Archive for the ‘African Clothing’ Category

African-inspired belt

If you want to give your jeans flavor, add an African-designed belt to make them truly stand out. These colorful and beautifully-crafted belts give anyone wearing them a sense of flair and style. There are several different styles to choose from, and any woman will be happy to add one to her wardrobe. African clothes and African jewelry are gorgeous, and African belts accentuate any outfit.

There are many choices available, including several cowry-shell belts. Some of them come in black and red, others are solid white. Whatever your choice, these cowry shells make an impression. Other choices include a stylish African leather belt, as well as a Rasta-style belt featuring red, green and yellow stripes.

The cowry shell belts are some of the most popular. Did you know that cowry shells were originally used in Africa as a form of currency? In fact, African traders preferred cowry shells over gold and silver when taking currency for the goods they sold to Europeans. Over the course of time, cowry shells made their way to Egypt where the shells were believed to have magical properties. Indeed, cowry shells by the thousand were found in the Pharaoh’s tombs.

When you wear a cowry-shell belt, you will bring not only attention for the beauty of the design, but also because of the rich history these shells carry. Some of the magic and mystery of the cowry can help bring you luck in adding flavor and beauty to your wardrobe.

Whatever choices you make, African belts are a must-have for anyone who wants to celebrate their African heritage with something beautiful and inspiring. The cowry shell is highly durable and will last for years to come, while never going out of style. With all of the many choices for African clothing, you are sure to find what you want.

Find the perfect cowry-shell, leather or Rasta-style belt to add to your jeans and add flavor to your look. With a traditional appeal and a modern feel, the cowry-shell belt will work for you and get you the attention you deserve.

Afrian-Inspired Dress

When you wear African clothing, you can create your own unique look while also celebrating the rich history and tradition held within the African clothes you wear. The colors, fabrics and designs of African clothes are elegant and beautiful, yet simple and durable. When you wear African clothes, you are reaching back to the very cradle of life. The history of these clothes runs deep.

According to historians, the first clothes worn in Africa were made of leather and fur. The first jewelry was made of sea shells and feathers. Over many thousands of years, the clothing choices became more varied and were made for comfort and coolness. The climate in Africa can be relentlessly hot, so the clothes were made to reduce the effects of the heat.

Some of the earliest clothes were made of pounded tree bark that was cut into pieces and sewn together. Also, people pounded cloth from raffia palms. African clothes made from this bark were dyed in a rich indigo color, the same color dye we use to make denim turn blue today. The men worked the fabric and the women designed it.

Over time, the practice of weaving cloth became the norm and looms began to be used. Linen, wool and cotton became the most popular forms of cloth and were the primary textiles used to make African clothing.

Though times and tastes have changed, you can still see the rich history of Africa in the African clothes you buy. They are still made of beautiful colors and cotton fabrics. The way the clothes are designed and decorated is still reflective of the culture from which the clothes were derived. The cool, flowing designs and the easy wear of them is appropriate for anyone who wants to celebrate their culture through their clothes.

If you want to create a unique look with your African clothing, start out with a nice dashiki pant set. These come in a variety of colors and designs and they also come in unisex styles, so anyone can wear them. The dashiki is often the first choice among those new to African style. After that, try out some cowry shell necklaces or belts to accent your outfit and add some flavor to your African clothing wardrobe.

Whatever your age or size, you will find something you love at YourAfricanClothing Shop.com. The styles are beautiful and the clothes will last for many years to come.

African outfit with matching Kufi Hat

Authentic African clothing provides men, women and kids with all the colorful and dynamic options they want when dressing to celebrate their rich African heritage. These African clothes are versatile and long-lasting and they never go out of style. The history and tradition of African clothing is long and intriguing, and one item that comes from this lasting culture is the kufi hat, an absolute must-have for men.

The kufi hat comes from West Africa where men have worn it for years. The hat is brimless and rounded to fit to the shape of the head. Often, you see older men in West Africa wearing a kufi hat each and every day. For them, the hat is a symbol of their status as wise older patriarchs. African Muslims can be seen wearing the hats on Fridays for their prayers. In recent years, kufi hats have made their mark in American hip-hop culture, but they may also be seen on the heads of any man who wants to show his cultural heritage.

Kufi hats are available in a range of colors and styles. There are knitted kufi hats, rasta-style kufi hats, Kente cloth kufi hats and others. The crown style kufi hat is worn with formal outfits and is often made in white.  Most frequently, kufis are worn with dashikis as part of the formal outfit.

