History of African Clothing: The Evolution of Fashion

March 23 20:13 2022
Jamile African Products discusses the history of African clothing and fashion trends from ancient times to modern era!

African clothing, fashion and fabrics have long been misunderstood by the rest of the world. Africa is a huge continent and the people within each of its countries have their own traditional fabrics, garments, designs and prints that are worn primarily for special occasions, ceremonial purposes, and represent the art of the African people.

Due to Africa’s climate, little clothing was actually required for warmth. The type of garments worn often depended on factors such as poverty levels or the availability of materials in any given geographic area. Men typically wore a loin cloth or apron, positioned in such a way to support and cover the genital area. Women’s wear consisted of wraps around the waist that extended to cover the breasts and front of the body.

Barkcloth

One of the earliest fabrics consisted of wraps made of barkcloth. The material was harvested from the inner bark of certain trees, soaked in water, beaten into sheets of fabric, and fashioned into whatever garment was required. Some modern cotton fabrics are called barkcloth, but it’s a misnomer. The only similarity to authentic barkcloth lies in the textural appearance. True barkcloth of Uganda is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Animal Skins

As in many cultures, animal skins were also used from domesticated animals and those obtained through hunting. The skins were put through a specific process known as tanning to transition it into leather. It was used for items ranging from clothing and shields to slings for carrying infants. Animal skins were often utilized for their symbolic significance, to mark the status of the wearer, as a personal totem, during rituals, or to denote tribal allegiance.

Mudcloth

A fabric traditionally made by men, it was manufactured by weaving strips of plain fabric into squares and then weaving the squares together. The cloth was soaked in water using leaves and branches, laid out to dry in the sun, and patterns painted on the material using fermented mud. The mud is washed off and bleaching agents used. The process is repeated multiple times. The result is a black and white fabric featuring designs that had special meaning to the maker. Women also make mudcloth now with designs that have often been handed down for generations from mother to daughter.

Wax Prints

Contact with Dutch traders introduced wax prints to West Africa in the 19th century. The manufactured textiles were adopted by the Dutch from Indonesia. The process minimized different coloring variations on fabric. African women began requesting specific designs and patterns that became a secret form of communication.

Linen

While a relatively new innovation, linen cloth is being combined with traditional patterns, designs and embroidery for lightweight garments for everyday wear. Small alterations have also been made in which certain garments may be shorter or tighter for a chic and more elegant fashion forward appearance.

Fashion and Culture

Africans took the fashions introduced by other cultures and created their own indelible touches. Traditional garb was discouraged in the workplace. Africans found ways to incorporate their traditional African clothing designs and patterns into modern wear and high fashion that remains trendy around the world today.

While extremely popular, so-called African garments have often been misrepresented. African designs and patterns that adorn traditional clothing are an art form. Fashion houses and mainstream clothiers often erroneously equate the use of items such as wooden beads and raffia cloth with “traditional.”

That can be especially confusing to young Africans endeavoring to learn more about their culture and customs. It makes it particularly important for makers of African garments to perform due diligence. Manufacturers need to be cognizant of the cultural significance of what they’re trying to emulate.

Modern manufacturing methods have allowed people around the globe to experience a taste of traditional African garments, styles, patterns, colors and designs. Many Africans have embraced more modern fabrics, while maintaining symbolism. As more high-profile individuals adopt African fashions, it’s helping to keep the culture and heritage alive outside of Africa.

About Jamile African Products

Jamile African Products, is an online store created to promote African Fashion for modern fashion aficionados. For more information, visit: https://jamileafricanproducts.com/

Media Contact
Company Name: Jamile African Products
Contact Person: Annet khainza
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://jamileafricanproducts.com/