In Africa, our culture and our heritage are worth showcasing to the world. Culture is not just the traditional practices and folklore of the people. Culture includes the traditional attires worn by the people. The African culture is rich in every way including its fabric and choice of dress. Among the various peoples of Africa, a lot of beautiful fabrics are available and over the years, gorgeous new styles have emerged. These fabrics and styles serve as tools that showcase the unique tradition of the African people. We will be taking a journey through Africa, from East Africa to South Africa, and finally to West Africa. Join me!

Fabrics and Styles From Ghana

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The Gonja Cloth

The Gonja cloth is handwoven by the Gonja people of northern Ghana. This fabric is made from cotton and usually appears in muted colors like grey, black, and sometimes blue. Meaningful patterns are woven into the fabric by small scale weavers who are predominantly female. The popular way of wearing this fabric is by sewing it into a smock called

However, in recent times, Gonja cloth has gotten some International attention and has seen use in the production of suits, jackets, crop tops, and other female clothing. This fabric is of high quality and durable.

The Kente Cloth

The Ghanaian Kente cloth is the love child of the Gonja cloth. Also made from cotton, the Kente’s distinguishing features are that it tends to come in brighter colors and is usually worn by royalty or for important events such as weddings.

Fabrics And Styles From Kenya

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The Shuka Fabric

The Shuka is a vivid plaid-like fabric worn by the Maasai men of Kenya. It is a colorful mixture of red fabric with white, black, or blue stripes. It is strong, durable, and helps the wearer withstand extreme weather conditions. Although the Shuka might not have originated from Kenya(which is quite obvious considering its similarity to plaid) but it has become a national fabric for the people of Kenya and is quickly gaining global recognition.

Fabrics And Styles From Egypt

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The Gallibaya Fabric

The Gallibaya is made of cotton and embroidered with silk threads. It is worn on top of a Sserual (trousers) and is both the traditional and national dress for Egyptian men.

Fabric And Styles From South Africa

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The Shweshwe

This is the traditional South African fabric. It is made from cotton fabric which is then dyed with colors like indigo, blue, brown, and red in geometric patterns. It can be worn for any occasion.

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The Mandiba

The Mandiba fabric is a south African fabric popularized by the great Nelson Mandela. He was said to have worn this formally casual fabric to formal occasions thereby elevating it’s worth in the fashion world. This fabric is made from silk and is usually loose-fitting.

Fabric And Styles From Nigeria

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The Adire

Adire is indigo dyed cloth produced by Yoruba women in the Southwest part of Nigeria. It is usually made by soaking the fabric in a variety of dyes and creating beautiful patterns. Adire can be used to sew a variety of styles for men. From casual to sophisticated styles.

See Also

African Tales: The Witch Tree

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The George

The Nigerian George, judge, or jioje fabric is a beautiful fabric that consists of colorful chiffon-like fabric embroidered the top and bottom and worn for parties and festivities such as weddings and burials. The George fabric comes in a variety of colors and prices. It is the traditional dress of the Urhobo, and Isoko people of the Niger delta are in Nigeria.

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The Ankara

If there’s anything like a staple native attire worn by all in Nigeria, then that is the Ankara. This fabric cuts across all the ethnic groups in Nigeria and can be worn on any occasion. In recent times, Ankara has been used to sew revolutionary styles and in the making of dinner gown, sweatshirts and tuxedos. The beauty of this style is it can be sewn in different ways that’s still somehow modern and trendy. Here are some ideas for you. Enjoy.

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The Isi Agu

The Isi agu fabric is of Igbo origin. It is made from wool which gives it a soft texture. It is usually very expensive and is mostly worn at traditional weddings and other important events. It features colors such as red, white, and brown. The name Isi agu translated into Igbo means “lions head”.

As you can see, I wasn’t bragging when I said that African fabrics are excellent. Thank you for taking this ride with me. Please tell me in the comment box, which of these fabrics you admire most.

See you later. 😘