Vlieger (cape)

Vlieger
Portrait of Aletta Hanemans wearing a black vlieger with attached sleeves, by Frans Hals

A vlieger is a type of sleeveless over-gown or cape worn by women in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.^[1] Variations with short sleeves or high shoulder rolls are known.^[2] Sometimes sleeves were attached with aiglets, and often slits were made to allow belts or the hands to pass through.^[3]

In the Netherlands the vlieger was often worn with a millstone collar (a wide starched ruff).^[1] The vlieger was always worn with a skirt with a fardegalijn. In cold weather it could be buttoned shut, though the Spanish version, called a "ropa" could only be closed at the neck.

The Spanish version was called a "ropa" and the French version was called a "marlotte".^[4]

• 
  Margaret of Parma with ropa, c 1559
• 
  Infanta Caterina with ropa, c. 1552
• 
  A woman aged 24 with vlieger, 1587
• 
  French Noblewoman with marlotte, 1560-9