Peruvian Ponchos Are in Style — For Our Dogs · The Wildest

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Are Ponchos Back? Our Dogs Certainly Think So

It’s no Underdog costume, but your dog will love this cape.

by Avery Felman
November 16, 2021
Daschund wearing a poncho
Courtesy of Dog and Co.

We’re heading into cold girl winter, so it’s time to re-up our wardrobes. Enter: the Peruvian poncho. Ponchos conjure images of walks on the beach on cloudy days, early mornings even, clutching a ceramic cup of fair-trade coffee, obviously. The whole thing feels very down to earth. You’re at one with nature...until you do a quick scroll through Instagram and see your neighbor’s dog wearing the same poncho as you.

Hate to break it to you, but humans have no singular claim to comfy, blanket-esque styles anymore, especially those that are sans-sleeves. From sweater vests with star power to tie-dyed designer knitwear, there appears to be no end in sight for new sweater-weather options — for pets. So, if you’ve been looking to match with your pet or gift them something for the holidays, you’re in luck.

While there are quite a few Peruvian dog ponchos on the market, this Alqo Wasi one is our favorite. The brand name means “dog home” in Quechua, the language of the Incas, and all their sweaters and toys are hand-knit and loomed by local women in Peru with sustainable materials (alpaca-blend yarns, which are warmer than merino wool). The drapy silhouette will keep your pup snug as a bug — but in a non-restrictive way.

Avery, editor at The Wildest, and her cat, Chicken

Avery Felman

Avery is a writer and producer. She has written for numerous publications, including Refinery29, BuzzFeed, and V Magazine. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her reading, practicing her Greek on Duolingo, and delving into the Sex and the City discourse. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and their cat, Chicken, who rules with an iron fist.