A poncho (; ; ; "blanket", "woolen fabric") is an outer garment designed to keep the body warm. A rain poncho is made from a watertight material designed to keep the body dry from the rain. Ponchos have been used by the Native American peoples of the Andes, Valley of Mexico and Patagonia since pre-Hispanic times, from places now under the territory of Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, and Argentina and are now considered typical American garments. Types In its simplest form, the poncho is essentially a single large sheet of fabric with an opening in the center for the head. It often has an extra piece of fabric serving as a hood. Rainproof ponchos are normally fitted with fasteners to close the sides once the poncho is draped over the body, with openings provided for the arms. Many ponchos have hoods attached to ward off wind and rain. Alternative ponchos are now designed as fashion items. They are the same shape but of different material. They are designed to look fashionable and provide warmth and to remain breathable and comfortable, rather than to ward off wind and rain. They are often made out of wool or yarn, knitted or crocheted. Ponchos with festive designs or colors can be worn at special events as well. Traditional ponchos The poncho was one of the typical clothes of many South American and Mexican cultures. Although investigations have concluded that its origins could be Mexico, Ecuador or Peru, it is not known where the first ponchos were made. The poncho is now commonly associated with the Americas. As traditional clothing, the local names and variants are: Ruana, in cold regions of Colombia and Venezuela. Poncho, most Spanish-speaking countries and worldwide. Pala or Poncho, in Brazil (mainly in the South). Chamanto, only in Central Chile, poncho in the north and south. Jorongo, usually larger or full-length, and often used for special occasions or horse-back riding in Mexico Gabán, typical in Michoacán, Mexico. Quechquémitl in many Mexican regions Poncho chilote, a heavy woolen poncho of Chiloé Archipelago. Military ponchos The poncho was first used on a regular basis in the 1850s for irregular U.S. military forces operating on the U.S. Western Plains. These early military ponchos were made of gutta percha muslin, a latex-coated, waterproof cloth. Ponchos made of gutta-percha or India rubber coated cloth were officially adopted during the American Civil War,