Cape and poncho. Are they different? Yes, definitely. The cape is made most often with slots for the arms. This need is due to the cut of the cape, since the cut of the cape exceeds the length of the arm. The drawing of the cape is constructed in the same way as the drawing of a jacket or coat with a bust dart. Therefore, the cape, more than the poncho, takes into account the contours of the body. The expansion of the cape is a matter of personal choice and is designed during cutting.
In modern fashion, capes are sometimes called - simply capes, which are characterized by the absence of sleeves and a well-defined shoulder line. If you look into the history of the cape, then here you can find it both distant and close relatives - this is a talma (sleeveless cape); cloak (a very insulated cape, fastened with ribbons or cords near the neck), which was sometimes sewn with and without sleeves; rotunda (long sleeveless cape).
All of them owe their appearance to a cape - a cape collar. The shape of the cape was dictated by fashion and changed quite often. Based on all that has been said, you can see capes, both short and long, and with and without hand slots.
What are the capes for the 2024-2025 season? Let's see.
Poncho along the line of the top seam is arm-length, therefore, no hand slots are required here. As many know, the homeland of the poncho is South America. A poncho is a product that is convenient for travel, it is easy for them to hide from the wind, it is easy to control a horse, to hide from the night cold by falling asleep in a secluded place and placing a saddle under their head.
There is one more detail that is present in the cut of the poncho - the poncho most often has a fastener of short length, as if put on simply over the head, but it happens with a fastener and through the entire length of the product. There are products similar to ponchos in the German national costume. Here they are still called capes, but with the addition of coarse cloth.
The decor of the cape and poncho in the fall-winter 2024-2025 season is very diverse. It can be embroidery, fringe, border and fur.
Designers experiment not only with the decor of the models, but also with the texture of the fabric. For example, you can see luxurious capes in the Veronique Branquinho collections, Michael korsmade of fur or leather. And in the Zuhair Murad collection - a cape for a ceremonial exit - made of lace. Most of the models of capes look elegant and luxurious. Among the poncho models, there are many jersey products, and this is also very interesting.
There are models that can be used in everyday wardrobe, and there are ones that you should think about, for what occasion you should save them. But, of course, it is better to economically spend your financial resources, and therefore choose those that you will have to wear more than once.
Outerwear that you will wear for almost six months should not be boring. Among the models of capes and ponchos in the collections, you can find hybrid products that do not undertake to be called only a cape or a coat, but how beautiful and original their cut is.
Experiment with color, print, decor and fabrics.