May 7th, 2009 in African Clothing, Dashiki | No Comments »
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.
April 10th, 2009 in African Clothing, Dashiki | No Comments »
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.
