Originally Posted by 2manybikes

A bicycle cape will have loops for your thumbs to keep the front of the top of the cape near the handlebars. That means the entire front of you upper body has fresh air exposure, including arm pits. That's why the fenders will be needed. Nothing is going to be perfect, but having the front open can be a huge help.

This page has a few photos of them being used correctly, with the front up over the bars.

http://www.google.com/search?q=rain+...w=1366&bih=643