December 21, 2006

After their initial appearance in the `60s and `70s, ponchos disappeared until 2002, when designers brought back retro versions of the wraps down the runway, writes Rabail Q.


Poncho is simply a square or oblong piece of cloth with an opening for the head. The origin of poncho is debatable; some say Araucanian Indians were the inventors and they called it phonto. A similar ancestor called uncu was worn by American Indians. However, there is evidence that poncho is originally from South America, essentially a square blanket with a slit in the centre, which allowed the head to pass through.

Vintage ponchos were typically worn with the points of the square in the front and back; a garment designed to keep the body dry during rain and warm during winters. A more traditional poncho is a circular piece of fabric with a hole cut away for the head, acting as a very loose and wide cape and is more often knitted with tassels.

After their initial appearance in the `60s and `70s, ponchos disappeared until 2002, when designers brought back retro versions of the wraps down the runway. After that, it did not take too long for ponchos to become a necessity as far as the bohemian look was concerned.

Ponchos are now designed as fashion accessories; they are the same shape but are made up of different materials and fabrics. These days they are designed to look more fashionable rather than ward off cold and rain. There are assembly-line creations often made out of wool or yarn, knitted or crocheted rayon, nylon or acrylic.

International and local brands are now designing ponchos that are anything but typical. With the year coming to an end with the unpredictable cold weather, ponchos in bold colours and synthetic fabrics have suddenly become very trendy and are being worn by women of all ages along with different apparels.

The sleeveless poncho is also easy to whip on and off as the temperature demands and the ones stitched alongside can be warmer than coats because they trap heat by keeping the arms close to the body.

The reason why ponchos are so popular among women is simply because it is easy to wear, goes with everything, one size fits all and is never too tight. However, if the fabric is not right, the poncho’s loose cut, rather than hiding figure flaws, can make one look bulky, but if worn keeping the style and structure of one’s body in mind, it can prove to be quite a fashion statement.

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