Simlah (שִׂמְלָה) refers to a garment or outer cloak — the basic outer covering worn by people in the ancient Near East. It appears about 29 times and refers to everyday clothing used as blanket, dress, and cover. Exodus 22:26–27 uses it poignantly: a poor man's cloak is his only covering at night — therefore if taken as a pledge it must be returned by sunset.
The garment as image of human dignity, shame, and provision runs through the entire Bible. Adam and Eve's nakedness and God's clothing them (Genesis 3:21 — using kutonet, but the same concept); Joseph's coat; Ruth's corner of Boaz's cloak; Elijah's mantle — all tell the story of covering, honor, and covenantal relationship. Simlah in Exodus 22 establishes a profound social law: You cannot strip a poor man of his only covering. His garment is his dignity. This principle flows into the New Testament — Christ clothed us with His righteousness, covering our shame with His honor.