The poncho is a wonderfully simple garment with an extensive history around the world used as a tool as much as a fashion accessory. The simplistic design has won the heart of consumers around the globe, and retailers will find adding a poncho or two to the storefront will provide a beneficial asset.
The beauty of the poncho is seen on many levels. First, regardless of socio-economic status, the poncho can be seen draped comfortably over the shoulders of men, women, and children in most countries. Second, the poncho is simplistic, often being nothing more than a hole for the head located on a blanket type material. What could be easier, and of course, more affordable?
Any woman will find the poncho a great addition to her wardrobe, and rumors have it that this fall and winter the poncho will be all the rage.
What Does a Poncho Do?
Depending on whom you ask, the poncho will perform various tasks from being stylish and fashionable to adding warmth and utility. A poncho, depending on what it is made of, is a versatile fashion accessory and tool available in women’s clothing, men’s clothing, and even children’s clothing.
In women’s clothing, fashion trends depict the popularity of new fashions in the clothing industry. A poncho is one of those rare fashions that really never goes out of style. While the fabrics, styles, colors, and prints of the poncho will fluctuate with the fashion trends common today, the basic design of the poncho changes only a minuscule amount.
The Poncho in History
The Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century found the tendency of the indigenous natives in Northern Argentina to wander around virtually naked indecent. The Jesuits would give the indigenous natives ponchos to keep them warm and modest. The poncho was an easy, affordable solution for the Jesuits.
Today, the poncho is not too different from yesteryear. The major difference is the materials used today are slightly different from when the Jesuits freely handed out the poncho in attempt to allow for some modesty among the indigenous natives of Northern Argentina.
The Poncho Today
Women’s clothing most often includes the poncho as an accessory. However, many popular designers actually have blouses with the look and feel of the traditional poncho. Today’s authentic poncho is usually colored with natural colors in European countries, but the indigenous people of Argentina today use dye to decorate the material making those ponchos decorative and colorful.
Once upon a time, a poncho was made from wool, but today, a poncho can be made of wool, cotton, or other synthetic materials, and usually can be knitted, crocheted, or any other type of construction. The poncho is indeed a versatile addition to any storefront selling women’s clothing.
A Poncho by any Other Name
Interestingly, various parts of the world have different names for the poncho of Latin America. For instance, in Northern and Southern Chile, the word to use would be poncho, but in Central Chile the word to use would be chamanto. In Mexico, the people use the word sarape or jorongo in place of poncho; in Switzerland, Bavaria, and Austria, the people use the word kotze.
In the colder regions of Columbia, the people call ponchos ruanas, and in the Middle Ages, the people would wear heavy ponchos constructed of wool that they called grugels. Another heavy poncho is commonly called a poncho chilote; the poncho-like garments, worn by the Roman Catholic Church cassocks, are called kasels or pluviales.
Women’s Fashion Trends and the Poncho
Women’s clothing has to look good – plain and simple. The poncho offers a wide range of fashionable colors, and today, many women’s ponchos are knitted or crocheted, and then embellished with bows or other types of fashionable embellishments. The poncho can be used for warmth, but it can also be used solely as an accessory to accent the complete ensemble similar to how a scarf or sash would work.
In addition, many ponchos are made of a heavier duty material making them perfect for use as a raincoat or as a protector from other harsh elements. Have you ever seen these ponchos worn at sporting events? Yes, even sporting teams have their emblems put onto raincoat type ponchos to sell to awaiting fans.
When purchasing wholesale women’s clothing adding an array of ponchos will benefit the retailer. Ponchos are stylish, attractive, and versatile. With the addition of some classy, stylish ponchos, wholesale retailers will find the consumer base knocking on that door to get the latest in poncho designs.
Open Stock Apparel offers a wide array of ponchos in various colors, styles, and designs perfect for today’s busy lifestyle. With Open Stock Apparel, the retailer can be assured the wholesale prices are competitive enough to allow the retailer some leniency in pricing strategies. After all, with Open Stock Apparel, the retailer and consumer are what matters, and offering elegant ponchos is just one way Open Stock Apparel beats the competition.
