Mask and Cape are two different clothing accessories. Both are usually worn by superheroes in action films. Mask and Cape add grace to your look. They are extraordinary accessories from the ancient era. Kings and Queens in their dynasty prefer to carry Masks and Capes. Different fabrics are in place for Mask and Cape.
Mask vs Cape
The main difference between Mask and Cape is that Mask wears on the face. On the other hand, Cape wears on shoulder till lower back. A Mask has larger varieties, and Cape has limited options. Mask has an extensive market share, Whereas, The Cape has a small market share. The Industry or Masks is large in comparison to Cape.
Mask is prominent for covering the face and mouth. Masks have strings or elastic. It helps to protect the face from harmful UV rays that damage the skin. Masks are also part of stage performance based upon the theme. Performers cover their faces with Masks for their different appearances. They have 3 varieties in the market.
Cape is a long-length cloth that covers the back of a person. These days fictional characters of action movies carry them. It was the traditional attires of the king initially. Just a throw-over-the-shoulder without any bottom support. The Cape is stable on the shoulder with a string only. Cape has no armholes and sleeves.
Comparison Table Between Mask and Cape
| Parameters of Comparison | Mask | Cape |
| Size | The Mask is small in size and shape. | On the contrary, The Cape is big in size and shape. |
| Purpose | The purpose of the Mask is to cover the face or mouth only. | The purpose of the Cape is to cover the back of the body. |
| Usage | Mask has medical usage apart from animation movies. | Cape has no medical usage, only fictional characters wear it in movies. |
| Benefits | Mask protects us from pollution and air transmitted viruses | No such benefits exist in Cape, it only adds a different look. |
| Appearance | The Appearance of the Mask is a full face or half face. | The Appearance of Cape is only till the lower back of the superhero. |
What is Mask?
Masks are the face covers. It has plenty of usage and purposes. There are three varieties of Masks: Cloth Masks, Surgical Masks, and Plastic Masks to cover the full face except for the eyes and nose. They help us to protect ourselves from Air Pollution.
The full-face Plastic masks are used in movies and theme-based parties. Masks of different celebrities or animation characters are loved by kids at birthday parties. It makes the party much more attractive.
The surgical masks used by doctors and nurses in the hospital are for safety purposes. Apart from these Masks, disposable and clothes Masks are used by people to cover their faces against pollution. The term Mask was introduced in the English dictionary in the year 1530.
Mask helps in protection against air transmitted diseases. It covers a full as well as half portion of the face by giving a breathing panel. Mask has string or elastic to carry through the ears. The oldest Mask on the planet is present since 9000 years ago.
Only breathable Masks can be used by human beings. In stage shows, theatre performance artists use Masks to enhance the entertainment. Unlike Cape, Masks are usually tiny. Covering the face with Mask also protects the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.
What is Cape?
Cape is a fashion garment. It has no arms or sleeves to hold. Fictional heroes, kings, or queens carry the Cape over their outfits. Capes cover the back portion of the body. Few Capes have extra fabric to cover the front side also. It cascades down to the middle feet area. The front area in Cape remains open.
The wearing style of Cape is like a throw on the shoulder. Medieval Europe started the trend of Cape, Initially. To hold it long, a person needs to fasten it around the neck. It was re-launched in the 19th century. During the era of Queen Victoria, Cape Coats were very popular.
In Pop society, the Cape is more prominent for superhero outfits. Police of a few countries also carry the Cape as part of their uniform. Cape protects their shoulders. Woolen Capes are also in trend for the winter season. Evening Capes are expensive as they are from valuable fabrics like silk or velvet. Embroidery and beads are part of plushy Capes.
Waterproof Capes sold in rainy areas are made up of plastic material. These Waterproof Capes are longer in size to cover the feet as well. Capes has been a part of many historic events in the past with versatile usage.
Main Differences Between Mask and Cape
- Area of Usage: Mask can occupy full face, eyes, nose, and mouth separately. On the other side, Cape occupies full-back or only upper back of a person.
- Knot: In the case of Mask, the Knot is tied at the backside of the face, and In the case of Cape, the Knot is tied at the front side of the neck.
- Cost of Buying: The Cost of buying a Mask is less. On the flip side, The Cost of buying Cape is more.
- Maintainance: Mask does not require maintenance. On the other hand, Cape requires ironing and maintenance.
- Shelf-Life: Mask has less Shelf life as compared to Cape. It has a longer life expectancy.
Conclusion
Cape and Mask are in trend for both men and women. Many celebrities add Cape to their accessories to look attractive. In routine life, People do not wear Cape and Mask frequently. These two are event-based attires. Cape is a good alternative for jackets or coats at parties.
Different cultures have unique styles to carry a Mask or Cape. In theme-based parties, full-face Masks are the attractions. In our daily life, it is not necessary to wear Mask and Cape. One can enjoy their life without these two fashion garments.
Mask has surgical usage also which is not possible in the case of Cape. Apart from surgical usage, Masks also protect us from pollution.
References
- https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1017334108
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0007091217464919