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African clothing in earlier times was not a necessity. In fact, it was so hot, many chose not to wear clothing at all. Instead, in those days, men and women decorated their bodies with painted designs and marked their skin with tattoos. The earliest clothing in Africa was primarily used to cover the intimate areas of the body and was simple in design.

Over time, the people of Africa began to use cloth made of cotton or the fiber of palms to sew together clothes. Initially, cloth was hand-woven, but with time, the weaving looms were used which allowed them to create more stylized patterns. The men wove the fabric and the women decorated it.

Women's mudcloth dress

The most widely-known fabrics are:

• Mud Cloth: this cloth is textured and has brown and beige designs. Mud cloth comes from Mali.
• Kente Cloth: From Ghana, this type of cloth comes in both silk and cotton.
• Tufted Kuba: Cloth: From the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this cloth originates.

Each region of Africa has its own type of cloth that it predominantly uses. Almost all of the styles of the various regions are loose-fitting robe-like garments designed for coolness in the hot weather. Often, African styles resemble the Roman toga. The many toga-like robes can be seen in the various areas. For example, in Nigeria and Senegal, the boubou is popular. In Nigeria, the agbada and riga are worn. And, the dansiki is worn in western Africa. In northern Africa, the Muslim influence is seen in the style of dress.

Like all cultures, Africa was influenced by trade with other nations and the clothing styles reflect that. When traders began to come from other continents, there was an influx of different materials and jewels to use in the clothing designs. New types of beads were brought in and these beads began to decorate the various garments. As more contact with Europeans emerged, they too introduced Western clothing to Africa. Nowadays, it is commonplace to see jeans and t-shirts as often as the traditional African clothes others wear.

Knowing about the origins and evolution of African clothes helps us better understand our heritage and how these dynamic clothes have stood the test of time and are still as beautiful today as they were in yesteryears. The choices are vast when seeking African clothes, and the history only makes the choices more fascinating to make.

African clothing has a rich history and the designs still reflect the uniqueness and depth of the culture. When you wear an African clothing choice, you are carrying with you all of the history and beauty of that culture. Evolving over time, the clothes show much about the people and the climate of Africa. The colors and choices of beads used in certain items were used originally to distinguish one tribe from another. Also, the types of material used were those available in different geographic locations of Africa.

In Ghana, Kente cloth was used and was designed with rich and vibrant colors. The Mali tribes were known for their beautiful mud cloth with identifiable brown and beige patterns. And, there was the Kuba cloth worn frequently by those in the Congo.

Man wearing a boubou

Because of the climate, all of the designs have an almost toga-like and flowing shape to them. The heat has always been a factor in the design of African clothing. In Nigeria and Senegal, the women and the men wear boubous, loose-fitting wrap-like robes that are easy to wear and comfortable. They are colorful and pretty, but they are also functional.

When you want to create a unique style, African clothing provides you with the options to create your own style. The style will reflect both who you are and what heritage you are celebrating.

For men, a beautiful and elegant dashiki is a great choice with matching pants. The traditional dashiki is loose-fitting and displays fine colors and styles. For women, a gorgeous mud-print dress is an excellent choice. These African clothes are well-made and durable, but they are also going to give you a look that others will admire and want to emulate.

Adding jewelry to your African clothing ensemble is also a nice way to give your style more flavor. The jewelry is mystical looking and will make you feel that you are somehow connected to the rich spiritual aspects of African culture when you wear it. From the beautiful cowry-bead necklaces to the mysterious crescent-moon necklaces and earrings, African designs are a splendid choice. The jewelry worn in ancient times in Africa was almost always worn for religious or spiritual practices, thus the designs still reflect these qualities.

African clothes and jewelry will make you a stand-out on any occasion. Diversify your look and add some of the great designs here on our site.

Whatever your tastes or budget, you are sure to find African jewelry that is inspiring. The jewelry is made of some of the most beautiful materials and these designs have an almost magical ability to transform any outfit into something more original and more beautiful.

Crescent Moon Wooden African Jewelry

One of the choices you might consider in African jewelry is the crescent moon wooden jewelry set. With a mystical flavor, the crescent moon necklace is a stand-out. In a rich black color made of many crescent moons, the necklace makes you feel like magic when you wear it. The necklace comes with matching earrings and this ensemble really is a show-stopper.

Another unique African jewelry choice is the 7 layer beaded necklace and earring set, available in blue or red. This dynamic ensemble displays the bold style associated with jewelry worn now and in ancient times in Africa.

The cowry shell necklace is also a must-have for serious shoppers. If you want a necklace that truly says “African heritage” then the cowry necklace is the right choice for you. At one time the cowry shell was the most common type of currency used in Africa. So, the cowry shell necklace ties you with your ancient African roots and displays just how beautiful you really are.

African seed necklaces are gorgeous and they create a subtle and lovely look. Accent your outfit with these beautifully-designed necklaces and you are sure to receive much admiration. Made from colorful seeds, these necklaces are a great choice.

Another option to help you complete your look is the stone bead choker and bracelet set. A popular option for lovers of African clothes and jewelry, this ensemble is made of silver and has emerald and burgundy-colored stones graciously set within it. Not a flashy or gaudy choice, but rather one of simple and understated elegance, this piece of African jewelry is guaranteed to make your outfit shine brighter.

With so many choices, African jewelry is a nice selection to add to any woman seeking fashion-forward designs with an eye toward the past. Elegant and simple, beautiful and functional, African jewelry is something that every woman would love. Get inspired by African heritage and add some of the African jewelry styles we offer at Your African Clothing Shop. We have something for everyone.

Kids love to make a fashion statement, and when it comes to African clothing, there are a number of choices that your children will be excited to wear. From the multi-colored fabrics to the great hats and fun styles, African clothes offer styles and varieties which are ideal for school, special events or just rolling out to a backyard cookout.

Children's African Clothing

For girls, there are some beautiful choices. Take for example the girl’s embroidered brocade set. This outfit comes in black or white. The outfit consists of a beautiful top with a gold-accented v-neck and a matching skirt. The ensemble is versatile and comfortable and your little girl will love showing off her African heritage while wearing it. Another nice option is the girls tie-dye dress. This dress is casual and easy to wear and comes in a lovely lavender color with white tie-dye accents. The little lady in your life will enjoy showing her style in this African clothing design for kids.

For boys, there are some equally nice options. How about the dashiki shorts set for the little gents? These African designs are sporty and beautiful at the same time. Made of comfortably soft cotton, the dashiki shorts set is perfect for an afternoon get-together, school or any occasion you can imagine. Another choice is the Kenti children’s pant set. These colorful outfits are reflective of African heritage and they are also unique. Your young man will splash out in this chic option. Also, there is the embroidered brocade pantsuit for young men. These outfits come in black or white and are accented with gold.

Kids love to learn about their heritage, and letting them help you select their African clothing is a great way to introduce them to a little history lesson. You can talk to them about how African clothes have evolved and why they are designed as they are. For instance, you can discuss the fact that most of the clothes and their colors represent various aspects of culture. Also, the way they are made is reflective of the culture they were created. Using African clothing to teach your children will make them more eager to show off their clothes and to share their knowledge with others.

Summer is on the way and it might be time to think about introducing some great African styles into your kids’ wardrobes.

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.