Traditional African Clothing: A Guide to the Different Styles and Regions
Table of Contents
- What is Traditional African Clothing?
- Types of Traditional African Clothing
- Lace Styles: What to Wear to an African Wedding
- Traditional African Clothing for Male
- Traditional African Clothing Styles for couples
- 5 Accessories to Complement African Wear
What is Traditional African Clothing?
African fashion has become more popular recently as both fashion designers and enthusiasts embrace traditional African attire as a chic and adaptable option for any occasion.
Traditional African clothing offers a distinctive and outspoken statement that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the continent. This includes vibrant Ankara or kitenge prints, skillfully woven Kente cloth, Aso- Oke, and George lace.
Let’s explore how to style traditional African wear for any occasion, from weddings, church, and formal events to casual outings and everyday wear.
Types of Traditional African Clothing
One of the great things about African wear is its versatility. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. African wear can be worn to formal events like weddings, graduations, and church, or it can be worn for casual outings like brunch or a day out with friends.
We would be looking at Isiagu styles for both ladies and guys, boubou styles, buba styles for brides, Agbada designs, and more.
1. Isiagu
Isiagu is a traditional African cloth used by the Igbo people of Nigeria. This fabric features lion’s head prints that represent power and royalty.
Isiagu styles can be worn by men, women, and children for various occasions, such as chieftaincy ceremonies, weddings, and other cultural events. These days , Isiagu styles have also become popular as everyday wear, with people incorporating them into their casual outfits. Additionally, fashion designers have started to experiment with modern twists on Isiagu styles, creating more contemporary and trendy versions of the traditional attire.
2. Kaba and Slit
Kaba and slit styles are traditional outfits worn by Ghanaian women for occasions like church services, weddings, and funerals.
The kaba is the top part of the outfit or blouse, which is usually tailored to fit the body and flares out at the waist. The slit is the skirt part of the outfit, which is also fitted and has a slit at the side or back to allow for movement.
The kaba and slit are often made from colorful fabrics like wax prints, kente cloth, and smocks.
3. Umbhaco
Umbhaco is a traditional fabric originating with the Xhosa people in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.
The traditional Xhosa clothing is made from umbhaco fabric, which is available in a variety of colors, including white, cream, yellow, orange, red, green, blue, and black.
Xhosa dresses and shirts are often accessorized with xhosa beadwork and doeks (head ties) that express the identity and culture of the wearer.
Traditional Xhosa attire and modern Xhosa dresses made from Umbhaco can be worn for formal and informal occasions, such as weddings, graduation ceremonies, funerals, and festivals.
Lace Styles: What to Wear to an African Wedding
Traditional African lace styles are the trending outfits to wear to African weddings, especially Nigerian weddings.
Lace is a delicate fabric that frequently contains holes or patterns and is made of cotton, silk, or synthetic materials. Most designers combine lace with other fabrics like net, satin, chiffon, or African prints to create stunning designs.
These lace styles are popular for their elaborate designs and are popularly accessorized with a matching head tie, or Gele,” to complete the elegant look.
Traditional African Clothing for Male
African wear for men is a diverse and vibrant topic that reflects the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the continent. There are many types of African clothing for men, such as dashiki, agbada, kaftan, and senator (African suit) outfits.
1. Senator
A senator outfit for men is a type of native attire that is popular in Nigeria and other African countries. It consists of a long shirt that falls just above the knee and a matching pair of trousers. The shirt can have different designs and can either have long or short sleeves.
The senator outfit can be worn for casual or formal occasions, such as weddings, parties, or meetings.
2. Dashiki
In addition to the senator outfit, another popular African clothing option for men is the dashiki. The dashiki is a loose-fitting shirt that originated in West Africa and is usually paired with trousers or shorts.
3. Kaftan
A kaftan is a type of embroidered, loose-fitting garment that originated in Asia and has now become extremely popular in West Africa.
Kaftans usually have fine embroidery or other designs and are made of cotton fabric or guinea brocade. They are worn for special occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, religious events, and birthday parties.
4. Agbada
The Agbada is a type of traditional attire that can be called a three-piece suit and is popular in Western and Northern Nigeria. It consists of a large, loose-fitting robe with wide sleeves, an inner long-sleeved shirt (kaftan), and a pair of trousers.
It was originally worn by only men across West Africa but is now becoming increasingly popular among women.
Agbada can be made with various fabrics, such as lace, aso-oke, guinea brocade, or ankara, and is often designed with stunning embroidery. Agbada is a symbol of elegance and prestige in West African society.
The agbada is a popular outfit for African grooms and is typically worn for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and important ceremonies. It is often accessorized with a matching cap (fila).
Traditional African Clothing Styles for couples
African couples usually have a tradition of wearing matching outfits to special occasions like weddings, family gatherings, church, wedding anniversaries, and cultural festivals.
You have the opportunity to create an exceptionally stunning and harmonious look as a couple when you opt for matching traditional African wear for any occasion
5 Accessories to Complement African Wear
Any outfit needs accessories to complete it, and African clothing is no exception. Here are a few accessories that can beautifully complement your African wear:
1. Headwraps/Headscarves:
A versatile accessory that can be worn in many different ways is a headwrap or headscarf (Gele, Dhuku, Doeks). It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics and gives any African outfit an elegant finishing touch.
2. Jewelry:
African jewelry is known for its vibrant colors and detailed designs. Coral beads, Maasai jewelry, Zulu beadwork, bracelets, and earrings made of beads, cowrie shells, or brass are all good choices. These accessories can give your outfit a pop of color and cultural flair.
3. Hat/Caps:
A hat is another accessory that men frequently use to complete their African attire. Whatever traditional headgear you choose, whether it’s a bowler hat or a traditional cap (fila), Tangaran or Bama, it will undoubtedly complete your outfit.
4. Walking Stick:
Another accessory that adds a touch of elegance to African men’s attire is a walking stick. This is usually used during special occasions like weddings by the groom, his parents, and chiefs. Walking sticks are carved from wood and usually have artistic designs that give them a sophisticated look.
5. Traditional Hand Fan:
These beautifully crafted fans not only provide relief from the heat but also add a stylish and cultural touch to the overall look. They can be made from leather, raffia, or feathers and come in a variety of designs.
