Men African Cultural and Ethnic Clothing

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A Guide to African Cultural and Ethnic Clothing for Men

If you are looking to embrace your ethnic roots, then men's African ethnic clothing can be a great place to start. Even if you have no African roots, wearing these styles of clothing can be a great way to show off a unique style.

Are there different styles of African clothing for men?

Yes, there are many different styles of African cultural and ethnic clothing for men. Some different styles available on eBay in new and used condition may include:

  • Abacost - These long-or-short-sleeve suits are designed to be worn without a tie, but they can be worn with a cravat.
  • Boubou - These long flowing robes with wide sleeves are often brightly colored.
  • Dashiki - Worn by both men and women, these loose-fitting pullover tops have a V-shaped neck opening.
  • Djellaba - These long outer robes are traditionally made of wool, but they can also be made from cotton.
  • Ghanaian smocks - These plaid smocks are called different things across Africa including fugu, batakari, dansika, and futik.
  • Kanzu - Constructed very similar to a kaftan, these cream-colored robes reach at least the ankles.
  • Isiagu - These pullover shirts, sometimes called chieftaincy, usually have ornate gold buttons up the front linked by a gold chain and a breast pocket.
  • Kitenge - These paneled shirts usually have a collar.
What are some types of African cultural headwear available?

There are many different types of headwear available to compliment African clothing for men, including:

  • Alasho - These turbans are designed to leave the lower neck and part of the face showing.
  • Aso Oke hat - These short fezes are usually made of velvet, cotton, or damask.
  • Abeti-aja - These triangular hats have a peak in the middle.
  • Fez - These stiff short hats are usually made of felt, and they may have an attached tassel.
  • Kufi - These short round caps usually do not have a brim.
Traditional African fabrics

There are many traditional fabrics used in constructing men's clothes including:

  • Adire - This fabric is created using resist-dyeing techniques such as typing raffia around the fabric while dyeing it or using different size chicken feathers.
  • Aso oke fabric - Often reserved for special occasion outfits, this hand-loomed cotton fabric often has silk threads worked in to create the design.
  • Barkcloth - This fabric is made from the inner part of trees that is beaten by hands into strips before sewing.
  • Kente cloth - This fabric, sometimes called nwentom, is created by weaving together different strips of fabric.

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