Robes and cloaks

Is there a way to get robes and/or cloaks without spending enormous amounts of money? I've tried many times to find something that would suffice for clothes such as Tsubasa Chronicles' Syaoran, the Elric red cloak, and even Jedi. It doesn't work! And for that matter, why? Robes and cloaks look amazing... Why does no one wear them anymore except for cosplays?

My first question takes priority of course.

You can always make it yourself out of various clothes. It'll save you money, but it'll take a lot of patience and time if you want it to come out perfectly.

I think no one wears them anymore because they're not convenient or as convenient as they use to be.

Most craft/fabric stores (like Micheal's or JoAnn's) sell patterns for costumes like capes and robes. Heck, you could even find a free pattern online somewhere I bet.
Then just figure out how much you need and go to the fabric store: they'll gladly help you out!

Every thing He said.