Africa has had a major influence on western fashion. Jean-Paul Gaultier, Comme des Garcons, Yves Saint Laurent, and many others have drawn major inspiration from the cultural history and people of the continent. Several African traditions have been used as a rich, inspirational source.
Traditional African clothing is dated back thousands of years ago. Not only is the style of African clothing incredibly unique, but it also reflects the rich cultural history, symbolism, and tribalism of the continent. Africa is enriched with diverse cultures and people, and African fashion and clothing are indicative of all of their individualistic styles and preferences.
Over the course of time, African clothing has evolved and modernized a great deal to fit the latest fashion trends while still preserving the unique and distinctive essence of African culture. Today, the South African attire for ladies comes in a wide variety of designs, styles, colors, and fabrics. They can be styled for different occasions and events or even for casual day wear.
African garments are both functional and stylish. There are numerous designs and styles available, including clothing articles that are Egyptian, Nigerian, Ugandan, Ghanaian, Kanzu, Senegalese, etc. Each of the styles reflects their distinctive diversity and regionality.
The ethnic yet modern designs are not only incredibly versatile but provide a great means for aesthetically representing what the African culture and clothing is all about. African attires and garments are perfect for individuals who want to connect with both their ancestral past as well as the future generations.
The Most Popular African Styles
Dashiki
Dashiki is a unique and colorful clothing article that is worn as an upper-body garment. Women also wear the design, as we have witnessed in recent times, by getting it tailored into a maxi dress, dress-shirt, or some other creative cut.
When intended for casual wear, Dashiki is designed with minimal or no embroidery. For a formal event or occasion, however, it is designed using silk brocade and has beautifully detailed embroidery around the cuffs and on the neckline.
The origin of Dashiki can be traced down to its appropriateness to the warm and humid West African climate. Light and loose-fitting garments made from fleecy fabric such as brocade were perfect to beat the intense heat. In West Africa, Dashiki is prevalent in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
In the present day, Dashiki has made its way to the pop culture all across the globe, where both women and men love to wear it for Kwanzaa celebrations, Black History Month, fashion events, and even in the form of casual streetwear to embrace their pride in showcasing their culturally rich African roots.
Ankara
Other than being Turkey’s capital, Ankara is also a West African term referred to as a colorful African fabric. It is also known as ‘Holland wax’, ‘African print’, and ‘Kitenge’. The Ankara clothing is popular for the vibrant and bold designs that are associated with Africa because of its historical motifs and tribal symbols.
Ankara fabric comes in a wide assortment of unique African prints such as florals, pattered, or animal prints, where every individual can find something that matches their taste and preferences. It has been used to design beautiful tops and dresses that accentuate women’s figures. There is also a huge variety of Ankara tops with matching pants for men.
Ankara fashion is not only incredibly chic and stylish but is also super comfortable and fun to wear. African printed Ankara clothing can help brighten up a depressing or dull office day or might make you stand out as a fun and elegant candidate during a job interview.
Kaftan
Kaftan is worn as a pullover robe in West Africa by both women and men. A Senegalese kaftan is essentially a pullover men’s robe designed to have long bell-shaped sleeves. It is an ankle-length garment and is usually worn with matching drawstring pants, known as tubay.
The kaftan is a traditional loose and long garment that is prevalently worn in West Africa as well as regions of Morocco and Algeria. They are usually worn for special events but can also be worn as casual streetwear. Certain kaftan designs are very long, and they are worn as a dress. The design of a kaftan can be both simple or has some embellishments around the center front.
Kente
Kente is a type of cotton and silk fabric that is designed from interwoven cloth strips and is instinctive to the Akan tribe living in Ghana. It is an expensive, luxury fabric that was originally designed for royals of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana.
The weaving process is considerably labor-intensive and intricate and is done using a handloom. Each pattern and color is reflective of a distinct meaning. Kente has made its way to the modern popular culture, where large machines are used to print the fabric in bulk.
Brocade
African garments, including dresses and kaftans, can be embellished with a distinctive and beautiful embroidery, known as brocade, which is also famous in East Africa. A plain-colored material is normally used for the main section of the garment, and a skilled embroidery artisan creates and stitches his or her design on the top.
The embroidery is commonly placed down the neckline, around the sleeves’ cuffs, and on the hem. The golden thread is used to add an exquisite shine and richness. This is commonly worn for formal occasions and evening events.
Where to Buy African Clothing
Nowadays, some of the top clothing brands take inspiration from traditional African clothing and prints and modernize those designs into contemporary pieces of clothing while still preserving the authentic and rich African style. African brands are persistently growing and evolving their branding to keep track of the latest and renowned trends.
Kenny Apparels is an online clothing store that stocks contemporary chic clothing articles inspired by African fashion and culture. Online shopping is a great way to explore the world of African clothing and favorite designs that you can proudly add to your existing wardrobe.
