Oftentimes, people seem to misunderstand the differences between cloaks and capes. A cape is a limited-use decorative piece with little to no practicality in any way, shape, or form.

In fiction, many heroes wear capes. Some of them get dragged into jet turbines and get turned into iron-flavored confetti. Capes get caught on things, add weight, provide another loose object for an opponent to grab onto, and worst of all… Do nothing that clothing should do. IE, they provide almost no protection against the environment.

Contrast that to the brilliance of the cloak. A multi-use garment that can conceal you, have pockets sewn through it for ease of access without letting anyone see your stash, keep you safe from the cold or, if light, from the sun, and best of all… A good cloak is a good blanket. Your blanket for the night also being your outermost layer is just good weight efficiency for long travels.

But some might claim those are reasons stuck in the past, and that in the modern day cloaks are merely bothersome items that nobody uses. Artifacts of the past. I disagree with that heavily. A light cloak in 100-degree (Fahrenheit) weather can protect you from the sun and provide shade. A heavy cloak can protect you from sub-zero environments, while lessening the lacking flexibility common to cold weather gear.

Despite all these benefits, many still fail to understand the amazing utility inherent to a cloak. Worst of all, they confuse them with decorative set-pieces instead of practical and comfortable garments. Can a cape provide a hood to protect you from Sol in the middle of the day? Can a cape prevent sunburns by preventing UV electromagnetic radiation from reaching you? 

There are a few downsides to a cloak, sharing several with an, urgh, cape. It can get stuck in machinery, and it can get trapped in doorways due to the fluttery nature. But there’s a simple solution- cloaks are outdoor garments, usually. Don’t wear it around heavy machinery and you’ll be fine! And unlike a cape it can do more than flutter in the air before getting stuck on plant life and getting ripped in half because it’s thin and useless.

In the end, a cloak is the superior garment, being stylish, practical, and best of all being able to have pockets galore. Pockets for all! Comfort for all! Cloaks for all!