Regency Capes?

[ivory]

Yet another question trying to decipher movie myths from historical fact In the long pride and prejudice, Jane Bennet (if im remembering right) has a hooded cape, is that correct? and If it is, when would a cape be appropriate? Just for very formal events?
Thanks!

[dawnluckham]

Hi Tori,
Welcome to the board.
To answer your question, yes, capes were worn. The red wool “cardinal” cape was most popular and worn by “just about everybody” - though, it's perhaps not the most ‘fashionable’ version. The cardinal cap hit somewhere about calf length. There were ankle length capes worn as well as hip/wrist length capes worn by the working classes.

The cape worn by Jane in that adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is perhaps a tiny bit early – it’s hard to say. It’s silk and silk lined.

There is a beautiful cardinal cloak pattern in “Costume Close-Up” and there is a cape pattern that I think is similar (I can’t completely recall the hooded garment in the film) in “Fitting and Proper”. Both of these extent garments are late 18th c. but they do cross over the 1800’s line and can be worn with Regency era gowns. ( Costume Close-Up and Fitting and Proper are books which you should be able to get through Inter-Library Loan).

[Anna]

Yup. I have a plate in Historic Dress in America which shows a fairly full, ankle-length cloak with hood and cape, the cape reaching somewhat past the elbows. The shoulder cape doesn't come all the way to the center front, only to just in front of the shoulders. It's labelled: Figure 42--1818--Mourning street dress, showing a cloak fashionable for the first quarter of the century.

[ivory]

for a an ankle length cloak then, what fabric would be the most historically correct?

[dawnluckham]

That would depend on who you were, how much money you had and where and when you would be wearing this cape. It could be made of silk for mild weather. Silk lined with fur or "swansdown" for cooler weather. Wool melton for a thick, warm heavy winter covering.

[elizabethw]

For a practical cloak that will keep you warm outdoors, wool would be the most common option, if you watch the 1995 Persuasion starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds you will see Henrietta & Louisa Musgrove in matching red wool capes similar to what Dawn described when they go on their 'long walk'. but Jane Bennet is wearing a silk (from memory I think it may be satin) cloak for a more formal occasion. Those are the two easiest options to replicate but other options are possible.

[ivory]

the pattern I found calls for velvet or velveteen, would those be bad? If it is im sure I could find a subsitute.

[aylwen]

I have an antique 1810s cotton cloak from France in my collection, very dark cotton print lined with a lighter cotton print, and a nice large hood cartridge pleated to the cloak.
Cheers, Aylwen

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