Inverness Cloaks

[Scooter]

What are the functional differences wool and tweed Inverness cloaks? Is there a preference of one over another for rain-protection? Thank you in advance for your explanations.

[Steve Ashton]

Well, first off Tweed is usually woven from wool so they are the same fiber.

If you want rain protection may I suggest something like a "Mister Antony" brand "Band-Spec" model Inverness. These are a raincoat first and are what many bands wear.

The Inverness was originally a rain cape and would have been made from waxed canvas similar to a trench coat or duster.

Where we get the image of a Tweed cape coat is from Sherlock Holmes. In the books he is described as wearing an "Ulster" coat but by the time the stories got to the stage it was made from Tweed.

If you want primarily wind and cold protection an Inverness is OK but one that looks very similar but with sleeves, called a "Coachman's cape" will offer much better wind and cold protection.

[Father Bill]

If you want primarily wind and cold protection an Inverness is OK but one that looks very similar but with sleeves, called a "Coachman's cape" will offer much better wind and cold protection.

Is that something you would carry, Steve?

[Steve Ashton]

No, sorry, I made mine myself.

I guess I should take a picture of my cape one day.

[Scooter]

Well, first off Tweed is usually woven from wool so they are the same fiber.

If you want rain protection may I suggest something like a "Mister Antony" brand "Band-Spec" model Inverness. These are a raincoat first and are what many bands wear.

The Inverness was originally a rain cape and would have been made from waxed canvas similar to a trench coat or duster.

Where we get the image of a Tweed cape coat is from Sherlock Holmes. In the books he is described as wearing an "Ulster" coat but by the time the stories got to the stage it was made from Tweed.

If you want primarily wind and cold protection an Inverness is OK but one that looks very similar but with sleeves, called a "Coachman's cape" will offer much better wind and cold protection.

Since I will be in Skye in early April, rain would be my first concern. I plan on having a sweater or tweed jacket for the cold, but was not sure what to do if caught in the rain in my kilt and jacket. I have an Australian waxed duster, but did not think it would look right with a kilt. Thank you for the good advice.

[Steve Ashton]

http://www.misterantony.co.uk/

[walkerk]

If you're not in a band, you may want to look at Mr Antony's other site: http://www.invernesscapes.co.uk/raincapes.html

[Riverkilt]

I've had a Mr. Antony's Ultimate for years. Love it. Even has straps on the cape's inside for your arms to help hold the cape down in the wind.

[Liam]

Since I will be in Skye in early April, rain would be my first concern. I plan on having a sweater or tweed jacket for the cold, but was not sure what to do if caught in the rain in my kilt and jacket. I have an Australian waxed duster, but did not think it would look right with a kilt. Thank you for the good advice.

I have an Aussie waxed duster that I often wear with my kilt, however for ease of packing I’d recommend a band spec cape.

[figheadair]

Since I will be in Skye in early April, rain would be my first concern. I plan on having a sweater or tweed jacket for the cold, but was not sure what to do if caught in the rain in my kilt and jacket. I have an Australian waxed duster, but did not think it would look right with a kilt. Thank you for the good advice.

Take a T-shirt too. We often have a warm spell in April, especially later in the month. I've climbed in Skye in April when the temperature was in the low 70s f and it was warmer the Barcelona.