Mantelet

By Crusader1307

The Mantelet of the 9th Century AD. - was a short cape originally worn on the backs of fully armored Knights. It's name conveyed the term "to cover". The derivative of the Medieval siege warfare protective device, The Mantlet - was named for them. The Mantelet served several functions. From a practical use, they covered the Upper back of an Armored suit. Although components were lashed together (with Mace worn beneath), excessive drafts (air) and water (rain) - were an issue. The covering by a Mantelet solved this. The other usage, was purely ceremonial. Often these "Dress Mantelets", were highly embroidered or likewise decorated. By their very usage, only Nobility wore them. Mantelets were constructed of heavy and often expensive cloth. Their weight required them to be either attached by hooks or layer, by front ties  (below the neck). Still much kater, buttons were used. The Mantelet would evolve to both a Men and Women's clothing style in some Countries by the 16th Century  (by then considered a Middle Class style). Variations would be used in form by several Military Armies in the 18th thru early 20th Centuries. The Mantelet was therefore a long lasting fashion "survivor" of The Medieval Era.