2 Kings 1:8

8. A hairy man Literally, a man, a lord, of hair; lord of the hairy mantle. A rough garment, woven of goats’ hair, and fastened with a leather strap about his loins, formed, apparently, the sole dress of Elijah. “Inaccurately as the word mantle represents such a garment, it has yet become so identified with Elijah that it is impossible now to alter it. It is desirable therefore, to substitute “mantle” for “garment” in Zechariah 13:4, a passage from which it would appear that since the time of Elijah his garb had become the recognised sign of a prophet of Jehovah.” Grove. The prophets were wont to wear a distinctive dress, expressive, in some way, of the nature of their work. Isaiah wore a garment of sackcloth, as a mark of sorrow and self-abasement for the sins of the people. Isaiah 20:2. John the Baptist attired himself like Elijah, (in whose spirit and power he came, Matthew 3:4;) and the outer garb was a representative of his inner character and spirit.