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Ladies Medieval Renaissance Cloak Costumes
Here at Deluxe Adult Costumes, we are your source for high-quality, ladies Medieval and Renaissance cloaks. The costume capes and cloaks we are featuring on this site are accessories appropriate for Renaissance Festivals and cosplay events; theater productions; Halloween parades and parties; LARP, RPG, and SCA events; Renaissance fantasy weddings and more.
In fashion, a cape is a short garment and a cloak is a long garment, and usually, neither closes in the front with anything more than a clasp, a button, or a tie. Cloak fashion style, during the Middle Ages to the Renaissance era, evolved over the centuries by necessity, the change in fashion trends, the fabric threads available, the metal available for clasps or buckles and the country of origin. The capes and cloaks we have chosen to feature on this site are cloaks which would have been worn by the middle-class to higher-class nobility of Europe, from the Medieval era through the Renaissance era.
Around the 11th century, a cloak fashioned in a semi-circle was created to replace the Romanesque rectangular style cape. The cloaks were usually fashioned with metal frog-type clasps, cords or chains which closed in the front across the chest from each side of the garment. The more ornate the clasp, the higher status of nobility the wearer was deemed. Full circle cloaks were not developed until the early 13th century.
Medieval Primitive Shoulder Capes
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All classes of people, not just the peasant working people often wore primative fur capes made from the hides of animals they had killed for food. The animals weren’t only used for food and clothing. No part of the animal was ever wasted. Animal horns and bones were used for weapons, tools, sewing needles, and cooking utensils. Sinew was used for lacings to sew the leather once the hides were tanned. Stomach sacks were used for cooking and the skins of sheep were turned into parchment for paper. These are just a few of the ways animals were used during Medieval times.
Wool made from the fleece of sheep was a common practice for clothes production during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. The fleece was cleaned, combed and spun into wool which was then woven into cloth. Most medieval capes were woven from wool and did not have an attached hood. Attached hoods didn’t come along until the earlier part of the Renaissance period. Instead, capes were worn with a separate hooded cowl made with 2-layers of wool, which fell completely over the shoulders and draped around the neck, throat, and shoulders to protect against the elements. For additional warmth during the winter, the cowled hoods were often lined with a contrasting fabric or fur and fur capes were worn on top of the wool capes
Women’s Medieval Style Black Wool Hooded
Split Front Cape
A modern day black wool blend cape fashioned after a centuries old pattern, very similar to the capes worn during the Medieval period in time. It is a light weight cape which will be perfect for summer costume events where you need a cape for your Renaissance costume but don’t want a heavy wool cloak.
Gorgeous warm and feminine heavy wool blend boucle cape with a turn-down collar hood and an old-world design ornately embroidery on the front fly.
Women’s Renaissance Short Velvet Capes
Capes were common during the Medieval and Renaissance period, however, only nobles and royals were allowed to wear velvet, due to the Sumptuary Laws. The Sumptuary Laws dictated what styles and fabrics could be worn by the people of each class. If a commoner or middle-class citizen was caught wearing a garment made of a fabric, not from their particular class, they could be jailed or executed.
Only the highest-ranking nobles and royalty were allowed to wear red and purple These two colors were reserved strictly for the royal family members. Red was reserved to show status and power for high-ranking officials and purple was reserved for the Monarchy. No one lower than an Earl could wear red. The Monarchy included only the King, Queen and children of the royal pair. No one else.
Velvet capes, or capelets, you won’t find a better value anywhere for this quality of velvet. Fit for royalty, these capes are a light-weight quality velvet lined with satin and will look fabulous resting over the shoulders of your fabulous Renaissance gown. These are capes only nobles and royals would be allowed to wear.
Going, going, almost gone! These are the last colors available out of the original 12 colors. All the other colors have sold out. Hurry before these 3 colors are gone too.
You will love the quality of these stretch velvet capelets for your Renaissance dress costume. If you are on the shorter side (like me – super short) they will be long and come down over your butt almost to the thigh, but still looks awesome. Naturally, the taller you are the shorter the cape will be. For an average sized woman it should be about hip length. I really like that these capelets are made in the USA.
Brocaded tapestry capes were very popular with elite high-class noblewomen during the Renaissance period. Again, as a luxury fabric, only the royals and nobles could afford to wear them. These capelets are short capes that are approximately hip-length, depending on your height. On a very petite short woman they will hang longer on your body, closer to your knees. Incidently, these capelets can be worn by women or men successfully and they are hooded.
Women’s Historical Renaissance Rich Red and Gold Brocade Tapestry Capelet
Made in the USA, this long black fabric cape is suitable for both women and men in a variety of costume genres from the Renaissace through the Edwardian period. It is made with ample fabric to accomodate most sizes including plus sizes. It has a Chinese braided frog neck closure along with two decorative antiqued silver-tone buttons.
