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Clothing in Africa 1

Clothing in Africa

A woman in Kenya wearing kanga

African clothing is the traditional clothing, often vibrantly coloured,

worn by the indigenous peoples of Africa. In some instances these

traditional garments have been replaced by western clothing introduced

by European colonialists.

Urban Algerian man wearing a burnous (woolencloak)

In Northeastern Africa, particularly in Egypt, styles of traditional dress

have been influenced by Middle Eastern culture, this can be

exemplified by the simply embroidered Jellabiya which are similarly

worn in the Gulf states. The Northwest Africans in contrast, were less

influenced by foreign elements and remained more in antiquity. The

Djellaba (worn in Northwest Africa) shares similar properties with the

Grand boubou, the Dashiki, and the Senegalese kaftan although it is

less stylized than the Dashiki.

In Sahelian Africa, the Dashiki, Senegalese kaftan, and the Grand

boubou are worn more prominently, though not exclusively (the

Bògòlanfini, for instance, is worn in Mali). The Dashiki is highly

stylized and is rendered with an ornate V-shaped collar. In contrast the

Grand boubou is simpler, even more so than the Djellaba, though the

color designs reach impressive proportions, especially among the

Tuareg, who are known for their beautifully dyed indigo robes.

In East Africa, the Kanzu is the traditional dress worn by Swahili

speaking men. Women wear the Kanga and the Gomesi.

In Southern Africa distinctive shirts are worn. For instance, South Africa is known for the Madiba shirt, whereas,

Zimbabwe is known for the Safari shirt.

In the Horn of Africa, the attire varies by country. In Ethiopia, men wear the Ethiopian dashiki and women wear the

Ethiopian coffee dress. In Somalia, men wear the khameez with a small cap called a koofiyad.

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Clothing in Africa 2

Used western clothing

There exist non-profit organizations in western societies that sell used clothes to for-profit companies in Africa.

These "white man's clothes" are quite common in some parts of the continent. This used clothing is called  Mitumba

in some areas and is surrounded by some controversy. Critics point to it as a threat to local clothing manufacturers

and complain that it exploits consumers. Others argue that this used clothing provides useful competition for often

expensive and low quality local products. The fact that it is available in street markets even in countries that have

banned it suggests a willing consumer appetite for mitumba.

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Article Sources and Contributors 3

Article Sources and ContributorsClothing in Africa  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=396774412 Contributors: Addshore, Aelfthrytha, Anak 1, BanyanTree, Chitrapa, Circeus, Closedmouth, Deltabeignet,

Dfrg.msc, Dreadstar, FayssalF, Husond, Iridescent, It's-is-not-a-genitive, JavierMC, Jopparn, Jpeeling, Kelly Martin, Kotra, LFaraone, Lenticel, Link3710, Malo, Munci, Nappywun,

Oxymoron83, PKM, Pearle, RHaworth, Rettetast, Revolución, Riverdale78, Rjwilmsi, Simeon H, Smjg, Sunika391, TheEditrix, Themfromspace, Trilemma, Trueblue74, Wackymacs,

Zackofalltrades, ZooFari, 77 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:KangaSiyu1.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:KangaSiyu1.jpg  License: Public Domain Contributors: User:Petrberka

File:Burnus sulla spalla.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Burnus_sulla_spalla.jpg  License: Public Domain Contributors: Kilom691, MesserWoland, Vermondo, Wst

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