south-eastern coast of Africa; secondly through VOC 'return' fleets sailing from Ceylon, present day ...
Why did they bring slaves to the Cape? ›
It was this labour shortage that convinced the Company to acquire slaves. The first, large shipment of enslaved individuals arrived in 1658, only six years after European settlement. This enslaved population would, during the eighteenth century, become a substantial part of the Cape's population.
Who were the first slaves in the Cape? ›
Abraham van Batavia was the first slave at the Cape, but he was not brought there by anyone but himself, for Abraham arrived at the Cape as a stowaway. On 2 March 1653 Abraham arrived at the Cape aboard the Malacca, a ship in a VOC fleet returning to the Netherlands from Batavia.
Who controlled the Cape before the British? ›
The Cape Colony was the first European colony in South Africa, which was initially controlled by the Dutch but subsequently invaded and taken over by the British.
How were Cape slaves named? ›
The slave names at the Cape were descriptive tags that constantly reminded householders of their slaves' racial descent, origin, language, sometimes parenthood, but always their slave status.
What happened in 1652 in the Cape? ›
The first European settlement in southern Africa was established by the Dutch East India Company in Table Bay (Cape Town) in 1652. Created to supply passing ships with fresh produce, the colony grew rapidly as Dutch farmers settled to grow crops.
What is the difference between a cape and a colonial? ›
The roof says it all when it comes to Cape Cod and Dutch Colonial houses. The Cape Cod house has a gabled roof, which means the roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. In the case of the Dutch Colonial house, the roof has a gambrel roof: There are two sides and each side has two slopes.
Is Florida a cape or a peninsula? ›
Most of the U.S. state of Florida is a peninsula that separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Peninsulas are found on every continent. In North America, the narrow peninsula of Baja California, in Mexico, separates the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, also called the Gulf of California.
Islam arrived at the Cape of Good Hope in the middle of the 17th Century. It owed its arrival in the Colony to the institution of slavery. It took root there because of the fact that large numbers of slaves were Muslims, and the further fact that many of them spoke a common language, Malay.
Does anyone still wear a cape? ›
In women's fashion, it is more common that the garment goes through a pendulum swing in popularity. Balmain Autumn/Winter 2023 collection featured a women's cape in wool. For men, however, capes are usually far rarer. That is, until now.
What religion and slavery at the cape? ›
Muslim slaves at the Cape Colony were prevented from practising their faith in public (Chidester 1996:70). This was prohibited by Dutch colonial law until 1795 (Cilliers 2006:107). The Muslims were, however, permitted to practise their faith at home.
Can a man wear a cape? ›
We know there are modern men out there who appreciate the virtue of a cape. We've met them. All over the world there are men with a rain-or-shine attitude, a personal style and a spirit of adventure. Those guys dig the line of a carefully crafted Cleverhood and its hidden features.
What is a cape with a hood called? ›
The word cloak comes from Old North French cloque (Old French cloche, cloke) meaning "travelling cloak", from Medieval Latin clocca "travelers' cape," literally "a bell," so called from the garment's bell-like shape. Thus the word is related to the word clock.
What is a half cape called? ›
A short cape is often called a cowl. Modern "cowls" are mostly overgrown scarves, but if you look up "medieval cowl" you will see shoulder-length cloaks, usually with hoods.
What is the oldest clothing in the Americas? ›
The oldest known textiles in the Americas are some early fiberwork found in Guitarrero Cave, Peru dating back to 10,100 to 9,080 BCE. The oldest known textiles in North America are twine and plain weave fabrics preserved in a peat pond at the Windover Archaeological Site in Florida, the earliest dating to 6,000 BCE.
Did Native Americans wear undergarments? ›
American Indian men and women wore loin- or breechcloths, which might be considered undergarments or outer garments, depending on climate and tribal lifestyle. But what we deem “going commando” today was more the norm until the 18th century—among native peoples and Europeans.
Why not to dress as a Native American? ›
"Dressing up" as Native Americans gives students a generalized and inaccurate perspective on Native cultures and identities. Often, these costumes suggest that Native cultures exist only in the past. We promote lessons and activities that share the continuance and creativity of Native American life and cultures.
Why did we stop wearing capes? ›
Clothes became more sophisticated in design and a coat keeps one warmer than a cloak that can flap in the wind. However, women do sometimes wear a cloak type garment sometimes called a cape in modern catalogs or stores.
Why did cloaks go out of style? In the early 20th century when overcoats rather than cloaks became a widespread item of military uniform, civilian fashion followed. Women's sleeves grew slimmer, and it became possible for ladies to wear coats.
Why do royals carry black clothes? ›
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has reacquainted us with the tradition of royal mourning. Since there is a protocol for everything and wardrobe rules apply to all members of the royal family, they are required to carry a black outfit, that is fit for a funeral, with them at all times while travelling.
What is the oldest Cape Cod? ›
Incorporated in 1639, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod and one of the oldest towns in the United States, settled by European immigrants nearly 150 years before the American Revolution. Sandwich is a quaint and quiet New England town with seaside charm.
When did the Cape colony start? ›
Who founded Cape Colony? ›
The title of the founder of the Cape Colony, Jan van Riebeeck, was installed as "Commander of the Cape", a position he held from 1652 to 1662.
