Capes and cloaks became fashionable near the end of the 19th century when dress sleeves grew to enormous dimensions. It is made from a woven, then well-fulled, woollen cloth. The fulling thickens the cloth giving it a felted smooth surface. Melton cloth was often used as fulling. The cape would almost certainly have been lined. Black satin seems to have been used for this one but coloured linings (eg. red, pink, purple) were also popular. The black velvet edged decorative appliqués around the cape were probably created by the skilled dressmaker or cape maker, but appliqués like this could be purchased in department stores too. Capes like this retailed for around 40 shillings, although they could be bought for less on sale.