The traditional dresses and skirts of Africa are as diverse as the tribes that make up the African continent from; North Africa with the influence of Middle Eastern cultures to West Africa known in Ankara styles, and we don’t forget East Africa with Habesha Kemis, Mushanana, and Gomis.
South and Central Africa were also not left out. There’s the Togo, Samara, traditional Shweshwe designs, and the European-influenced style of the Nama people.
All these traditional dresses and skirts worn by African women are not just fashion items produced by African fashion houses but rather express the cultures of peoples and way of life and the influences that permeated their culture.
Traditional fabrics are also a part of these traditional dresses and skirts. The technology that gave birth to fabrics such as Malian Bògòlanfini, Adire of Yorubas, and Kente in Ghana was invented, perfected, and supported by the African men and women who continue to produce them to this day. Here is a list of 35 African traditional dresses and skirts that are the best selections for celebs from different places and cultures in Africa to start with;
35 Unique Traditional Dresses and Skirts
Let’s take a closer look at these 35 unique African traditional dresses and skirts from different tribes on the continent, and we won’t stop there. We’ll also look at how to wear these dresses and skirts, what physique would they look great on, and how to accessorize them.
Kitenge traditional dress style
Kitenge is the equivalent of the East African Print Fabric. It is a 100% cotton wax print and can be sewn into any Kitenge design you choose. Kitenge style is the same as Ankara, which is the common name in West Africa.
The difference between the two lies in the design and color of the fabrics, reflecting the local traditions and symbols unique to each region. Since Kitenge is a material that is meant to be grown, it is not selective by body structure.
Any pattern that catches your imagination is allowed, and you should be aware of prints; Some prints, for example, those with horizontal stripes, will make the look stand out, while vertical shapes will give you noticeable height. The above pattern is a classic women’s hourglass and pear-shaped design.
It shows off curves beautifully, while the quarter sleeves draw attention away from the heavy arms. This method succeeds in giving a slim look effortlessly.
Ankara traditional dress
In West Africa, Ankara print is the preferred material for sewing and design of your choice; It’s as versatile as you like, both in color and style. Ankara fabric is known for its colorful and trendy prints, and unique traditional dresses and skirts are always emerging.
This Ankara style is perfect for oblong, pear, and apple women; Note the A-line design that sits comfortably at the hips without protruding (for the rectangular and apple bodyshell) and the ruffled sleeves that add some volume to a smaller pear-shaped bodywork.
Shweshwe traditional skirt
Coming down to the southern part of Africa, you have a Shweshwe fabric similar to Ankara and Kitenge fabric, except that Shweshwe is a better print than the bold Ankara prints. Like the other two methods, Shweshwe can be stitched into any style of choice, like this pretty pleated skirt with a matching cropped top.
Pulling off these Shweshwe traditional dresses and skirts styles is a matter of confidence, not body structure, as this style applies to all body types. Your curves might not be flatter if you’re an hourglass, but this style will make heads turn. And you can match the skirt with different shirts!
Dashiki shirt dress
Dashiki is a unique garment of Africa and one of the best African traditional dresses and skirts. All over the world, this print is easily recognizable as something uniquely African, and it follows the cut of a loose-fitting pullover shirt worn by African men.
And yes, ladies can wear it as a dream, and you can wear it with a belt for ladies with a slimmer waist. The dashiki shirt dress is unsuitable for ladies with an inverted triangle body structure; The lower part of the dress has no frills to offset the narrow hips, thus advertising the imbalance.
Dashiki is meant to be short, so you have enough to add an extra touch to your legs, like some over-the-knee boots.
Dashiki Traditional Dresses
If you feel the Dashiki Shirt is manly, don’t worry, there is the Dashiki Shirt. This Design butterfly style is meant to follow the curves of the body, as opposed to the shirt style, which is loosely fitted.
These traditional dresses and skirts have a more feminine touch, and the way it is gathered in the midsection rather than at the waist makes them a style for most body shapes. With or without a waistline, you can pull off this style.
