How to Wear African Clothing and Head Wear

African clothing is traditionally related to the local customs and could signify religious or tribal affiliations. Today both traditional and modern African fashion clothing are available internationally. Since Africa is comprised of 54 countries and numerous diverse cultures, it can be difficult for an outsider to understand how to wear African clothing appropriately. It is important to learn the proper way to wear African clothing to avoid inappropriate dress and to experience the authentic fashion.

• Research the clothing of African countries in magazines and online fashion sites. Select a type of clothing for your region of choice. Notice how models wear the clothing, including the way garments fasten and the amount of body coverage provided.


• Learn the customs for wearing a garment appropriately. For example, West African Muslim men wear the grand boubous, flowing robes decorated with detailed embroidered designs, at special occasions or religious events. Additionally, women should wear modest clothing that covers the ankles, arms and chest when visiting a Muslim country in Africa. The thobe, a North African long gown with embroidered panels, is appropriate modest dress for many Muslim countries.


• Wear a grand boubous set of trousers, shirt and robe together. Put on the trousers (sokoto) and secure the tie fastener. Slip on the long-sleeve shirt (dashiki) and then place the sleeveless robe over it. 


• Put on East African kangas, a type of patterned rectangular cloth, like a wrap dress. Kangas are traditionally worn in pairs (doti). Fold one end of the kanga over your right shoulder, then wrap it over your left shoulder and then place the rest of the around your waist, tucking in the ends. Take another kanga and fold it around your waist so that it hangs long towards your feet. Tie the ends at your waist. Other single kanga folding variations involve wrapping the cloth just over one shoulder in a long dress or creating a flowing, sleeveless dress by wrapping the dress over the chest, leaving shoulders bare.


• Dress in a long-sleeve, ankle-length kaftan for authentic kaftan fashion. Add a belt or sash for a modern look. Include trousers with shorter versions of the kaftan. The kaftan is prevalent in many countries ranging from North to South Africa throughout the continent.


• Pick a head wear (gelee) folding pattern for the desired look. Head wear consists of scarves and kangas that can be folded in multiple designs to complement an outfit. A basic African head wear is a long scarf folded into a turban shape. Place the scarf under the length of your hair and tie two ends together at beginning of the hairline near the forehead. Gather both ends of the scarf over your hair length and bring the opposite ends together. Roll the scarf to create the desired folding pattern. Fasten the remaining scarf ends at the back of the head.