Cloak vs Mantle – What’s the difference?

Cloaks and mantles are outer garments worn by men and women during the Middle Ages. Cloaks were sleeveless garments that buttoned at the front and were fastened by a belt or clasp. Mantles were made of fur or some other animal hide and could be used as blankets or pillows. Both cloaks and mantles provided warmth in cold weather, but they also offered protection from wind, rain, snow and sandstorms. A cloak design that made use of silver brocade inset with jewels was popular among wealthy people during the early 1400s (1400s).

Cloak and Mantle: What’s the difference?

The main difference between a cloak and a mantle is the type of material they’re made from. Cloaks were made of fur, while mantles were made of cloth–and while both garments were worn by both sexes, cloaks were shorter than mantles and fastened at the front while mantles were longer, fastened at the back (and often had hoods).

While clothes are usually made of cloth, cloaks and mantles are made of fur or some other animal hide. Both are distinctive outer garments worn by men during the Middle Ages.

While clothes are usually made of cloth, cloaks and mantles are made of fur or some other animal hide. Both are distinctive outer garments worn by men during the Middle Ages. Although they may look similar to modern eyes, there were distinct differences between them.

Cloaks were sleeveless garments that covered the wearer’s body from head to foot like a cape or shawl (although some cloaks did have sleeves). They were often fastened at the neck with cords or ties so that they could be pulled tight around the body when it was cold out but left loose when it was warm enough not to need extra warmth. Mantles were similar in style but had full sleeves instead–and unlike those worn by women during this period, these would generally have been made out of wool rather than linen fabric.

The cloak was worn by both sexes. It was a sleeveless garment that buttoned at the front and was fastened by a belt or clasp. The men’s cloak was called a mantle; women’s cloaks were called mantles or volumptious fur-trimmed coats. Depending on their size, they could be used as blankets or pillows.

Cloaks and mantles were worn by both sexes. They were sleeveless garments that buttoned at the front and were fastened by a belt or clasp. The men’s cloak was called a mantle; women’s cloaks were called mantles or volumptious fur-trimmed coats. Depending on their size, they could be used as blankets or pillows.

• A cloak was a sleeveless garment that buttoned up at the front, fastened by a belt or clasp. It was usually worn over other clothing for warmth in winter months.* A mantle was similar to a cloak but longer than most cloaks–usually reaching down past the hips–and not always buttoned at all times; it could also be folded into various shapes depending on its intended use (such as being wrapped around one’s shoulders).

Cloaks and mantles provided warmth in cold weather, but they also offered protection from wind, rain, snow and sandstorms. A cloak design that made use of silver brocade inset with jewels was popular among wealthy people during the early 1400s (1400s).

A cloak could be carried on a shoulder or worn over one’s head, and it was usually held together by a belt. It was often made from wool, although other materials were sometimes used. The word “cape” is related to the word “cloak,” and both terms refer to an outer garment for warmth that was often worn in cold weather.

Hopefully this article has helped you to understand the difference between a cloak and mantle. If you’re still unsure of which one is right for your period costume, then we recommend choosing whichever one sounds most interesting!