Agbada traditional dress
Agbada is famous for its flowing, wide-sleeved robe, which originated from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Women have found a way to pull off an Agbada traditional dress.
Worn in a single dress or pants, the Agbada exudes luxury and personality, the perfect definition of feminine prowess. And imagine what? Just be prepared to use a few more yards of material than usual.
Boubou traditional style
Boubou is a classic style for women of the highest class in West Africa. Originally from Senegal, the boubou now enjoys women’s status as the garment worn by female bosses.
Like the Agbada, the boubou is longer, and the sides are closed for that relaxed look. Bobos tend to find women on the thicker side. Very thin or slender women look too young for this style. You wouldn’t want a situation where the cloth is worn rather than worn!
Ankara kaftan
The Ankara kaftan style can be sewn with a fabric other than chiffon or silk. The above pattern is an example; Plain Ankara kaftan, embellished with bold embroidery on the front, sleeves, pockets, and hem.
And yes, you can have pockets in your kaftan. This look is more in keeping with the distinctive West African design style.
Mushanana lace dresses
Mushanana is usually made of silk traditional dresses and skirts to give it a graceful flow, while stiff fabrics may give a dense look and feel. However, a great alternative is a lace. As can be seen, Mushanana looks perfect in this material.
Although it’s not flowy, it still looks chic and perfect and is a match made in heaven for rectangular ladies. Tall women enjoy their slender necks and prominent collar bones with this flattering style. Accessorize with matching hoodies, earrings, and bracelets for the ultimate chic appeal.
Hebesha Kimis style
Ethiopian and Eritrean women wear Habesha Kimes. Made of cotton in the typical colors of white, gray, or beige, the Habesha Kemis usually comes with bold, colorful embroidery on the front, cuffs, and hem.
They are loosely fitted but gathered at the waist with a belt or by design. Fortunately, this style suits any body build as all Ethiopian and Eritrean women wear Habesha Kemis regardless of body type.
Amhara traditional dresses
The Amhara people’s traditional dresses and skirts style is just like Habesha Kemis, and as we can see, there are different ways to style it while keeping the bodice tight and the full-skirt look. A shawl called a Nitella, draped over the shoulder/head or across the chest, or a belt.
Oromo traditional dress
Oromos people are the largest ethnolinguistic group in Ethiopia, and their traditional dresses and skirts come in different shades and designs. One of the most important of these Oromo dresses and skirts is this traditional wedding dress with a cape design and beads.
This style has a loose fit, as is most of their wedding attire. However, you can accessorize with an embroidered belt for a defined waist. Since the cape is an essential part of this dress, the wearer’s body structure does not matter.
Ugandan traditional dress
The traditional dresses and skirts for women in Uganda are the Gomesi or busuuti, a colorful floor-length dress with long pointed sleeves and an accompanying scarf.
Gomesi’s dress style comes in many colors and materials. The scarf should match the color of the outfit and the wearer’s shoes. Gomesi rarely needs so many accessories; A simple earring or necklace will do.
Mushanana traditional costume
One of the best African traditional dresses and skirts is the Mushanana traditional costume. Mushanana is the traditional wedding dress of women in Uganda.
The costume comes in a variety of colors according to your taste. The secret is to match the maxi skirt with the shawl and accessories with the matching headpiece and necklace.
This style can be worn by everyone, regardless of their physique, but this style is perfect for rectangular women as they flaunt their assets, which are their arms.
Stylish Oromo Dress
This style is a more modern twist to the traditional dress and is also one of the latest in African Traditional dresses and skirts. This free-flowing dress is best for oblong-shaped bodies; The exposed arms and the illusion of a waistline created by this design is alluring.
Also, note the elaborate neckline that adds color to the semi-regular white dress. So yes, be bold on accessories; belts, bold necklaces, etc.
We hope that you have found the best traditional dresses and skirts to wear on the next traditional occasions. You can also find more African wear styles on our Pinterest board.