Irish Wool Capes

A wool cape adds a dramatic, easy layer over almost any outfit, wrapping you in warmth without the structure of a coat. Made from pure wool and wool tweed in colors drawn from the Irish landscape, our Irish wool capes range from short, pocketed styles to full length walking capes suited to colder days outdoors.

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Irish Wool Capes and Wraps

Our Irish wool capes are made from fine wools and wool blends, along with wool tweed woven by skilled artisans in Ireland. Wool is well known for its water resistance and natural insulating properties, which makes a wool cape a practical layer as well as an elegant one, ready to handle a sudden shower without weighing you down.

Length and cut vary across the range, from a shorter, pocketed cape you can layer over a casual outfit or the office to a full length walking cape with a flowing silhouette for country days. Some designs include a hood that doubles as a scarf, giving you an extra way to wear the piece depending on the weather.

Colors are drawn from the Irish landscape, from deep browns, greens and blues to softer pastels for spring and richer tones for autumn and winter. A wool cape suits both dressier occasions, such as a wedding, and everyday moments like a walk through town or an evening out, adding warmth without asking you to compromise on style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a one-size cape fit me?

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Yes, in most cases. Our wool capes are designed with generous proportions, and most styles fit UK sizes 8 to 20. The drape sits on the shoulders rather than at a specific size point, so a one-size cape doesn’t need to pinch at the waist or pull across the hips. A few shorter or more structured cuts fit a narrower range, so check the product page for the exact fit.

What's the difference between a cape, a poncho, a wrap and a ruana?

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All four drape over the shoulders rather than sitting on them like a jacket. A cape fastens at the front, usually with a hidden hook, button or belt, with armholes or slits that free your arms; it's the most tailored of the four. A poncho is a square or rectangle with a hole in the middle for the head, no armholes and no fasteners, the most forgiving of body shape. A wrap is unshaped: a length of fabric draped loosely around the shoulders, held in place by a brooch, tie or hand; a cashmere wrap works over an evening dress. A ruana is an open-fronted poncho, with a slit down the middle instead of a head hole, draping like a cape but with no fastening.

Is a wool cape waterproof?

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No. Wool is water-resistant and sheds a passing shower, but sustained rain will eventually soak the cape through. The cape won’t lose its shape, but you’ll be damp underneath. For wet weather, choose a hooded cape (several in our range include a hood, including one that converts a scarf into a hood) or a heavier Donegal tweed walking cape.

How do I clean a wool cape?

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Wool capes need dry cleaning in almost every case. That's because wool capes are structured garments with lining, drape and often a tailored collar or hood, so machine or hand washing warps the shape. Between dry cleans, brush the cape with a soft clothes brush after each wear and air it on a wide hanger before storing. For small marks, dab (don't rub) with a damp cloth in cold water. Each product's care label confirms the method; where it says dry clean only, follow it.