Nothing protects from the elements like the warm embrace of a poncho. Fashioned from a circle of insulating fabric of some sort, no sewing was required, no pesky sleeves needed to be crafted – just cut a hole in the top, stick you head through, and you were ready for action.

The poncho is perhaps the oldest garment in existence, a brightly colored South American concoction woven from heavy material to offer a warm wrap that would keep the wearer cozy under all but the most extreme temperatures. The Mexican culture has their own version, called the serape, which were adopted as the protective layer of choice for the eclectic and ethnic tastes of the hippie movement. Often crocheted or even made from macramé, they were a stylish alternative to the overcoat. And as they gained popularity during the early 70s, grandmas around the world began weaving their own version of the ancient blanket-wear for unsuspecting grandkids - mortified to find that someone had woven a fluffy tablecloth for them to wear.

Although many a hand-crafted version can still be picked up across the border, recent times have seen the introduction of the lightweight plastic version, complete with hood, to help one brave the elements on the rainiest of days. Still, they pale in comparison to the comfort afforded by an old fashioned woven poncho, the precursor to the sweater, ready to offer a warm hug as comforting as a long lost friend.