Cape Sizes: Length by Height, How to Measure and Fabric Needed
Capes hang from the neck and shoulders, so the size that matters is length, measured down the back from the neckline. This covers how long a cape needs to be for each height, how capelets and cloaks differ, and how much fabric a circle cape takes.
Cape length is measured at the center back, from the neckline to the hem. To reach the knee, a cape needs to be about 57% of the wearer's height: roughly 38 in (96 cm) for someone 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) tall and 41 in (105 cm) for 6 ft 0 in (183 cm). An elbow-length capelet is about 15 to 17 in (38 to 43 cm), and a floor-length cloak about 84% of height.
- Knee, 5'6" wearer
- About 38 in (96 cm)
- Knee, 6'0" wearer
- About 41 in (105 cm)
- Capelet (elbow)
- 15-17 in (38-43 cm)
- Knee length rule
- 57% of height
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Cape length by height
Lengths below are measured at the center back, from the neckline seam to the hem, and are based on average body proportions. Because a cape drapes over the shoulders, its sides fall slightly shorter than the back. If your legs are long or short for your height, adjust by 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm), or measure yourself as described further down.
| Height | Elbow (capelet) | Fingertips | Knee | Mid-calf | Ankle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in 152 cm | 14 in 35 cm | 29 in 73 cm | 34.5 in 88 cm | 40 in 101 cm | 48.5 in 123 cm |
| 5 ft 3 in 160 cm | 14.5 in 37 cm | 30 in 77 cm | 36 in 92 cm | 41.5 in 106 cm | 51 in 130 cm |
| 5 ft 6 in 168 cm | 15 in 39 cm | 31.5 in 80 cm | 38 in 96 cm | 43.5 in 111 cm | 53.5 in 136 cm |
| 5 ft 9 in 175 cm | 16 in 40 cm | 33 in 84 cm | 39.5 in 101 cm | 45.5 in 116 cm | 56 in 142 cm |
| 6 ft 0 in 183 cm | 16.5 in 42 cm | 34.5 in 88 cm | 41 in 105 cm | 47.5 in 121 cm | 58.5 in 148 cm |
| 6 ft 3 in 191 cm | 17 in 44 cm | 36 in 91 cm | 43 in 110 cm | 49.5 in 126 cm | 61 in 154 cm |
The fractions behind the table: from the base of the neck, the elbow is about 23% of height, the fingertips (arms hanging) 48%, the knee 57.5%, mid-calf 66% and the ankle 81%. A floor-length cloak that clears the ground in flat shoes is about 84% of height. The same proportions set coat lengths; see the coat size guide for the coat version of this table.
Floor-length capes are measured in the shoes you will wear. A hem that just touches the floor in flats will drag in sneakers with thick soles only slightly, but it becomes a tripping hazard on stairs. For costumes worn all day, ankle length is safer than floor length.
Cape styles and typical lengths
| Style | Typical length | Shape and fit |
|---|---|---|
| Capelet | Shoulders to elbow | Short; fits closely at the neck and shoulders, often over a coat or dress |
| Cape (hip to knee) | Fingertips to knee | Hangs free; may have arm slits at the front |
| Cloak | Mid-calf to floor | Full, often with a hood and a clasp or ties at the neck |
| Poncho | Hip to thigh | A single piece with a head opening, closed at the sides or not |
| Costume cape | Varies; often shoulder blades to calf | Usually a rectangle or half circle gathered at the neck |
A capelet must fit across the shoulders, because it sits on them rather than hanging from the neck. Measure straight across the back from one shoulder tip to the other and add at least 4 in (10 cm) so the capelet's edge falls clear of the arms.
How to measure for a cape
- Neck. Measure around the base of the neck where the cape will fasten. Add 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) so it does not press on the throat when the cape pulls back; adult neck-base measurements are usually 14 to 18 in (36 to 46 cm).
- Length. Stand straight. Have someone hold the tape at the bony bump at the base of the back of your neck and run it down your spine to where you want the hem. This is the cape's back length.
