When you think of leather garments, a poncho probably isn’t at the top of your list. Leather garments typically consist of jackets and coats. There are hundreds of different types of leather jackets and coats, all of which are made of leather.
With that said, leather ponchos are gaining momentum. They are made of the same leather material as jackets and coats, but ponchos offer a completely different style. To learn more about leather ponchos, keep reading.
Overview of Leather Ponchos
A leather poncho is a type of sleeveless outerwear that’s made of leather. It’s not the same as a leather tank top. Although they are sleeveless as well, leather tank tops have openings for the arms. In comparison, ponchos don’t have openings for the arms.
To wear a leather poncho, you must place your head through the opening. All leather ponchos — as well as other types of ponchos — have a single opening at the top. You wear a leather poncho by placing your head through this opening. When worn, the leather poncho will drape from your body.
Advantages of Wearing a Leather Poncho
Why should you choose a leather poncho? For starters, leather ponchos are stylish. They offer a unique style that’s not found in traditional leather jackets or coats. As previously mentioned, leather ponchos are worn by placing your head through the single opening at the top. With this design, a leather poncho will drape from your body to project a stylish and fashion-forward appearance.
Leather ponchos are also breathable. They won’t leave you feeling hot and clammy. On the contrary, a leather poncho will keep you cool and comfortable thanks to their breathable properties. Air will flow under the leather poncho and around your arms. If you wear a traditional coat or jacket, conversely, airflow will be restricted.
Because they are made of leather, leather ponchos are durable and long-lasting. It’s frustrating when you buy a new coat or jacket, only for it to rip just a few months down the road. Leather ponchos aren’t immune to damage, but they are less likely to rip or tear than other forms of outerwear. This is just one reason to consider buying a leather poncho.
Disadvantages of Wearing a Leather Poncho
Leather ponchos aren’t as warm as traditional leather coats and jackets. If you’re looking for a new form of winter-weather outerwear, you may want to choose a traditional leather coat or jacket, instead. Leather ponchos are great for the spring and summer months when the weather is warm. As the weather gets cooler, though, they may fail to provide a sufficient amount of warmth.
Of course, you can always stay warm when wearing a leather poncho by pairing it with the right garments and accessories. Wearing a thick wool shirt or sweater under your leather poncho, for instance, can keep you warm in otherwise cold weather. Additionally, you can accessorize your leather poncho with a pair of gloves and a scarf. So, while leather ponchos are generally “cooler” than coats and jackets, you can still stay warm when wearing them.
It’s also worth mentioning that leather ponchos require conditioning. Assuming a poncho is made of genuine leather — not artificial or faux leather — you’ll need to condition it. This applies to all genuine leather garments, and ponchos are no exception.
What Type of Leather Poncho Should You Choose?
If you’re going to invest in a leather poncho, you should check to make sure it’s made of real leather. Some stores sell ponchos made of artificial leather. These artificial leather ponchos may have a lower price tag than their genuine counterparts, but there’s a substantial difference in quality. Genuine leather ponchos are higher quality. They are softer, smell better and offer greater protection against the elements.
Leather ponchos are available in multiple colors. Therefore, you’ll need to consider the color when choosing a leather poncho. Many men and women prefer black leather ponchos. With all-black appearance, your leather poncho will match most of the clothes and accessories with which you wear it. Brown is another popular color for leather ponchos. Brown leather ponchos are classic and easy on the eyes, and like black, brown matches most other colors.
Don’t overlook the details when choosing a leather poncho. Most leather ponchos are made with subtle details that affect their appearance. You’ll usually find buttons and zippers on them, for instance. Details such as this can enhance the appearance of a leather poncho.
How to Maintain a Leather Poncho
Leather ponchos are easy to maintain. They require the same basic steps to maintain as most other forms of leather outerwear. If your leather poncho gets wet, you should dry it in a timely manner to prevent water spots from forming.
In addition to keeping it dry, you should condition your leather poncho on a regular basis. Conditioning creams are designed to prevent leather from drying out. Leather ponchos can damage if they get too wet or too dry. When wet, they may develop water spots. When dry, leather ponchos may crack. By conditioning your leather poncho, it shouldn’t dry out. It will have just enough moisture to stay hydrated without sustaining damage.
You may need to clean your leather poncho on occasion. Leather ponchos are fairly resistant to dirt and debris, but they still require cleaning. The good news is that you can quickly and easily clean your leather poncho. Simply take a damp washcloth and blot your leather poncho until it comes clean. For stubborn dirt and debris, add a few drops of gentle dish soap to the washcloth.
In Conclusion
A leather poncho is a form of outerwear consisting of genuine leather with a sleeveless design. Like all ponchos, they don’t have openings for the arms. You wear a leather poncho by placing your head through a single opening at the top. That’s essentially what distinguishes leather ponchos from other types of leather coats and jackets.