Capes

[HistoricDetroit]

Heya Folks,
I'm new to this here fine establishment, so don't give me the bum's rush if this has already been covered, but what are some of your opinions of capes? I have always though the cape that FDR wore was sharp looking, and wouldn't mind one of my own. Is there anyone who makes one similar to the Brooks Brothers model that FDR wore? I noticed a couple nice ones on mysuitshop.com

http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/elro/gallery/cape_HOFR1585.html

What type of suit does a guy where a cape with? Does one where a hat with a cape?

Thanks,
HistoricDetroit

 

[Sefton]

What type of suit does a guy where a cape with? Does one where a hat with a cape?

A blue one. With a large S on the chest. Red boots.

O.k.,seriously. I think a fedora would be acceptable. Or maybe a deerstalker like Sherlock Holmes. I would think to pull off the cape look you would need to live someplace quite cold. On the other hand if you dress in a theatrical mode,ala Vincent Price it might work too. Let's see some pics of you in your cape! Welcome to the Lounge! Cheers!

 

[matei]

They were big in the 70's with on the prog music scene as well. Check out pics of Yes - the bass player had a swell cape.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Oddly enough, today's Village Voice style section has an article about capes!

http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0540,zappia2,68474,15.html

BTW, I own two capes: a beautiful, custom-made-by-a-friend, black-with-white-lining formal opera cape from my days doing magic back in the 70s; and a Gandalf-esque gray hooded cloak (also custom-made, by these guys: http://www.knightly.com/temp/knightly001.htm ) for those times when I want to let my inner wizard fly... like Halloween.

 

[Matt Deckard]

More toward the Copper era are the capes. Top hat and frock coat is what it will suit better. A suit and tie designed for the 1900's man with a cape is too affected.

Still sported with tails here and their.

 

[Lauren]

Yup. I'm with M.Deckard. Nothing looks as alluring and mysterious as a man in a top hat with a billowing cape, especially if it happens to be foggy that day

 

[The Wingnut]

Hey, JP! Post a shot or two of your friend(his name escapes me, sorry)!

jamespowers has a friend that always shows up to events in Edwardian dress; cape, bowler, waistcoat, cane, the works. Looks great on him.

 

[Chad Sanborn]

My personal opinion leans toward the use of a cape instead of a topcoat. A topcoat is a nice look and can be worn with a fedora. But I feel that a cape should be worn with a top hat. A little more formal.

Chad

 

[Senator Jack]

Thought about this one for some time and came to the decision that it would be a bit over the top for me, which is hard to believe because I'm always over the top. I do like that 1920's politician/industrialist look and even on Sunday I had to hold back from getting a vintage beaver top hat I found for only $65 - Made in LONDON! - Now I'm regretting it.

Goth guys get away with capes all the time though. I did in passing once joke to a bald-headed and goatee-ed man in a cape - "Hey, it's Anton Levay" and he came back with a snide "I'll have you know I'm a satanist." Pretty creepy.

Senator Jack

 

[Biltmore Bob]

When I see someone in a cape, I think "Freak". Of course it's usually at the Mall worn by a...well I'll put it this way, worn by a "Freak".

 

[DanielJones]

No Capes!

Didn't you see The Incredibles? Bad things happen to those in capes.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Feraud]

If some folks find it hard to wear a fedora, imagine a cape!

Personally, I love 'em! Never had one but think they are really Victorian looking. I dig that period of menswear.

I think one would have to dress very 'period' to pull it off.

 

[jamespowers]

Hey, JP! Post a shot or two of your friend(his name escapes me, sorry)!

jamespowers has a friend that always shows up to events in Edwardian dress; cape, bowler, waistcoat, cane, the works. Looks great on him.

Hahahahhahah! Yeah he sure does. You forgot to mention the smoke colored glasses. The bowler works as well as the Homburg and the top hat. I like the tophat the best and Jason usually wears the tophat with the cape. It looks nearly the same as the one first posted except the frogs are lions on his.
I will see if I can dig out a picture. If I have one.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Prairie Shade]

SERAPE and a Perody!! (Perodi-Parodi?) More my style.

 

[Mycroft]

They are cool (capes) for Sherlock Holmes, FDR, Super heros and Victorian Wear, maybe medival as well. I kind like them, but the longer ones for Medivalish stuff, but more of a cloak.