Choosing the Right Cloak for Your Character

Cloaks aren’t just accessories; they’re foundational garments that shape a character’s silhouette, function, and feel. Whether you’re preparing for battle, a journey through the wilds, or a noble gathering, the right cloak defines how people perceive your medieval or fantasy character.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the perfect cloak for your character’s costume or outfit, based on years of experience crafting medieval clothing with the aim of transporting you to another world. We'll focus on our four primary designs or silhouettes, and before exploring some of our more specialized pieces.

The Core Four: Our Foundational Cloak Designs

1. The Ranger Cloak

Best for: Rangers, scouts, hunters, and rugged adventurers.
Features: Very universal, built for durability and functionality with good coverage and classic silhouette.
Materials: Available in linen (for warm weather and stealth), waxed canvas (for warm, wet environments), or wool (for the cold and damp).
Design Inspiration: The Fellowship of the Ring, Ithilien Rangers

2. The Knight's Cape

Best for: Knights, nobles, and anyone who wants to make an entrance!
Features: Very long and flowing, squared shoulders, excellent for layering with armor.
Materials: This is made of 4 full yards of linen! The lighter material allows fluid movement without overwhelming weight.
Design Inspiration: 13th Century Knights, Kingdom of Heaven, Robin Hood

3. The Northman Viking Cloak

Best for: Historical or fantasy Norse characters and more primitive cultures.
Features: Classic rectangular shape, heavy wool, fastened with a brooch or pin.
Materials: Made of a heavy wool for warmth, durability, and water resistance.
Design Inspiration: Rooted in historical Norse “Viking” design, perfect for colder climates.

4. The Wanderer's Cape

Best for: Peasants, bards, rogues, and those who wander the countryside.
Features: Good coverage of the head and shoulders, simple rustic design, short length for ease of movement in the forest or fields. Ideal for characters needing a simple and flexible garment.
Materials: Available in linen (for warm weather and stealth) or wool (for the cold and damp).
Design Inspiration: Simple ponchos or large hoods worn by most people for centuries.

Specialty Cloaks: Unique Looks for Specific Roles

Sometimes you want something more unique! Whether you are building a special character or just want to stand out from the crowd, here are some examples of designs that call to mind a very specific aesthetic.

1. The Elven Cloak

Elegant lines and minimal closures for a graceful silhouette. Perfect for high fantasy and elegant characters.

2. The Ruana Cloak

Eminently practical open-front, draped wool cloak that is easy to layer and style. Great for Celtic, rustic, or domestic roles.

3. The Queen Cloak

Long and regal with an extra-large and draping hood. Ideal for portraying nobility, royalty, or formal fantasy characters.

Functionality Considerations: What to Look For

Length: Longer cloaks offer more coverage, shorter ones more freedom of movement.
Hood: Essential for concealment, weather protection, and style, but not a fit for all looks.
Weight: Consider material and pattern based on your environment and activity.
Fastenings: Brooches, toggles, and ties all change the look and usability.

Choosing the Right Material: Fabric Matters!

Linen

Lightweight & breathable.
Best for: Summer events, warm climates, and layering.

Wool

Warm & water-resistant.
Best for: Cold weather, winter campaigns, rain, and snow.

Waxed Canvas

Highly weather-resistant & rugged.
Best for: Adventuring in wet, rugged conditions where weight matters.

Conclusion: Choose the Cloak That Tells Your Story

Whether you are stepping onto the field of battle or into the heart of the forest, your cloak helps define who you are. Choose one that enhances your story, endures with use, and makes you ready to go on a new adventure.

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Tag us @fellandfair and @fellandfair.shop to show us your cloak in action!