cape collar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (Fashion/Clothing)
Quick answer
What does “cape collar” mean?
A flat collar cut in one piece with the garment, extending over the shoulders like a short cape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flat collar cut in one piece with the garment, extending over the shoulders like a short cape.
A specific style of neckline or collar on a garment, such as a coat, jacket, or dress, where the fabric is cut wide and lies flat over the shoulders, often without a stand, creating a cape-like effect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Usage is identical in fashion and tailoring contexts.
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or vintage in both varieties; can also denote a classic, tailored style.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, primarily used in professional fashion, sewing, and historical costume discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cape collar” in a Sentence
The [GARMENT] has a cape collar.She wore a [GARMENT] with a cape collar.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cape collar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cape-collar design was very popular in the 1930s.
American English
- She prefers a cape-collar coat for its elegant silhouette.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the fashion retail industry to describe product features.
Academic
Used in fashion history, textile, and design studies.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when describing specific clothing items.
Technical
Standard term in pattern making, sewing instructions, and garment design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape collar”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cape collar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape collar”
- Confusing it with a 'shawl collar' (which is rolled and notched) or a 'cowl neck'. Using 'cape' as a verb or adjective unrelated to the collar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cape collar is a single, flat piece extending over the shoulders. A shawl collar is a continuous, rolled collar without a notch, often found on cardigans and dressing gowns.
It is most commonly found on coats, jackets, capes (obviously), and some vintage-style dresses or blouses.
It is a standard, enduring term in tailoring and fashion design, though it often has vintage or classic connotations.
It can be challenging as it requires precise cutting and often careful fabric handling to lie flat. It's more suited to intermediate sewing skills.
A flat collar cut in one piece with the garment, extending over the shoulders like a short cape.
Cape collar is usually technical (fashion/clothing) in register.
Cape collar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˌkɒlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkeɪp ˌkɑːlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a superhero's CAPE, but only the part around the neck, attached as a COLLAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHOULDERS ARE A CAPE (The collar provides the symbolic coverage and shape of a short cape).
Practice
Quiz
A 'cape collar' is most accurately described as: