Why don't we wear capes/cloaks anymore?

balderdash@lemmy.zip to Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 438 points –

I understand that modern outer layers are more functional. A leather jacket, for example, can be dressed up or down so as to be worn in a variety of situations. It is also better at keeping you warm.

However, I think capes/cloaks are more aesthetically pleasing garments. It also feels good to have the fabric flowing around you as you walk. But what do you think?

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Women can get away with it. My coworker has a beautiful full-length, wool winter cape she wears just for every-day. I bet men could, too, with a suit on a formal occasion.

Yep, I have shorter ones for more casual outfits and full length for dressy events. They never seem “costumey” when they go with the overall look. I’m a woman in a metro area though.

I bet men could, too, with a suit on a formal occasion.

I disagree. I think some men could pull this off, but it would mostly come across as cartoony in most circumstances. Even 3-piece suits are seen as too formal/old-fashioned by people.

Where I could see cloaks looking fashionable and natural is in milsurp/gorpcore inspired outfits. Something like This cloak is pretty damn interesting and would look just fine On this outfit Or this one

I'm in an urban center where you still see a fair amount of suits downtown during business hours. Honestly, capes or cloaks with the outfits you linked I would just assume were blankets and I'd expect to be asked for change...I mean, I see that already, every day. It's an "interesting" look alright.

Am I that out of touch with fashion lmao.

I have a wool plaid cape I got from a woman's estate sale but it isn't necessarily gendered, though as a man I haven't been brave enough to wear it outside of the house yet except to a Burns supper where I got a lot of compliments. My coworkers are used to seeing me wear it on video throughout winter

Edit: after some googling it may be a cloak and not a cape since it is full length. I wear it as a sweater replacement