Archive for the ‘Dashiki’ Category

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.

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.

Unisex Dashiki African clothes

If there is one thing that can be said definitively about African clothing it is that these clothes are versatile. You can see the versatility in the many unisex options that are available for your selection. So many of the African clothes you might select can be worn on any occasion and worn by men or women, depending on tastes.

One of the African clothing options you might choose is the unisex pantsuit made in gorgeous mud-print fabric. The fabric itself is durable and holds color well, so it’s easy to wash and wear these stylish outfits. In addition to versatility and functionality, the designs are fabulous. These great African clothes come in an array of colors and designs ranging from the simple to the more elaborate. Unisex outfits like these make a serious statement about your fashion-forward outlook and you can match outfits with your spouse for even greater effect.

Another nice unisex choice in African clothing is the dashiki. These gorgeous tops come in many colors and reflect the vibrant beauty of western Africa. You can still see many people in that region of Africa wearing these garments, and they definitely set you apart as someone who has good taste and also understands the heritage. The dashiki is comfortable and stylish, offering up the best of the traditional and the contemporary in its design.

If you are interested in a far Eastern flavor, you might try one of the unisex Thailand dashikis. The colors are typical of that island region with beautiful blues, whites and lavenders. Another nice option would be the unisex Ethiopian cross dashiki. Made in a lovely cream color and accented on the front with an Ethiopian cross, these dashikis are elegant and stylish.

And, finally, you might try a hat on for size. Though the kufi is traditionally worn by men, you can see women wearing these stylish hats more often than you would think. The kufi comes in many colors ranging from simple white or black to the more colorful rasta-inspired colors. Another option would be a nice Fulani straw hat. With the summer months coming soon, you might add one of these gorgeous and distinctive hats to your wardrobe. Not only are they beautiful, but they are practical for those hot afternoons when you need some shade.

African clothing is as diverse as the continent of Africa, and there is sure to be something that appeals to almost every taste. Check out the many unisex options and get your wardrobe amped up today.

There are so many choices when selecting African clothing for your wardrobe. There are African purses, African jewelry, African handbags, ethnic jewelry styles and a large variety of options. The diversity and richness of the clothes and accessories are part of the reason why they are so very desirable. Whether you want to spice up your look and add a dash of color and African style for effect, or you want to dress from head to toe in African clothes, there is something for everyone.

Woman wearing African Clothing style

Although variety and styles are abundant, there are five must-have African clothing styles that you need to get your hands on for the best look.

The Kaftan: In West Africa, women wear colorful and beautiful kaftans. These are pullover dresses called wrappers and they are made in vibrant colors with various degrees of ornamentation. The kaftans are typically worn during the hottest part of the year because of their comfort and coolness. The kaftan is traditionally worn with a headscarf to match it. The style is most commonly worn at formal occasions nowadays, but there are informal versions of the kaftan as well. When paired with African jewelry or an African handbag, the Kaftan is a great choice and a must-have for ladies.

The Dashiki Top: The dashiki is traditionally worn by men in West Africa, but the style has evolved now and both men and women wear the colorful dashiki tops. These tunic-like garments come in rich and beautiful colors and can be worn with jeans or casual pants to complete any African outfit.

The Kufi: For men who want to get into African clothing, the kufi is a must-have. These beautifully designed hats that fit close to the head create a fashion statement wherever they are worn. They come in many different colors and designs and are very stylish.

The Cowry Necklace: Cowry shells were once used as a form of currency in Africa, but now they are used as one of the most beautiful choices for African jewelry. You should definitely include a cowry shell necklace in your list of African clothing must-haves.

Mudprint Pant Set: Any African clothing wardrobe should include a mudprint pant set. These beautifully designed sets can be worn by men and women. This choice of attire is great for couples who want to wear matching outfits.