The History of The Poncho
Since it has been revisited by major fashion houses such as Burberry, the poncho has made its mark on the catwalk. This ethnic garment popularized in the 70s is back in force and gives an authentic look to the looks. This piece has crossed time and borders to become a universal garment favored as much for its practicality as for its stylistic assets. Discover the history of the poncho as well as the good tips to tame this garment.
1 - ETYMOLOGY OF THE PONCHO
The poncho is a famous garment honored by the national festival of the same name which is perpetuated every year in July since 1954 in Catamarca. It has a great artistic value and gathers all the actors involved in the cultural development of the country. Between the songs, dances and typical performances, the folk festival becomes a space of exchange that enchants the visitors.
When we take a closer look, we realize that the origin of the poncho is controversial. For some, the term would come from the Quechua word "punchu" or "punshaw". It makes the link between the sunrise and the head that comes out of the central hole of the poncho. It would also derive from the word "pontron" which means "cover" in the Mapudungún Amerindian language.
While some argue that it originated in Spain, others attribute it to Bolivia. In his research work called "The craft of the fabric in Catamarca", Charles Dellepiane demonstrates that the poncho was already used by the aborigines. For lack of clothing, the Spaniards would have adopted it during the conquest.
The poncho was probably influenced by the weaving peoples of Mexico, the Andes and Central America before becoming a commonly used garment. Having been used in almost every ancient culture on the continent, the poncho can therefore be considered a universal piece. However, its origin would be much closer to the people of Peru.
2 - PERU AND THE HISTORY OF THE PONCHO
The poncho appears at least 1000 years before Christ. Historical findings attribute its origin to the pre-Inca cultures, the Incas, the Paracas and the Nazca. It was a precious ancestral garment found even in the graves of these peoples. Typical piece of Peru, the poncho is a traditional heritage used as an offering during burials. It was designed with alpaca fiber to last all eternity and thus accompany the dead in the afterlife forever.
The poncho could also be a variant of the Unku, a kind of open vest that could differentiate social status according to the geometric designs that decorated it. According to Taranto and Mari, the accessory is a quadrangular piece with an opening along the length. According to Emeric Essex Vidal, the poncho is a piece composed of 2 pieces of fabric sewn on the lengths except in the center.
But remember that the classic poncho is a simple coat designed with a rectangular piece of fabric. It is cut in the center to allow the head to pass through. The thick fabric then falls on the body and promotes ease of movement of the arms.
3 - THE USE OF THE PONCHO
The poncho is part of the essential pieces for traveling as well as the accessories for riding a horse. This French traveler emphasized the practicality of the accessory and its capacity to protect against the bad weather.
The quality of the fabric used allowed to have a good insulation against the rain, the cold, the dust. Each Peruvian had to possess his poncho for man during his displacements. When it was made of wool, the poncho could also be used as a blanket to sleep.
TYPES OF PONCHOS
The poncho reflects all the diversity of the climate, the beliefs and the habits of Peru. It was decorated with red bands to remind the blood of the sons of the sun. Still called Huanuy, this type of poncho was used as a mourning garment. In some regions, blue, black and white dominated the garment to symbolize the sky or a peaceful place. For travel, there was a small black or navy blue poncho called Cushma, decorated with red, green and white details mainly on the edges.
In Cajamarca and Puno, the poncho is heavy, long and very resistant to humidity. On the other hand, the poncho of Cuzco is recognized by its red background and its geometric details typical of the city. It is as short as the poncho used in the plantations on the Peruvian coast.
4 - THE PONCHO NOWADAYS
Today, the poncho is strongly anchored in the daily life of the populations of South America to the point of being incorporated in certain expressions. When you are in one of these regions, you may hear the expression "raise the poncho" which translates a rebellion. One of your acquaintances may tell you not to "step on the poncho". You will need to understand that you should not be overwhelmed. Outside of South America, the poncho is starting to appeal to more and more people internationally.
If the garment is so successful, it is because it can enhance any look without compromising on comfort. It has this cocooning aspect that manufacturers sublimate with soft materials that can be warm or light to adapt to the seasons. It is ideal to create a bohemian, chic or ethnic look that fits perfectly with current trends. Moreover, it is suitable for all body types and brings a very appreciated relaxed side. Because it is loose and fluid, it can hide some complexes.
The poncho is found in various forms to suit men as well as women and children. It is available as a sailor, cape and other cuts with round neck, V-neck, turtle neck ... You want to change style without changing clothes? Opt for the reversible poncho which has two design sides.
5 - HOW TO WEAR THE PONCHO WITH STYLE ?
Originally, the poncho was wrapped around the body or worn on the shoulder during hot weather when traveling on foot. On horseback, it was worn naturally to protect the lower body or wrapped around the belt. Today, it can be worn at home or for casual or formal outings.
