More than a costume: how to wear your Templar cape with historical accuracy
The white mantle: a symbol of purity and purpose
Before we discuss the practicalities of how to wear your Templar cape, we must first understand what it represented. The mantle, or pallium, was far more than a simple piece of chivalrous apparel to keep a warrior warm. It was a sacred vestment, a public declaration of a knight’s vows and his unwavering dedication to his order. When a man joined the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, he left his old life, and its colorful fashions, behind. The adoption of the mantle was a pivotal moment in this transformation.
The famous white mantle was reserved exclusively for the knight-brothers, the elite warrior class of the order. The stark white, made from undyed wool, symbolized the purity and chastity they swore to uphold, a stark contrast to the sin and vanity of the secular world they had abandoned. It was a visual representation of their commitment to a life of spiritual cleanliness and martial purpose. To stain this mantle, either literally with dirt or figuratively with dishonor, was a grave offense.
Conversely, the sergeants-at-arms, squires, and other non-knight members of the order wore mantles of black or dark brown. This distinction in color was a clear and immediate indicator of rank and role within the strict Templar hierarchy. The black mantle signified humility and service, just as important to the order’s function as the knights’ martial prowess. So, the first step in wearing your cape accurately is choosing the color that reflects the rank you wish to represent.
Sourcing an authentic mantle: the foundation of your look
The journey to wearing your Templar cape correctly begins with acquiring the right piece. In a market flooded with fantasy-inspired costumes, finding a historically accurate mantle requires a discerning eye. Authenticity lies in the details, specifically in the material, color, and the iconic cross.
Material matters: the humble power of wool
Forget the flowing velvet or shiny polyester you see in movies. A true Templar mantle was a practical, rugged garment made for men living a harsh, disciplined life. The primary material was wool. It was durable, provided excellent insulation against the cold of a European night or the chill of a stone fortress, and was relatively water-resistant. The texture would have been simple and unadorned, not luxurious. When seeking your mantle, look for one made of a heavy, natural wool fabric. It will not only look more authentic but will also hang and move in a way that synthetic materials simply cannot replicate.
Color codes: the stark reality of white and black
As mentioned, color was a strict indicator of rank. If you are portraying a Templar knight, the mantle must be white or off-white. Think of the natural color of undyed wool. It would not have been a brilliant, bleached white, but a more organic, creamy hue. For a sergeant, a squire, or a serving brother, the mantle should be black or a very dark brown. There were no other options. The Templar Rule was explicit about avoiding vanity, and this extended to the simplicity and uniformity of their attire.
The iconic red cross: placement, style, and timing
The vibrant red cross, a symbol of martyrdom, is perhaps the most defining feature of the Templar uniform. However, it wasn’t part of the original attire. It was granted to the order by Pope Eugenius III around 1147, nearly three decades after its founding. This cross, known as a cross pattée, features arms that are narrow at the center and flare out at the ends.
The single most important detail for historical accuracy is its placement. The red cross was to be worn on the left side of the mantle, over the heart. This was deeply symbolic, representing Christ’s sacrifice held close to the knight’s own heart and guiding his every action. It was not worn on the back like a superhero’s emblem or centered on the chest. It was a personal, ever-present reminder of their faith and their willingness to die for it. When you put on your mantle, ensure the cross sits squarely over your left breast.
The art of draping and fastening your Templar cape
With an authentic mantle in hand, the next step is to wear it as a Templar would have. This is a matter of both function and decorum, changing depending on the situation.
The simple drape: ceremonial and at-rest positioning
In a non-combat or ceremonial setting, the mantle was worn draped evenly over the shoulders. It would hang down the front, partially covering the white surcoat worn over the armor. The weight of the wool would keep it in place, creating an imposing and uniform silhouette. It was fastened at the neck, but the method was far simpler than many imagine.
Securing the mantle: austere function over ornate fashion
You will not find elaborate, jeweled brooches on a historically accurate Templar’s mantle. Such displays of wealth and vanity were strictly forbidden. The fastening was purely functional. Most commonly, simple ties or cords, often made of leather or braided wool, were used. These would be sewn onto the inside edges of the mantle at the collar and simply tied in a knot. A small, unadorned metal clasp or a simple fibula pin could also have been used, but simplicity was always the key. The goal was to secure the garment, not to decorate it.
Positioning for purpose: on foot and on horseback
A Templar knight was a soldier, and his clothing had to accommodate the demands of combat and travel. A long, heavy cape can be a hindrance, so they adapted how it was worn.
- On foot: For greater freedom of movement, particularly for the sword arm, a knight would often sweep the right side of the mantle back over his right shoulder. This kept the fabric out of the way of his sword draw while still displaying the red cross over his heart.
- On horseback: When mounted, the long cape would drape over the back of the horse. The sheer size and length of the mantle were practical for providing warmth to both rider and horse during long journeys. The drape would have been adjusted to ensure it didn’t interfere with the reins or the rider’s legs.
Common mistakes to avoid for historical accuracy
Portraying a Knight Templar with respect means avoiding common theatrical embellishments. Here are a few pitfalls to sidestep:
The hooded misconception
Many modern depictions show the Templar mantle with an attached hood. While Templars did wear hoods to protect them from the elements, historical evidence suggests this was a separate garment, known as a coif, worn underneath the helmet or on its own. The mantle itself was a large, simple, hoodless cloak.
Overly ornate decorations
Resist the urge to add gold trim, fancy embroidery (other than the cross), or elaborate clasps. The Templar aesthetic was one of pious austerity. Their uniform was a rejection of worldly fashion, not an embrace of it.
Incorrect cross placement
It bears repeating: the cross goes on the left breast, over the heart. A cross on the back or in the center of the chest is an immediate sign of a fantasy costume, not a historical representation.
Beyond the cape: completing the chivalrous apparel
The mantle was the outermost layer of a complete uniform. To truly capture the look, consider what was worn beneath it. Over his mail armor, a knight wore a simple, sleeveless white surcoat (or tabard), also bearing the red cross on the chest. Under the armor was a padded gambeson for comfort and shock absorption. The ensemble was cinched by a simple leather belt from which his sword and dagger would hang. This layering of simple, functional garments is the true hallmark of the Templar look.
Wearing the Templar mantle is more than putting on a piece of clothing; it’s about connecting with a legendary chapter of history. By focusing on the authentic materials, the symbolic placement of the cross, and the functional way it was worn, you do more than create a costume. You pay tribute to the ideals of discipline, faith, and chivalry that the white mantle represented. You help unveil the legend in every stitch.