African outfits boasts of a rich history, one that reflects pain and triumph. It intertwines a history of Africans who arrived in the United States in the 16th century. During that period, African’s outfits were forced on them due to slavery that was still very rampant. Their masters gave meager clothing and wearable hairs as a means of survival and sign of assimilation. Thanks to their innate resilience, blacks found ways to evolve the meager clothing to dresses that symbolized a freedom of self-expression. That’s a story for another day.
For decades, this evolution of Afro outfits has been researched and widely depicted on various films. The African fashion industry has and still remains the best in promoting culture and black progress. Evidently, African American fashion designers excel in unique pieces that not only fascinate black people but also all people around the world who have a taste for vibrant fashions.
Talking of outfits, always find and wear what’s great for you. Something that makes you feel good and brings you satisfaction. One major such purchase that never disappoints is Afro outfits. Apart from helping you brand yourself, they increase self esteem and promote your advocacies. Shopping for African fashion is undoubtedly therapeutic, they are integrated into every part of our lives.
Has there been a better time to be fashionable-forward than any other time? For me, there are two. One was in the 60’s. Some people refer to it as the ugly decade but I see nothing to dislike about the fashion back then. Old is gold. In fact, most of the 70’s fashion is currently being replicated in fashion markets all over the world.
The other time to be fashion-forward is right now. The world today is very individualistic. Today’s Afro fashion industry has perfectly been designed to help us express our personality. It has been more acceptable than ever. It’s a melding of different interesting times with hundred’s trends occurring concurrently, something that has never been seen before. If you are a fashion enthusiast, chances are African style is one of the way you will want to express yourself. Below are some of African outfits of the day that have made their mark on world culture.
Kitenge/Chitenge
It is an inexpensive fabric made from several colors and patterns. They are normally worn by women in the East, West and Central parts of Africa. They are often wrapped around the waist or chest and can be used as headscarf or baby slings. Over last few decades, Kitenge styles have become very popular. They are likened to Ankara fabric. In Africa, these prints are also customized with political slogans. Kitenge clothes can be worn to occasions that are for practical or symbolic reasons. Lately, they have become popular as fashion statements in pop culture among the youths in Africa by incorporating them in other clothing like trousers and hoodies.
Kanzu
It’s an ankle length white robe worn by men in African Great Lakes region. It serves different meanings to different communities in Africa. For instance, Kanzu is a national clothing in Tanzania and Comoros, while in Kenya and Uganda it is normally associated with the Muslim men. It originated from Arabic thobe.
Isiagu
This is a pull over shirt that’s popular among the Isiagu community of Igbo land in Nigeria. The shirt can either be short or long sleeved and is normally worn during wedding celebrations. These shirts normally have a breast pocket. Traditionally, the shirts were meant for men who had achieved chieftaincy title in their community. Isiagu is normally worn with a leopard cap.
Alasho
This is long turban worn across the head and neck by the Hausa people who occupy the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Its usage today has dwindled.
Alasho is seldom worn by men during important traditional ceremonies such as marriages, boys’ circumcision and passage rites or during an inauguration ceremony of a leader.
Jillaba
It is a loose fitting unisex robe widely worn in North Africa. It’s made from either industrial fabric or got hair. It comes with different lengths, full sleeves and a hood.
Kiondo
Though it’s not really an outfit, they go a long way in accentuating other outfits. Kiondo is a handbag made from sisal and finished with leather trimmings. They originated from the central and coastal tribes of Kenya. It takes up to two weeks for a weaver to complete one Kiondo bag. Sometimes a Kiondo can be decorated using beads and shell. With the imposition of ban against the usage of plastic bags in Kenya, Kiondo are slowly becoming popular again with the West African countries importing this unique handbag.
Bottom Line
It’s very important that we all represent beauty that is diverse yet very inclusive. The chic and very stylish African outfits should always up our prominence. In a very evident sense, the 21st century continues to adopt African American fashion culture in many aspects of life. The Afro outfits are the best in adorning your look and in boosting your confidence. So neatly tailored, extremely glamorous. Undoubtedly, they will make you stand out in any occasion. We may lack much to pride ourselves in, but, African outfits are something we must feel proud of. If we don’t believe in ourselves, no one will.