Cape

Short decorative mantle of the nobility

The cape is a shorter mantle covering the shoulders down to the waist or hips, distinguished from the full-length cloak by its abbreviated cut that left the arms free. Favored by knights and nobles who needed to display rank while keeping weapons accessible, it was typically crafted from luxurious materials like fur, velvet, and silk. The ermine (white stoat fur) cape became an iconic symbol of royalty, while the Spanish capa circulated as everyday men's fashion during the Renaissance.