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Here's my idea/thought on this.
A cloak is essentially a sheet wrapped around yourself, ergo it requires little to no tailoring. Back in the days or yor when people had to make do with what they had, a cloak was the simplest way to cover up. Perhaps if you had a family member or friend with a bit of skill they could also fashion a hood onto the thing.
I reckon if you went back in time and let some cloak-wearing forest dweller choose between a cloak or a tailored, hooded jacket then they would pick the jacket every time.
additional thought. Would a cloak use less material than a jacket? So as well as been easier to make, a cloak would be more economical too?