Cape
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220369020
2008-06-19T15:00:54Z
Loggie
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spawn isn't as well known as superman or batman, and we don't want to list all superheros who wear capes
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}}
[[Image:Pelerine1911.jpg||thumb|right|A young woman in a crocheted cape]]
A '''cape''' is a type of [[clothing]], and can be used to describe any sleeveless outer garment, such as a [[poncho]], but usually it is a long garment that covers only the back half of the wearer, fastening about the neck. They were common in [[medieval]] [[Europe]], especially when combined with a [[hood]] in the [[Chaperon (headgear)|chaperon]], and have had periodic returns to [[fashion]], for example in [[nineteenth century]] Europe. [[Roman Catholic]] [[clergy]] wear a type of cape known as a [[ferraiolo]], which is worn for formal events outside of a liturgical context. The [[cope]] is a liturgical [[vestment]] in the form of a cape. Copes are often highly decorated with elaborate embroidery.
Capes remain in regular use as rain wear in various [[military]] units and [[police]] forces, for example in [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. A '''gas cape''' was a voluminous military garment designed to give rain protection to someone wearing the bulky [[gas mask]]s used in [[twentieth century]] wars. In modern times, comic [[superhero]]s such as [[Superman]] and [[Batman]] are often depicted wearing capes.
In fashionwear, the word ''cape'' usually refers to a shorter garment and ''[[cloak]]'' to a full-length version of the different types of garment, and although the two are sometimes used synonymously for full-length coverings, the shortest versions are never referred to as cloaks. The fashion cape does not cover the front to any appreciable degree. In rainwear, a cape is usually a long and roomy protective garment worn to keep one dry in the rain.
==Evening capes==
In full [[evening dress]], [[lady|ladies]] frequently use the cape as a [[fashion statement]], or to protect the wearer or the fine [[Textile|fabric]]s of [[ballgown|eveningwear]] from the elements, especially where a [[coat (clothing)|coat]] would crush—or hide—the garment. These capes may be short (over the shoulders or to the waist) or a full-length cloak. Short capes were usually made of or trimmed in [[fur]]; today fur is less acceptable as a fashion accessory but the fabric of an evening cape must be expensive, with an opulent lining and trim. Typical fabrics used are [[velvet]], [[silk]] and [[satin]]. Capes are still authorized as an alternative to the more utilitarian trenchcoat for [[U.S. Army]] officers in [[mess dress]].
{{Clothing}}
[[Category:Robes and cloaks]]