Whether chosen in a modern or handcrafted version, the poncho instantly gives a makeover to the most classic of outfits. It has been spotted on famous designer runways such as Roberto Cavali, Chloé or Chanel. Peoples do not do without it and reappropriate it. For Rihanna, the woman poncho becomes a dress while Justin Bieber wears his man poncho on the dark carpet.
Nowadays, the social distinction that allowed the poncho is over. The colors, shape and patterns of the accessory become a playground where stars have fun mixing to create a piece resolutely fashion. Declined in various materials and styles, the accessory can create very elegant associations depending on the chosen look. It is found in :
- acrylic ;
- cashmere ;
- cotton ;
- wool;
- polyester ;
- velvet.
The golden rule to show off in this garment is to balance the silhouette by offsetting the volume of the top with the thinness of the bottom. Because the garment adapts to all looks, you will have free rein in the choice of jewelry and accessories to add. However, it should be noted that it is poorly considered with a backpack. The best will be to trade this type of bag for a shoulder bag.
6 - HOW TO WEAR A WOMEN'S PONCHO
Discover on our site a variety of women's ponchos with flattering cuts and sublime details. They will give you an authentic, vintage or folk look according to your desires. You can choose a simple poncho to achieve the total black look. The colored models will allow you to embellish a sober look or to liven up your style on grey days. To get through the cold weather in style, choose a poncho with fur to pair with sober pants and boots.
The feminine poncho drapes the silhouette and magnifies it. To get off the beaten track, you can play on the colors by associating a poncho with gradient colors with a short dress in the same tones. The poncho is ideally associated with slim pants but also lends itself to the realization of a bobo chic style with a long and fluid dress.
The garment can be embellished with patterns:
- Animal ;
- Flowery ;
- Bohemian ;
- Ethnic ;
- Tiles ;
- Graphic ;
- Contemporary 3D...
Want to adopt Alessandra Ambrosio's strolling look? Discover our plain fringed ponchos to match with jeans and a pair of boots to copy the star. The most daring will wear it like Rihanna, without anything underneath. Why not belt it at the waist? You'll be in fashionista mode right away. Depending on the material, the poncho offers a fluid enough fall to be transformed into a scarf.
7 - HOW TO WEAR THE PONCHO FOR MEN
The men's poncho is not just for women or the cliché of Mexicans in the movies. Many men show their sense of style by making wearing a poncho an art. While some men consider it a very casual piece, others do not hesitate to divert it depending on the look to create. We can cite the case of Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo in the saga The Games of Thrones) who perfectly succeeds in his luxurious vintage look.
With this studied look, he breaks the codes and appropriates the clothing according to his preferences. Available in straight cut or cape style, it will give you a chic and refined look. You will be able to show off an elegant outfit by adding the piece to a suit.
If you want to sport a city look or a rocker or streetstyle, we offer you bagsy wide-cut ponchos with hoods or irregular models out of the ordinary. The trend is to wear the poncho with ethnic patterns with a light sweater, sneakers and a sombrero-like hat. For your outdoor activities, we also offer models that dry very quickly and do not retain dirt.
For a modern look that will make you stand out in any circumstance, you can choose a poncho with unusual details. This is for example the closing system composed of buckles and horn buttons. To be elegant, the poncho man matches wonderfully with a plain bottom. However, celebrities like Jared Letto are not afraid of color. They mix prints while making sure to stay within the same color palette and choose minimalist accessories.
8 - THE PONCHO FOR YOUR CHILD
Younger kids are also following the trend by adorning themselves with warm, wearable ponchos. The piece is distinguished by the soft materials used to make it. It can be designed in soft cotton, microfiber and other soft fabrics to gently warm the little ones.
In addition, you can choose the child's poncho according to specific needs. We offer rain-resistant models, models to dry off after a swim or simply to warm them up when temperatures drop. Comfortable and very absorbent, they respect the fragile skin of the little ones and will not cause any itching or irritation.
The poncho for children is also available in several models decorated with cute patterns that contribute to the awakening of children. You will have no trouble finding the product that best suits their size.
9 - WHAT IS THE BATHING PONCHO?
Adults can also pamper themselves when they get out of the water. After a swim, a shower or a bath, taking refuge in a warm place is a reflex. In this case, a towel is not always the only option. Moreover, the comfort it provides is limited. The bath poncho corrects this by allowing you to wrap yourself in a warm cocoon while effectively protecting your privacy. No more situations where the towel slips and you are embarrassed. With a bath towel, you will be totally free of your movements.
This accessory also allows you to dry yourself quickly to avoid catching cold. It appears as the essential ally of the most frigid who hesitate to bathe for fear of the cold. It is available in several original versions of a straight cut, short sleeve with a hood. Moreover, it is very easy to maintain and its durability is unmatched.
The poncho is an authentic garment present for millennia. More than a practical accessory, it has conquered the world of fashion with brio and caters to men, women and children. What are you waiting for to buy yours?
