Cloak facts for kids
A cloak is a loose piece of clothing. People wear it over their regular clothes. It's like a coat or overcoat, keeping you warm, dry, or safe from the wind. Cloaks have been used for a very long time by many different groups of people. They are easy to take off and don't have sleeves, which makes them comfortable. Over the years, cloaks have changed to fit new fashion styles and different textiles (fabrics).
Cloaks usually fasten at the neck or over the shoulder. They can be short, reaching your hips, or long, going down to your ankles. Most cloaks are about mid-calf length. Some cloaks have an attached hood. They might also fasten down the front and have openings for your hands. However, cloaks almost never have sleeves.
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Cloaks in Formal Wear
In Western countries, people often wear cloaks with evening dress. Ladies and gentlemen use them as a fashion statement. They also protect fancy evening clothes from bad weather. A cloak is often better than a coat because it won't crush or hide the special outfit. Opera cloaks are made from high-quality materials. These include wool, cashmere, velvet, and satin.
Ladies might wear a long cloak, sometimes called a cape. Gentlemen usually wear cloaks that reach their ankles or are full-length. Formal cloaks often have expensive, colorful linings. They might also have fancy trimmings like silk, satin, velvet, and fur.
Cloaks in Stories and Movies
Cloaks are very common in fantasy stories. This is because many fantasy tales are set in medieval times. Cloaks are also often linked with witches, wizards, and vampires.
Dracula's Famous Cloak
The actor Bela Lugosi became famous for playing Dracula. In the stage play, he wore a cloak. This helped him make a sudden exit through a hidden trap door. When Lugosi played Dracula in the 1931 movie, he kept the cloak. This made a huge impression. Now, almost everyone pictures Count Dracula wearing a cloak.
Cloaking Devices
The word "cloak" can also mean something that hides or disguises. In science fiction, like Star Trek, there are "cloaking devices". These devices make objects appear invisible or help them avoid being found.
Cloak and Dagger
The phrase "cloak and dagger" means something secret or mysterious. It refers to espionage (spy work) and hidden crimes. This is because a cloak can help a person stay hidden and conceal a weapon. So, "cloak and dagger" stories are usually mystery, detective, or crime stories.
Images for kids
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Aztec emperor Moctezuma II wearing a tilmàtli.
See also
In Spanish: Manto (indumentaria) para niños
