Sure sounds neat, but I think that Mexicans have used Ponchos years and years and years and liked them. I find them warm and cosy, have one that my DH got me 40 or so years ago. Most of them are rectangles, with the long ends either straight up and down or sideways, with a hole for the head. Used for fiesta, fancy parties or just plain warmth. The one I have is marvelous for cold restaurants, which seem to think we want to dine in a refrigerator!
Only thing was, it had just the hole in the middle, but it kept messing up my hair so I cut it down the front and put a matching poly lining in it with inside pockets, and buttons with crocheted catches. Comfy and easy to wear.