Women’s Long Velvet Hooded Cloaks
From the Medieval era throughout the Renaissance era, velvet was reserved for royalty as it was a fabric only affordable by the noble and royal class. With a history dating back to 2000 BC Egypt, the deep rich colors velvet takes on when it is dyed has given it the reputation of the fabric of aristocrats. It was the fabric of choice when used in the creation of the clothing, robes, and cloaks of the royals.
Velvet is also the perfect luxury fabric when used today to produce cloaks as a separate article of clothing, not only for warmth but also as an opulent fabric to accessorize our Renaissance gowns. Velvet cloaks are the ideal costume pieces for the extra detailing needed to complete an outfit.
Whether we are playing the part of Guinevere in a theater production of Camelot; an Elven fairy queen such as Galadriel, or Lady Arwen, at a cosplay or a comic con event; a white light fairy or a dark sorceress at a Renaissance Fair, you can’t go wrong with a luxurious velvet cloak.
Renaissance Black Velvet & Red Satin
Pintuck Lined Hooded Cloak
Artemisia Designs has a total of 29 different vibrant color combinations for their gorgeous and afforadable long Renaissance cloaks. The cloaks are made from a high-quality soft velvet and lined with satin. I have featured a few of the colors below.
There are so many different costume genres this gorgeous cloak can be worn. A Renaissance royal, a sorceress, a magi, a witch, a vampire, and so many more. The best part are the amount of color combinations available to choose from. There are 36 different combos! I want at least 6 for myself. Sigh!
Anyway, these gorgeous cloaks are a lightweight velvet lined with silk and are so affordable you could easily get 4 at a time. I like the idea of not only keeping a few different colors in our costume wardrobe but to also use them over ball gowns when we go to Masquerade parties in New Orleans. I bet you can come up with even more ideas.
Women’s Renaissance Long Crushed Panne
Velvet Hooded Cloaks
Panne velvet is a lower quality than crushed velvet and crushed velvet is a lower quality velvet than regular velvet. Panne is actually a stretchy knit fabric and it is washable. Crushed velvet and real velvet should be handwashed or dry cleaned.
The panne cloaks featured above are made by Victorian Vagabond of a stretch knit panne velvet fabric and come unlined. With that being said, if you are looking for a less expensive cloak these will still look beautiful but lack the high standards that I look for in costumes. I have included a couple of the colors they have available in their collection of crushed panne velvet.
Red Velvet Full Length Ruffle Trim
Women’s Renaissance Hooded Cloak
A truely magnificent high-quality red velvet hooded cloak trimmed with an ultra feminine ruffled edge. I’m amazed at the quality of this velvet cloak for the small price tag.
Women’s Renaissance Long Faux Fur Cloaks
Fur was the prefered material for warmth and luxury during the Renaissance, but again cloaks made out of furs from beaver, minks or ermines were only worn by the wealthy. Cloaks with elaborate designs and trimmed with fur were popular among the nobility for both men and women during the Renaissance.
Genuine fur is still too expensive for most people in modern times, especially for a costume. So instead, we are featuring faux fur cloaks. When made right they can be just as elegant as genuine fur, even for a costume.
Women’s Black Gothic Detail Trim Long Winter Faux Fur
Hooded Cloak
Gorgeous black applique detailing wraps the shoulders of this faux fur trimmed hooded cloak. Delicate black lace braiding trims the edges of the cloak all the way down the front. Ribbons with faux fur pompoms draw the hood closed at the neck.
A gorgeous, fully satin lined, white acrylic, faux fur cloak is a fabulous addition to a winter Renaissance wardrobe; a Snow Queen or Ice Queen costume; or a winter wonderland Renaissance wedding cloak. The cloak’s closure is accented with a beautiful silver-tone leaf clasp.
An elegant winter white crushed velvet costume cloak lined with white satin and trimmed around the hood with marabou trim. So pretty and elegant to wear with a Princess Renaissance gown.
Everyone of these beautiful long winter white cloaks are very affordable and can be used numerous ways. They are all trimmed with white faux fur so that no animals have been harmed in their fabrication.
Are you planning a Renaissance wedding? A cloak like one of these is the perfect accessory to protect your wedding dress while traveling, plus it looks amazing!
Perhaps, you are planning a winter wedding? There you go. An ideal accessory to protect you from the harsh elements while keeping you warm and toasty.
Not planning a wedding at all? A perfect accessory to keep in your costume wardrobe for a multitude of different costumes such as a Renaissance Royal, a Snow or Ice Queen, Anna from Frozen, a Christmas Caroler, Cinderella, and so many more.
Just want to look winter hot? Throw one of these cloaks over a sexy winter white outfit with a pair of knee-high boots for a classic winter look and all eyes will be on you. Don’t limit yourself to color. Remember, white goes with everything!
Planning to attend a Halloween Ball? What better way to arrive at your destination on a chilly autumn night than wrapped in a warm white fur cloak?
