A ruana is one large piece of cloth that falls down the back, over the shoulders and down the front. It has no sleeve closures, rather just drapes over the shoulders and is kept in place with your arms, although I have seen and heard of people using a pin or a pretty brooch to keep them in place.

Do ponchos have sleeves?

In contrast to a cape, a poncho has an opening for the head (it also has no sleeves.)

What is the difference between a ruana and a poncho?

A poncho is essentially a large square of fabric with an opening in the center for the head. ... The ruana is a version of the poncho, originating in the cold Andes Mountains. It's the same large square of fabric, but instead of an opening for the head this style has a slit down the front to the hem.