The top and bottom are the same length, but the bottom is offset to the rear 12 inches and folded to form pleats before stitching the 3 sides. Velcro patches keep both the pleats and the mosquito net inside the poncho. The net, especially, tends to fall out unless you have enough velcro. When set up, the side seams along the sides of the back and on the back itself are up off the ground. Two stake loops about 24 inches apart on the floor will hold the back in shape - or you can just let it float loose. I prefer that.

The poncho tent is really just a tube tent. Keep it simple.