April 30th, 2009 in African Clothing | No Comments »
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.
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.
March 18th, 2009 in African Clothing, African Handbags, African Jewelry, Cowry, Dashiki | No Comments »
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.
