How Your African Dress Sense Tells so much about You

African dresses are made in such a way that it exudes the significance of traditions, histories and beliefs. They are usually distinct, beautiful, colourful and graceful in their different attires. Here are different traditional attires and how they tell so much about you.

Namibians: The traditional attire of the “Herero” people of Namibia is of great interest, it says a lot about their history and customs. Their dress is traditionally called ohorokova; it is made of colorful wide skirts with layers and worn with petticoats. It is a constant reminder of their struggles and perseverance when their tribe almost were almost wiped out by the Germans. 

This dress is accompanied with a horned hat, Herero people are cattle breeders this hat reminds them of their heritage.

Chadians: Chadians are mainly nomads, farmers and Muslims. Their religion and occupation has a great influence on their dress sense, as their clothes are head-to-toe robes. The men attire are long robes called “jalabiyas” and a long turban-like headgear called tagiya wrapped around their heads and necks. Women wear wraps called rabbot or pagne, a scarf called lafai is usually wrapped around their body.

Moroccans: The exquisiteness of the Moroccan clothing is evident during their weddings their dress are usually adorned with beadings and embroideries. Their traditional clothing for both men and women is djellaba, a long loose robe, long-sleeved and hooded. Djellabas are originated from the Berber culture in Morocco. The hood is a significant detail of the djellabas it protects the wearer against the harsh weather in the Morocco deserts.

On special occasions they wear a cap called fez, the women also wear Moroccan kaftan a long tunic long-sleeved robe worn with belt [mdama].

Ethiopians: This is a peculiar country endowed beautiful women, their clothes are made from beautiful white woven cotton. The women wear a cloth called habesha kemis made from shamma, woven in long stripes and then sewed together with little colorful patterns. The men and women wear a type of cloth called “Gabi” the elderly ones use this, it is made of four layers of cotton.

South Africans: this is another fascinating culture and dress sense, with multiple ethnic groups.  Their attires usually feature beaded fabrics and delicate colourful embroideries. The beaded necklaces are called ithmbu, also the iqhiya[scarfs] are worn by married women.

They have a thing for clothes to wear at different stages of their lives. In the Zulu culture the young lady wears her hair short with a skirt adorned with beads. When engaged her breasts is covered and she is allowed to grow her hair, married women cover their entire body with thick hides softened with animal fat and charcoal. Traditional hats worn by the married women are called izicolo.

The men wear long skirts and aprons, the Zulus love animal’s skin and leopard is their most revered hides. it is therefore reserved for only royalty.

Behind every African attire its culture, personality and significance. Every dress sense defines you and what you stand for.

 

Africa is a large and beautiful continent with diverse culture ranging from language, greetings, food and ofcus dressing. We know Africa dress to be fascinating and vibrant with colours depicting their pride and heritage. These Africa attire differs throughout each country.

    

       Come with me to South Africa to the great tribe, The Zulu. The Zulu are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. They are known for their distinctive style of communication and adornment through animal skin attire and beads. Their mode of dressing is captivating as you can know the status of the people in the community.

A young girl

She wears a short grass reed skirt embellished with beads with colours like green,blue,red,yellow,white and black. She keeps her hair short . The young girl wears nothing on top regardless of her bosom or weight. 

An engaged woman

She is allowed to cover her breast with a beautiful cloth to show her respect to her future family and they are also allowed to grow their hair

A married woman

She covers her entire body to indicate she is taken.

Zulu men

The men in Zulu dress in animal skin and only the majesty are allowed to wear leopard skin. Married men in Zulu shows they are married with the use of headbands. The most recognizable and quintessential adornment in Zulu is the circular shaped hat called "izicolo" which are worn by married women to protect them from sunThe Zulu believe that clothing is a crucial factor upon which the personality of an individual is anchored.

 

Clothes are an indispensable part of human existence. Clothing varies from brightly coloured textiles to adornments and necklaces. There is a saying that "your dressing or dress sense is a reflection of who you are". You can tell the tribe, or region a particular person belongs to by his or her dress. People will perceive, receive and address us by the way we dress.

Africa is a continent with a diversity of cultures and these include languages, customs, dressing, and food. African clothing is a symbol of art, status, and allegiance to African tribal roots. Different fabrics and patterns help to describe the personality of an African.

Tanzania is a country on the east side of Africa and is well known for its traditional dress called *Khanga*. Khanga is a piece of buoyantly decorated thin cotton cloth used as a garment by women.

Kitenge, Ankara, and Kente are fabrics when in East Africa, West Africa, and Central African respectively. Although, Kitenge is often used by women as a head wrap, chest wrap, or baby sling.

In South Africa, the Madiba shirt is worn by the male. The shirt became popular when it was worn regularly by the late Nelson Mandela.

Khamis are worn with a cap called Koofiyad by the Somalian.

Adire textile is made in southwestern Nigeria by Yoruba, it is made through the tie and dye techniques. There are various uses of Adire. It can be used as a throw pillow, furniture, curtain, drapes, table cloth, napkin, and apron.

Aso Oke is also a fabric that is handwoven and worn among the Yoruba in West Africa. It is commonly used in weddings and traditional displays.