Goofy Cloak Question

[Jon Foster]

This may sound strange but is there a suggested length for full length cloaks? My first thought when I hear full length is just that. A full length to the floor etc. But, that's not really a realistic theory. If they go to the floor, they will drag on the ground getting filthy and snag on objects causing extensive damage rather quickly. So, a full length cloak should be short enough to not drag. This would also help to take into account the types of shoes, boots or other factors changing the height of the person wearing the cloak. So, what is the suggested or recommended distance a cloak should be from the ground?

Jon.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

I'm not a seamstress and don't know a lot about sewing, but my cloak comes to the bottom the my anklebone.  It's enough off the ground to not get muddy, and that is approximately where my skirts end, so you basically see my boots or shoes underneath.  I usually wear flatish shoes or boots due to foot problems, but when I wear my noble garb or Irish dress, I have to wear 2 inch heels, and the cloak still looks good.

[gem]

I'm guessing Jon doesn't wear a lot of skirts--don't think about hemlines much, eh? 

I'm with Lady R; ankle bone is a pretty good height, which should work for just about any shoes you'll be wearing.

[Lady L]

I make the skirts and capes so that they end above the shoe. No tripping that way, or dragging on the ground.

[Deckard And Zhora]

I would go for shorter rather than longer. It's not fun getting garb all muddy and I've never been to faire when there hasn't been mud somewhere! I had to hack my cloak quite a bit as I am only 5'1 and the pattern I made was for a MUCH taller person, but I don't think there is a "right" answer to this question. I do sometimes pick my cloak up just to be sure it doesn't get dirty, so mine is probably about ankle length--make the pattern longer then you want just in case, check it and you can always hem it up higher, but it's a lot harder to add on to an already shortened cloak!

I've never seen someone going around checking cloak lengths, though I've though about going around and being an official kilt checker....

 

[Adriana Rose]

I like the knee lenght cloaks, that way if you have to make a run for it in a sudden downpour there is not 10 extra pounds of cloak to haul. And it doesnt pick up mud and twigs and what have you.

[Hoowil]

I like the look of an ankle length, but I have to agree with the others. After all, if its for warmth, how much warmer are you really going to be, comparing a knee length and an ankle length. And the extra weight is rather surprising, as well as the mud/water issues. Also, figure its just like a sword, or anything else, bigger means its harder to keep track/control of in crowds. Do you want to risk somebody else stepping on your hem?

I do have to say, my cloak was made to be a higher ankle length when it was made. I've since changed boots, and grown a little fuller myself, so it hangs a little different.

In the end, get/make what looks/feels right to you, but try on a few different lengths, and fullnesses before making a final call.

[Lady Kett]

My cloak is mid-calf length and I really like it. Of course, it's only had one wearing so far, but so far so good!

[Jon Foster]

Thanks for all the input. Hopefully I decide on a length soon. 

Jon.