We Africans love to party hard, and one thing you won’t miss at our events is the elegant display of our traditional African clothing. Yes, we know how to slay with style. 

Traditional African clothing is one of the symbols of our rich cultural heritage. It displays the beauty in our diversity. Different countries and ethnic groups across the continent have different styles of clothing that are unique to them. 

In the past, these traditional clothing were reserved for special events and occasions. But today, creative fashion designers like our fantastic team at Kainene have found a way to incorporate these traditional materials and designs into everyday clothing. 

If you are a sucker for Afro-centric fashion, get in here. Let’s show you some traditional African clothing that can inspire your style for this season.

Lists of Traditional African Clothing You Should Know

Here’s a comprehensive list of tradition clothing from different parts of Africa that can inspire you to switch up your style.

1. Kente

Kente is a unisex traditional African clothing from the Ashanti and Ewe people of Ghana. The fabric is woven from silk and cotton into different vibrant colours and patterns. Rumour has it that each colour and design has a meaning. Kente can be sewn into any clothing of your choice; shirt, dress, trousers, skirt, wrapper, etc.

2. Iro and Buba

Iro and Buba (popularly called Iro ati Buba) are common among Yoruba women in Nigeria. It is a five-piece clothing which includes the Iro, Buba, Pele, Iborun, and of course, your Gele. This outfit is the perfect asoebi combo for weddings. 

First, you wear the Buba, a loose blouse that gives you that rich aunty vibe. Then, tie the Iro, a large wrapper, to fit around your waist. To compliment your look, you can tie a short fabric called Pele on top of your Iro. Then, drape the Iborun (long scarf) over your left shoulder. Now, complete that look with a matching Gele.

Ideally, aso oke is the fabric used for Iro and Buba. But now, you can use other materials like lace, cotton, and chiffon.

3. Boubou

The Boubou is a large, classic, stylish robe that flows down to your ankle. It has flappy sleeves and measures about 150-300 cm long, depending on your height and style. Although originally from Senegal, its popularity has spread across other African countries. 

In Nigeria, it is called Agbada or Babariga. Aha! Now, you get the gist. Before, it was only worn by men, but now, women have joined in the trend. When it comes to slaying in agbada, women seem to be giving men a run for their money. For women, the neck is sewn rounded and large, while men prefer their long and V-shaped. 

If you’ve never worn a boubou, add that to your list of styles to slay at the next wedding party.

4. Djellaba

Djellaba or Jillaba is a common traditional clothing in North Africa. It is a long, full-sleeved, and loose-fitting robe. It is so long that it practically sweeps the floor as you work. Before you ask, yes, it is unisex clothing. Djellaba are sewn with lightweight materials like silk, cotton, or wool. During religious festivals, men pair their djellabas with an Arab fez hat and babouche footwear.

5. Habesha Kemis

Habesha Kemis is the traditional African clothing of the Ethiopians. It is common among the Habesha women in Addis Ababa. It is a beautiful long flare gown that stretches from your neck to your ankles. Habesha Kemis is available in grey, beige, and white colours. It is sewn with cotton fabric and can be styled with short or long sleeves. 

6. Dashiki

We can’t talk about traditional African clothing without mentioning Dashiki. Dashiki is a unisex loose-fitting shirt with short or long sleeves and an embroidered v-shaped collar. It is the most popular traditional African clothing in the world. At one point, Dashiki trended so much that almost everyone could boast of owning a Dashiki shirt or dress. 

What you don’t know is that this clothing originated from the Ewe people of Ghana. That’s right! It is their trademark. What we love most about Dashiki is that it is super comfy. You can wear it for formal and informal occasions, depending on how you style it. Some people, like the Kenyans and Tanzanians, prefer to call it Kitenge or Makenzi. 

7. Kanzu

Kanzu is a white or cream dress worn by men in the Africa Great Lakes regions, including; Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is more popular in Uganda and is worn for weddings and special occasions. In the Western world, it is called Tunic, while the Arabs call it Thawb.

8. Shuka

Shuka is the traditional African clothing of the Massai people of Kenya and Tanzania. It is popularly called the ‘African Blanket’ and is made of red fabric with black stripes. In the good old days, it was worn by high-ranking community members as a sign of wealth and sophistication. Now, it’s gradually finding its way back into contemporary fashion.  

9. Isidwaba

Isidwaba, also known as Isikhakha, is a popular skirt among Zulu women. This skirt is made of pure leather from cowhide or goatskin and is designed with colourful mat-like fabric. 

Isidwaba is worn by betrothed or married women in South Africa. In some communities, fathers make the Isidwaba for their daughters from the cow given to them during their coming-of-age ceremony. Their daughters are expected to wear it on their wedding day. Interestingly, right? That’s the beauty of traditional African clothing. It is rooted in our culture and traditions.

10. Isiagu

Isiagu is a popular clothing among the Igbo people in South-East Nigeria. It is a long, loose-fitting shirt made from silk fabric. The word Isiagu translates to ‘the head of a lion’. Little wonder the cloth has the head of a lion emblazoned on it. It is usually worn over a pair of black trousers or knitted wrappers tied around the waist.

Isiagu is regarded as a royal attire and is by titled men for coronations and traditional meetings. It was a taboo for women to wear Isiagu, but the narrative has changed today. Women can rock Isiagu alongside men. Some even use it to sew their wedding dress. 

11. Toghu/Atoghu

Toghu cloth is popular among the Bamileke people of North-Western Cameroon. It is made of velvety black fabric and embroidered with colourful patterns. 

In the past, the Toghu was exclusive to men and women of royal descent. It was worn during coronations and traditional festivals to symbolise superiority over the commoners. As time evolves, it has become the go-to fabric for anyone who wants to slay in traditional African clothing. 

Conclusion

Now, that’s a long list of traditional African clothing you may want to add to your wardrobe. The good news is that there are no restrictions on how and where you can wear this outfit. So, feel free to explore and slay in your unique style. Check our digital store for bespoke African fashion styles made just for you.