![]() They typically were double stitched and trimmed with fur like ermine or chinchilla to make them even more stylish. However, more elaborate and expensive styles were made from velvet or satin. The most basic of capes were made from broadcloth. Capes in those days also were made from a variety of materials. These capes were so important to women that many wore their capes as part of their wedding ensembles. 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. ![]() 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. In the 18th century, it was custom for well-bred women to wear bright red capes, also known as scarlet capes. In fact, they became more fashionable for women to wear than men. Victorian-Era Capes As with much of fashion, capes took on a different level of style and significance in the Victorian Era. As time went on, however, capes began being tailored and sometimes embellished with stitching, depending on the wearer's rank or occupation. History tells us that the earliest styles of capes were merely round pieces of cloth that attached to a person's collar. Elizabeth I, alternatively, wore elaborately stitched capes that went all the way down to her feet so her feet would not get wet. Capuchin monks wore capes that had hoods and were cut to reach their waists. For example, the way a cape was worn or its style and length often denoted the wearer's station or occupation in life. 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. People who made cloaks or capes in the medieval times were called “mentel makers.” Other accounts simply refer to them as cloaks. The earliest written accounts sometimes refer to capes as mantels or “mentels”. 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. ![]() This costume plate depicts a soldier or a shepherd wearing a cape across his shoulders. One of the earliest accounts of capes being worn comes from a costume plate that dates back to 1066. In fact, an ancient French word, “cloke,” is thought to derive from the Latin word “cloca,” meaning cape. It is theorized that this piece of clothing has been worn literally since the start of time. The Earliest Days of the Cape As noted, no written account tells us when the cape first made its appearance 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. ![]() No precise date has been established for when capes first appeared in history. However, before they were relegated to a fashion accessory, they used to hold more symbolic meaning for wearers. Capes are frequently worn today as costumes or as part of a military dress ensemble. ![]()
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