Ponchos are really "cool" now, especially for men. A few influential designers send a quirky and practical article of clothing down the runway, high-fashion magazines enthusiastically push it, a celebrity is photographed wearing it, and whoosh, a new controversial trend is born.

The poncho, commonly associated with the Americas, has spread worldwide, as traditional clothing or as a raincoat for wandering and biking.

Multiple Uses for Swimmers

1. Portable Changing Room and Warm-up
   Your poncho is useful as a warm-up and portable changing room. No more wiggling around with a small towel in the wind. A poncho won't fall down at an untoward moment.

2. Beach Shelter
   Long ponchos cover you completely and provide shelter from sun and rain. When you sit down, pull the poncho over your legs and feet to be completely covered. The inside will warm up soon and you have a cosy shelter. Full coverage means no more awkward rain pants. Not so good on windy days as they may flap about.

3. Groundsheet
   Rubberised or heavy nylon ponchos make a robust ground sheet on the beach or for sleeping under a tarp at night. Two army ponchos can be connected to build simple tent for 2 or 3 people.

4. Spare Swimsuit
   If you travel light then a poncho can be used instead of swimwear. It is surprisingly easy to swim in a poncho; just make sure it doesn't go over your head.

5. Rainwear
   Ponchos are perfect for travelling in rainy weather without the inconvenience of complicated rainwear. They are easy to put on and take off. You'll probably get caught in an occasional rain shower every now and then. So be prepared for unexpected downpours with a lightweight rain poncho. By carrying this one light weight garment, you can eliminate rain jacket and pants from your pack. If you really want ventilation through your rain gear try a poncho. It'll keep you dry when you need it.

   When hiking in rain a poncho is best to keep dry from rain and avoid sweating. More airflow means less sweat. Ponchos by their very design are breathable. Since they don't fit close to the body they allow air to circulate from below. Some have lightweight side zippers (instead of snaps or velcro) to give better wind protection.

Design

A poncho is a simple garment designed to keep the body warm, or if made from an impermeable material, to keep dry during rain. It is essentially a single large sheet of fabric with an opening for the head and sometimes for the arms.

Rain Ponchos are so convenient and useful, they'll never go out of style. They come in different colours, not just olive, so they can be colour coded with the rest of your sportswear.

Alternative ponchos are now designed as fashion accessories. They are the same shape but of different material. They are designed to look fashionable and be loose and comfortable, rather than ward off cold and rain. Ponchos with festive designs or colours can be worn at special events as well.

Different Shapes

Fashion ponchos come in different shapes to suit your style, unlike the utilitarian square shaped ponchos.

Some have long sleeves, a bit like a wide coat. Usually these sleeves are wide and loose to allow for better ventilation or they have elasticated cuffs to keep the wind out. Others have simple side openings for your hands. Choose the latter if you tend to keep your hands inside the poncho.

Why do so many rain-ponchos only come with short sleeves? Is it too much to ask, having sacrificed all street-cred for the sake of practical comfort, why forearms should still get wet?

Fabrics

Most rain ponchos are made with waterproof polyurethane bonded to a polyester knit backing for enhanced fabric strength and durability. Others made from nylon with urethane fabric coating. New silicon coated tent fabric is even better than this. It is lighter weight and stronger, so smart manufacturers now use this new fabric to make ponchos and rainwear. Vinyl ponchos are a very affordable alternative to keep on hand for unexpected changes in weather.

Front Pocket

Ponchos don't have a long leaky row of boring buttons like many rain coats. That makes them less bulky and thus more fun to wear. Instead, some ponchos have a useful roomy kangaroo-style front pocket into which you can pack it and stow easily in your luggage or daypack. You can pull out the waist straps and wear it as a fanny pack around your waist.

Hoods make all the difference

Some ponchos, especially those made to ward off rain, have hoods attached. Correct use of the hood makes all difference whether you get wet or stay dry. Make sure the hood has a good fit. In heavy rain you may want to tie it closely around your face. If it is too big you won't see much then. You can also tie it round your neck for better visibility, but that lets some water run down the inside of your poncho and get your clothes wet.

Sizing

Measure from top of your shoulders down your front and back, as far as you want it to drape. Get a generous neck vent for cooling, and lots of length and width. Longer is better. Look out for a cinch cord to hold the hood to your head so it won't shift around and cover your face.