Wear this red costume cloak trimmed whit white faux fur for a variety of different costumes. As an accessory worn over a Renaissance Queen’s gown, for a Christmas wedding, as a Mrs. Claus Christmas Costume accessory, with a Sexy Christmas Elf costume, or with a Christmas Caroler costume.
Women’s Renaissance Tapestry Cloaks
Cloaks made from tapestry fabrics such as damask were very expensive during the Renaissance and only the wealthy nobles, and of course royalty, could afford to pay the weavers and the tailors to make such fanciful, luxurious clothing. These high quality tapestry clocks will make you feel like royalty when you wear one with a Renaissance gown to court.
Deluxe Theatrical Quality Red Velvet Damask Style
Pattern Princess Cloak
Made by Tabi’s Characters who are well known in the costume industry for their high-quality theater costumes. Handmade in the USA from only the finest fabrics. You know it’s quality when Tabi puts their name on it. With that being said, I am usually really happy with costumes from Tabi’s, but I am a bit disappointed that only the hood is lined on this gorgeous red velvet damask cloak. The rest of the cloak is not lined. The fabric is so beautiful I don’t understand why they didn’t line it with satin. I know it would have raised the price a few hundred dollars, but I would rather pay the price for a beautiful lined cloak. That’s just me.
Historically accurate, these cloaks are made from a high-quality weighted brocade tapestry fabric. They have long satin ribbon tie closures. They did not scimp on the fabric when they made these two cloaks. On smaller women they will be very full! In addition, they will fit larger plus size women too.
A rich heavyweight museum quality woven tapestry Renaissance women’s hooded cloak. Long satin black ribbons are used as the neck closure ties on this beautiful cloak.
These are opulent example of cloaks worn by the aristocrats during the Renaissance. There is ample taffetta fabric use in the creation of these cloaks making them ideal for men or women. The cloaks are a damask taffetta with a raised velvet pattern. The fabric is light-weight and it is unlined making it perfect to wear to summer functions. With the yards and yards of fabric used to fashion these cloaks they may still be heavy on smaller people. These cloaks are all made in the USA!
Not as luxurious as velvet, nor as warm as wool, velour is a knit plush fabric with a nap shorter than velvet than can be woven into cloth to make gorgeous cloaks such as these featured below.
Unlined outerwear weighted velour cape cloaks made in the USA. These long capes are beautifully detailed with Chinese braided frog closures. Although the capes are made with ample fabric, they are not winter capes. The unlined capes are suitable for warmer months, early spring and early fall, but not to keep warm in the winter. A little different from most cloaks, these cloaks are also equipped with sleeves.
This hooded cloaks is adorned with six decorative brass buttons down the front and Chinese braided frog closures at the neck. It has ample fabric to accomodate most sizes.
Going, going, almost gone! It is only available in purple. All the other colors have sold out. Hurry before this one is gone too.
Women’s Renaissance Fabric Cloaks
Fabrics such as cotton, lace, brocade, chiné, taffeta, and silk were fabrics only afforded by the nobility of Renaissance Europe. These fabric types had to be imported, henceforth, only affordable by the elite of Europe.
Cotton was not a common everyday fabric then as it is today. It too was an imported fabric making it very expensive. If a commoner were to have worn a cloak at all, it more than likely would have been made of animal hides, or cloth woven from flax or wool. Linen, woven from flax, and wool were prevalent common fabrics of the time. Anything other than linen and wool was an expensive commodity only affordable by the wealthy.
Women’s Long Black Lace Flocked Stretch Velvet
Hooded Cloak
Run to your secret midnight rendezvous shrouded in mystery and concealed by the ruffled lace hood of your cloak. No one will see your face but they’ll know with just a quick glance you’re royalty. The semi-sheer black floral pattern lace covering the stretch black velvet lined with black satin is the dead give-away. Ablack cord draws the ruffled hood close to your face for concealment with an ornate silver closure at the neck. Drop the hood when you reach your destiny.
These floor length traveling cloaks can be worn with a Lady-in-Waiting costume, a Storybook Costume, a Maid Marian Costume, a Serving Wench Peasant Costume, a Sheepherdess Costume, and so many more. Add it to your costume wardrobe as a cloak which can be worn time and time again. The cloaks are handmade in the USA from a high-quality poplin cotton blend by Tabi’s Characters. They are available in 6 different colors (only 4 are shown).
Women’s Renaissance Shakespeare Black Fabric
Hooded Cloak
We hope you were able to find a fine cloak for thine fair lady to wear to the Faire from among these Medieval Renaissance Cloaks which we have chosen to feature and that you have lots and lots of fun at your next costume event dressed as a Renaissance Aristocrat Woman.
Before you leave, check out all of our wonderful Deluxe Renaissance Women Dress Costumes
in the Renaissance Women Dress Archives
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