How to Wear African Clothing & Head Wear

African clothing is easy to wear as well as beautiful.

Traditional African garments impart the proud aura of royalty from a far-off land. The pleasing appearance and comfort of African clothing appeal to many races. Wearing African clothing is commendable and may just get you invited to the next fashion show in your city.

Instructions

1. Locate African fashions that are loose and comfortable. Most African attire promotes movement in the form of flowing wrap skirts that are easy to tie and, for men, loose cargo style pants with waist drawstrings. Men wear shirts that are either armless or a billowing painter style with open arm areas.

2. In putting together an outfit, select prints that both match and reflect the culture. Though some African clothing is quite colorful, don't wear brazen kente cloth with intricate mud cloth batik patterns. Each of these have distinct designs and cultural origins,so your outfit may appear both gaudy and insulting to any African you may come across while wearing it.

3. Although African clothing is often soft, you should make a special effort to choose stiff, iron-pressed fabric for your head wraps. A head wrap represents the centerpiece of the outfit and should look kind of like a flower petal.

4. When wearing African clothing, walk with your head held high and your back straight to convey your self-respect and respect for others. Show your graciousness while you are surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of African clothing.

References

• Modern Traditional: African Clothing
• Africa Styles: How to tie or wear your African head-gear (gele)