To choose a poncho, decide three things: whether you want it closed or open at the front, whether you need a hood and what composition you are looking for. All our ponchos are one size: most measure 96 × 126 cm, and the Spirit models (Andean Sky and Andean Earth) and Andean Shadow measure 86 × 115 cm, measured from the shoulders. Most are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic, and cost from US$30.
This article is written by Alpaca. We talk about our ponchos, made in Ecuador with artisan families in Peguche, next to Otavalo. If you are looking for another kind of poncho, it still helps you know what to ask.
First: what do you want to do with the poncho?
| If you will use it for… | What suits you |
|---|---|
| Walking, moorland, lakes, wind | One with a hood or closed at the front, so it does not open in the wind. |
| Office or outings, over street clothes | One open at the front, which goes on and off like a jacket. |
| A gift for someone whose size you do not know | Any: the size is one size. |
| Maximum warmth | Look first at the 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic ones. The three cotton and polyester ones have a different composition; check their product page. |
Closed or open at the front
The classic poncho is closed: you pass it over your head and it falls over your shoulders. It covers evenly front and back. Almost all of ours are like this.
The ones open at the front are Andean Shadow and the two Spirit models (Andean Sky and Andean Earth). They are more like a jacket: you wear them open or closed depending on the day. They are also the smallest in the line (86 × 115 cm).
If it is your first poncho and you will wear it a lot, the closed one is the simplest choice. If you do not like the garment going over your head, the open one.
With or without a hood
Andean Shadow has a hood and a coconut button. In the store photos you will also see ponchos with the hood up, like Cayambe and Cotopaxi, at highland lakes and even in a New York park in winter. Check each model's product page to confirm whether it has a hood before buying.
The hood is useful if you walk outdoors. Inside an office it is rarely used, and a poncho without a hood looks more understated. Choose according to where you will spend the most time.
Buttons and snaps
- Andean Shadow: coconut button.
- Cuicocha: two coconut buttons.
- Imbabura Flower: wooden buttons.
- Night Rain: snaps.
We do not detail the others here; each product page says how it closes.
One size: how to know if it will fit
The 96 × 126 cm measurement is taken from the shoulders. We do not have a table by height and prefer not to make one up. What you can do at home:
- Take a tape measure and place it on the highest part of your shoulder.
- Measure down to the point where you want the poncho to end: the hip, the thigh or lower.
- Compare with the measurements above (126 or 115 cm depending on the model). If your measurement is smaller, the poncho will be longer on you than you thought; if it is larger, shorter.
If you are still unsure, write to us on WhatsApp (098 7878 444). And remember that you can return the item unused within 30 days of receiving it (refund, exchange or credit); the return shipping is paid by whoever returns it, unless there is a defect or a mistake on our side. Details in the return policy.
Composition: what each poncho contains
Most of our ponchos are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic. Three are 80% cotton and 20% polyester: Night Rain, Calm Rain and Imbabura Flower. The word "Rain" in the name does not mean they are rain ponchos: we do not sell them as waterproof. In several cities in the country, a plain "poncho" is the rain one, so it is worth searching for "alpaca poncho" when you want a warm one.
According to Wikipedia, alpaca fiber insulates against cold even when wet. If your priority is warmth, start with the 70% alpaca ones. If you are looking for pure alpaca, we are not your option; we explain the difference in pure alpaca vs. acrylic blend.
How to choose for your situation
- Your first poncho, for everyday use: a closed one in 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic, like Cuicocha.
- To wear over coats or light jackets: one open at the front, like Andean Shadow.
- For someone smaller or who prefers something shorter: Spirit or Andean Shadow (86 × 115 cm).
- For a gift: any one works. It will come in a gift box and, if you ask, with no prices.
The whole catalog is in the Ponchos collection. Care is covered in how to wash an alpaca poncho.
Frequently asked questions
Do ponchos come in sizes?
No. All are one size. Most measure 96 × 126 cm and the Spirit models and Andean Shadow, 86 × 115 cm.
How much does an Alpaca poncho cost?
From US$30 to US$39.50 depending on the model. Prices change, so check the store.
Which poncho is open at the front?
Andean Shadow and the two Spirit ones (Andean Sky and Andean Earth). The others are closed.
Are they pure alpaca?
No. Most are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic, and three are cotton and polyester.
How long does it take to arrive?
What you order one day ships the next day and arrives a day later. You order on Monday, it ships on Tuesday, it arrives on Wednesday. Check the shipping policy.