A good medieval cloak is the most versatile piece in a costume wardrobe. The same cloak can go to a Renaissance faire in May, a LARP weekend in October and a winter festival in December. But cloaks vary a lot in length, fabric, hood size and closure, and buying online means you cannot try one on first. This guide explains how to choose a medieval cloak that fits your height, your events and your character, so you get it right the first time.
Step 1: Decide what you will use it for
Before comparing styles, be honest about where the cloak will be worn most. It changes everything else.
- Summer Renaissance faires: you need breathability above all. Linen or cotton-linen, or a light shoulder cape.
- LARP: you need freedom of movement and durability, often with a hood that stays put. See our LARP cloak guide for beginners.
- Cosplay and photo shoots: you need drama and drape. Length, a strong color and details like a fur-look collar matter most.
- Winter events, Yule balls and Christmas markets: you want a heavier-draping fabric and a deep hood.
- Medieval or fantasy weddings: you want a polished look: rich color, clean lines and a nice clasp.
Step 2: Choose the right length
Length is the single most important choice, and the most common reason a cloak feels wrong. Cloak lengths are usually measured from the back of the neck (the nape) to the hem.
How to measure yourself
Stand straight in the shoes you plan to wear. Ask someone to measure from the base of your neck, at the back, down to where you want the hem to fall. For a full-length look that does not drag, aim for a hem a few inches above the floor. Then compare that number with the listed cloak length. Our cloak size guide gives the length of every style in inches and cm.
Full-length cloaks (around 55 in / 140 cm)
Full-length cloaks give the classic, sweeping medieval silhouette. Most of our full cloaks are in this range: the Green Hooded Medieval Cloak and the Cotton-Linen Hooded Medieval Cloak are about 55 in long, and the Black Medieval Cloak with Fur-Style Collar is about 55 in / 140 cm and listed as best for heights of roughly 5'3" to 6'1". If you are taller, the hem will sit higher on the leg, which many people actually prefer for walking outdoors.
Mid-length cloaks (around 48–50 in)
A slightly shorter cloak is easier to walk in, does not collect mud and still reads as "cloak" in photos. The Burgundy Hooded Cloak with Fur-Look Trim is about 48.8 in at the center front and 50 in at the back.
Capes and shoulder capes
If you want the medieval look without any length to manage, a cape is the answer. Our short capes include half shoulder capes (about 51 in garment length, draped over one shoulder) and the Medieval One Shoulder Cape (about 53.5 in). Because they hang from one shoulder and sit diagonally, they look much shorter on the body than the number suggests.
Step 3: Pick a fabric for your season
Fabric decides comfort, drape and how the cloak looks in photos. Always check the product description and the care label for the exact composition.
Linen and cotton-linen
Breathable, matte and naturally textured. Linen creases, and that is part of its charm: it looks lived-in and authentic for peasants, rangers and travelers. This is the best choice for warm-weather faires. Examples: the Brown Linen Hooded Medieval Cloak and our cotton-linen hooded cloaks in moss green, slate gray and black.
Faux wool
A soft, wool-look synthetic fabric with a heavier drape. It looks warmer and more formal, and holds dramatic folds. It is ideal for fall and winter events, gothic and noble characters. Example: the black fur-style collar cloak.
Polyester with woven trim
Light, easy to pack and easy to care for. Our half shoulder capes are polyester with a woven jacquard border and weigh about 7.5 oz (213 g), which makes them great for long LARP days and travel.
A note on care
Follow the care label on your item. As a general guide, gentle cold wash or hand wash, no tumble drying, and hang to dry. Brush fur-look trims gently once dry. You can find more in our FAQ.
Step 4: Check the fit at the shoulders and front
Most medieval cloaks are one size, with a generous cut, so "fit" mostly means two things: how the cloak sits on your shoulders and how much it overlaps at the front.
- Shoulders: if you plan to wear armor, a gambeson or a thick coat underneath, look for a listed shoulder width and chest circumference. The green and cotton-linen hooded cloaks list a shoulder width of about 21.7 in (55 cm) and a chest circumference of about 59 in (150 cm).
- Front: an open-front cloak shows your outfit underneath and keeps your arms free. A cloak that closes at the neck with a clasp gives a cleaner, warmer silhouette.
- Unisex: almost all medieval cloaks are unisex. Mannequins in photos are for styling only.
Tip: compare with a coat or robe you already own. Lay it flat, measure it and compare with the listed garment measurements.
Step 5: Look closely at the hood
A hood is what makes a cloak feel like a cloak. A deep hood gives that mysterious, face-in-shadow look, and it should be roomy enough to wear over your hair or a circlet. If you are a LARPer who wears a helmet, consider wearing the hood down or choosing a cape instead.
Step 6: Choose the closure and details
Clasp types
- Tab and ring clasp: leather or leather-look tabs with metal rings, tied with a cord. Practical, rustic and easy to adjust. Found on our linen and cotton-linen cloaks.
- Ribbon tie: simple, elegant and comfortable at the neck. Used on our fur-look cloaks.
- Ornate clasp: a decorative metal-look clasp that becomes a focal point, as on the Burgundy Short Hooded Cape.
- Tie strings: on shoulder capes, strings let you secure the cape across the body.
Trims and collars
Fur-look collars and edges add warmth and a regal, northern look. Woven jacquard borders add a period-inspired finish to capes. Decorative buttons and braid read as "noble" from across a field.
Step 7: Match the color to your character
- Brown, moss green, slate gray: rangers, druids, travelers, elves, peasants.
- Black: knights, rogues, sorcerers, vampires, gothic looks. Browse our dark and gothic cloaks.
- Burgundy and red: nobles, royals, wedding guests and winter festival looks.
- Navy blue: captains, guards and refined knightly characters.
Quick decision guide
- Hot summer faire? A linen or cotton-linen hooded cloak, or a half shoulder cape.
- Winter event or Christmas market? A faux wool or fur-look trimmed cloak.
- LARP combat? A shoulder cape or an open-front cloak.
- Photo shoot or cosplay? Full length, strong color, a fur-style collar or ornate clasp.
- Wedding? Burgundy or black with clean lines. See our medieval wedding cloaks.
Buying online with confidence
Read the listed measurements, compare them with a garment you own and look at the photos on a model. If anything is unclear, ask us before you order. All our cloaks ship free worldwide and arrive in 1–2 weeks (about 7–14 business days). There are no hidden fees: duties and taxes are included in the price, and you have 14 days from delivery to return an item. Use the code PINTEREST15 for 15% off at checkout.
Ready to choose? Browse all medieval cloaks or go straight to our hooded cloaks.