Cloak

Universal draped outer garment of all ages

The cloak is the most fundamental form of outer garment — a single broad piece of cloth draped over the shoulders and fastened at the neck with a brooch, pin, or cord. Used from antiquity through the modern era across all social classes, it served primarily for warmth and weather protection. Hooded variants became iconic for travelers and monks, and later for mysterious figures in fantasy literature. While commoners wore rough waterproofed wool, nobles sported fur-lined cloaks embroidered with gold thread.