Many period illustrations show a shoulderless mantle fastened by a cord or chain across the chest. A good example is this funeral brass of Lady Alyne de Creke, dated 1325 - 1340
This style of cape or mantle is very easy to make. It is a half circle of fabric, with a smaller half circle cut out for the neck. We made two matching mantles for mother and daughter.
A full cloak, with shoulders and a hood, was probably more of a severe weather garment.