The Inverness cape is a form of weatherproof outer-coat. It is notable for being sleeveless, the arms emerging from armscyes beneath a cape (the sleeved version is an Inverness coat; the shorter-caped, sleeved version is an Ulster coat). It has become associated with the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. The Inverness cape is a water-repellent garment. The extra layer of cloth at the shoulders traditionally hindered rain from soaking through the wool. History The garment began in the 1850s as the Inverness coat, an outer coat with sleeves covered by a long cape, reaching the length of the sleeve. By the 1870s, the cape was divided in two, and a small "capelet"-like "wing" on each side was sewn into the side seams, not taken across the back. In the 1880s, the sleeves were removed entirely, leaving only the armholes beneath the cape, to form the Inverness cape. The fronts of the coat may be finished in either of two styles: in one, the more formal, the topcoat is finished with short lapels and the capes are set back behind them. In another style, there are no lapels. A simple fall collar with a tall stand is used, the capes buttoning across. These were also favored for less formal wear, particularly by coachmen and cab drivers, who needed free movement of their arms. Indeed, this style is usually called a "coachman's cape." Still worn in the United Kingdom, the Inverness cape is often made of heavy Harris tweed of plaid and checked designs. The commonly held image of the cape as worn by Holmes is one made of tweed, specifically in a grey hound's tooth pattern. It is usually worn for country wear. Lighter-weight black cape-coats are associated with formal evening attire. Modest capes, made of nylon or twill-weave fabrics and usually black, are commonly used by members of pipe bands. Highland dress Even though a wide variety of coats, overcoats, and rain gear are worn with Highland dress to deal with inclement weather, the Inverness cape has come to be almost universally adopted for rainy weather by pipe bands the world over, and many other kilt wearers also find it to be the preferable garment for such conditions. Unlike most raincoats or other conventional overcoats, the Inverness cape has no sleeves. Instead, it has wide-cut armholes in the sides to accommodate the arms. This enables the wearer to access a sporran