The kufi hat is one of the many beautifully designed caps that you can find at YourAfricanClothingShop.com. The hats are durable and stylish and offer any man who wears them the opportunity to celebrate his heritage while simultaneously celebrating his own unique style.

The Fulani straw hat is another popular choice. The Fula people of West Africa make these hats and they are both beautiful and practical. The wide brim of the hat is perfect for hot summer afternoons when you need to shield your face and eyes from the sun.

An African hat is one choice that any man can appreciate. African clothes provide a way to get the African textures, fabrics and styles that will make your wardrobe a real standout. For any man in your life, a kufi hat will offer him a chance to display his heritage with style. Celebrating African culture with African clothes and hats is a dynamic and artistic way to make a statement.

A Cowry Shell Necklace Set

African jewelry is beautiful and durable. Your African clothing wardrobe would not be complete without the addition of exquisite African jewelry. The cowry shell necklace is one great choice. But, first, let’s consider the history of the cowry shell.

The shells of cowries were used in centuries past as a form of currency. They were originally used in Africa for this purpose, but later they were used in ancient China and India as currency as well. The cowry is actually the shell of a mollusk or snail and cowry shells come in various colors.

In ancient Egypt, the cowry shell was considered to have magical properties. Explorers have uncovered thousands of cowry shells inside the Pharaoh’s tombs. History reveals that the traders of Africa preferred cowry shells as currency even when gold or silver were also offered as possibilities.

Cowries are reputed to have been use in ceremonies and for divination purposes to read the future. They are also believed to have been used as talisman to ward off problems or bad spirits.

Because of the beauty of these shells, they were eventually used for making jewelry. In Europe, Cowry shells were often worn in necklace form as an amulet to ward off the evil eye and/or to bring good fortune when trying to have children. The cowry shell is durable, long-lasting, and can be enjoyed for many years.

Cowry shells are beautiful and there are many necklaces, earrings, and other accessories that adorn them. When you select a cowry shell necklace, you will be sure to find others admiring it. And, since they were coveted and utilized in Africa, these jewels are a great way to celebrate and reflect your African heritage.

African cowry shell necklaces and belts are a great addition to any African clothing wardrobe. African jewelry immediately tells others that you are proud of whom you are and that you want others to know about your culture. Celebrating one’s ethnic background is important, and African jewelry is one way to do it.

The mysterious, magical cowry shell necklace or belt will not only add flavor to your outfit, but it will imbue you with some of the magic and beauty that they represent. Think about adding several cowry designs to your African clothing wardrobe today!

A trio wearing dashikis

A great choice in African clothing is the dashiki. Whether you want the full dashiki outfit, including matching pants, or simply a dashiki top, you are sure to enhance your style with African inspired clothing.

The dashiki is a garment that is worn in West Africa and it has been popular there for many years. Originally, only men wore dashikis, but now, you can find them in unisex styles. In the 1960s, dashikis became more popular in the west with the rise of the black power movement and the political struggles that many African-Americans faced at that time. Dashikis are a great way to express your African cultural heritage and African style.

An informal dashiki is typically embroidered or displays a mud-print design. The formal dashiki commonly worn by Christians, Muslims or followers of traditional African religion, is made for men. This includes a top and a pair of matching drawstring trousers. Usually, a kufi hat is worn with this attire. Most often this style of dashiki is worn by the bridegroom at weddings.

A traditional dashiki has a shirt that comes down about mid-thigh.  A long dashiki suit includes a shirt that comes down to the knees or longer. There are also more delicate and detailed dashiki suits with a shirt made of lace.

The designs are robust and varied. You can find short-sleeved unisex dashikis, mud-print dashikis, Ethiopian star dashikis or tie-dye dashikis. They come in a variety of colors, ensuring that you are able to select a design that best suits your individual tastes.

The dashiki is a must-have piece of African clothing. The dashiki speaks of ancient times on the continent of Africa and celebrates the life and the beauty of that land. The dashiki also celebrates your sense of style and your fashion flavor. The African clothing you wear is simply an outer manifestation of your ethnic background. You will be sure to attract admiration and respect when wearing African clothes.

Whatever your age, your gender or your outlook, if you want to wear a piece of African clothing that truly expresses rich and deep history, while simultaneously looking attractive and unique, then the dashiki is the right choice for you. Pair it with jeans or with matching pants and a cowry necklace, and you will make a statement that will demonstrate your style and heritage.