I understand that modern outer layers are more functional. A leather jacket, for example, can be dressed up or down so as to be worn in a variety of situations. It is also better at keeping you warm.
However, I think capes/cloaks are more aesthetically pleasing garments. It also feels good to have the fabric flowing around you as you walk. But what do you think?
As a dude with limited fashion sense suits look funny to me, like pajamas with a night cap or short pants with stockings or powdered wigs just feels very archaic and out dated. I could see cloaks coming back at some point just as knee length hooded sweaters or hooded overcoats without fasteners. Capes look too much like wearing a blanket around depending on the material I think to catch on anytime soon.
This is the exact reason I think they will catch on. I see people out in public in pajamas from time to time, “athleisure” is really popular right now. Fashion is trending towards more casual overall and I could definitely see capes (and especially cloaks) coming back around.