- Shoulder width (capelets and fitted capes). From shoulder tip to shoulder tip across the back.
- Front length (optional). From the side of the neck over the front of the shoulder to the hem point. A cape that is level all round needs a front slightly longer than the back for wearers with a full bust or chest.
Circle capes: neck opening, radius and fabric
Most sewn capes are a full circle, half circle or quarter circle with a hole for the neck. The neck hole is an inner circle whose radius depends on how much of a circle the cape is; the outer radius is that plus the cape length.
| Shape | Neck radius | Drape |
|---|---|---|
| Full circle | Neck opening ÷ 6.28 | Fullest; deep folds all round |
| Half circle | Neck opening ÷ 3.14 | Moderate folds; the most common pattern |
| Quarter circle | Neck opening ÷ 1.57 | Falls fairly straight; little volume |
Worked example for a knee-length cape on a 5 ft 6 in wearer: length 38 in, neck opening 16 in (41 cm).
- Half circle: neck radius 16 ÷ 3.14 = 5.1 in; outer radius 5.1 + 38 = 43.1 in. The pattern fits in a rectangle of 86.2 × 43.1 in (219 × 109 cm), so it can be cut in one piece from 60 in (152 cm) wide fabric using about 2.4 yd (2.2 m).
- Full circle: neck radius 16 ÷ 6.28 = 2.5 in; outer radius 40.5 in; diameter 81.1 in (206 cm). That is wider than any common fabric, so it is cut as two half circles, each 81.1 × 40.5 in, using about 4.5 yd (4.1 m) of 60 in fabric before seam allowances.
- Elbow capelet, full circle: with a 15 in length, the diameter is about 35 in (89 cm), which fits on 1 yd of 45 in (114 cm) fabric.
Add seam or hem allowance (usually 0.5 to 1 in) to the outer radius and take it off the neck radius before cutting. To convert any of these figures, use the unit converter.
Ready-made cape sizes
Store-bought capes are often one size, or S/M and L/XL. The sizes mainly change the length and the neck fastening, not the width. Check two numbers before buying:
- Listed length against your own neck-to-hem measurement, or against the height table above.
- Neck closure: a clasp or hook at a fixed point fits a narrower range of necks than ties or a drawstring.
Wool capes worn as outerwear should also clear the clothes underneath. A cape is cut wide, so bulk is rarely a problem, but a short capelet worn over a coat needs a neck opening large enough for the coat collar. For other wrap garments, see the robe size guide and the scarf size guide; for outerwear with sleeves, the jacket size guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many inches long is a knee-length cape?
About 34.5 in (88 cm) for a 5 ft 0 in wearer, 38 in (96 cm) for 5 ft 6 in, 41 in (105 cm) for 6 ft 0 in and 43 in (110 cm) for 6 ft 3 in, measured at the back from the neckline. Measuring yourself from the base of the neck to the back of the knee is more accurate than any height rule.
What is the proper cape length for someone 5 ft 6 in?
About 15 in (39 cm) for an elbow capelet, 31.5 in (80 cm) to reach the fingertips, 38 in (96 cm) to the knee, 43.5 in (111 cm) to mid-calf and 53 in (136 cm) to the ankle.
How do you measure for a cape?
Measure your neck circumference where the cape will fasten, then the length from the bump at the base of the back of your neck straight down your spine to where you want the hem. For a capelet, also measure across the back from shoulder tip to shoulder tip.
Do capes come in sizes?
Ready-made capes are often one size, or S/M and L/XL. The sizes change length and neck opening more than width, because a cape hangs freely. Choose by the listed length, compared with your own neck-to-hem measurement.
What is the difference between a cape, a capelet and a cloak?
A capelet is a short cape ending around the elbow or above. A cape usually reaches between the hip and the knee and has no sleeves or armholes, or has arm slits. A cloak is a long, full cape, often with a hood, reaching the calf or floor.