Cagoule

Vintage Peter Storm cagoule with zipped side-slit hand access to undergarments and extra-long sleeves with elasticated storm cuffs

A cagoule (French: [kaɡul], balaclava), also spelled cagoul, kagoule or kagool, is the British English term for a lightweight (usually without lining), weatherproof raincoat or anorak with a hood, which often comes in knee-length form.[1] The Canadian English equivalent is windbreaker or K-Way.

In some versions, when rolled up, the hood or cross-chest front pocket doubles as a bag into which the shell can be packed.

History and styles

A cagoule which could be rolled up into a very compact package and carried in a bag or pocket was patented[2] by former Royal Marine Noel Bibby and launched in the UK under the brand name Peter Storm in the early 1960s.[3]

In 1965, the French cagoule brand K-Way was introduced.[2]

Original versions were lightweight and packable with generally an integral hood, elastic or drawstring cuffs, and a fastening at the neck. Usually, the cagoule could not open fully at the front and was pulled on over the head.

As a functional outdoor rain-garment, the original styling and proportions allowed the wearer's small items of personal luggage to be protected – rucksack, waist bag and/or camera bag.

Later copied and marketed as a close-fitting cheap fashion accessory, the style became very popular in the United Kingdom during the 1970s.

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Chambers Dictionary, 1994, ISBN 0-550-10255-8
  2. 1 2 Leitch, Luke (25 April 2014). "How the cagoule became too cool for school". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  3. ↑ Invisible on Everest—innovation and the gear makers, Cassie Crute and Mary Rose, ISBN 0-9704143-5-8


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