As you may have noticed, more and more people are now wearing traditional African clothing. African fashion styles are becoming more and more popular. This is not a recent phenomenon since the notoriety of the culture of this rich, diverse, and popular continent is constantly growing.
Is it the modern fashion revolution that is making itself felt? Anyway, it is now becoming interesting to look into this topic. Read on to discover the real history of African fashion, its peculiarities as well as its perspectives.
Foundations of African Fashion Styles
For centuries, clothing has always been intimately linked to human civilization. Of course, research has shown that long ago, nudity reigned supreme. It was only after many social changes that our ancestors began to dress. However, until now, it is still difficult to say for accuracy when humans really started to cover themselves.
However, several studies show that Africans made these “first outfits” from leaves, bark, or branches. Over time, evolution has taken its toll and a new style of clothing has come into play.
Some archaeological research carried out in Morocco has assumed that in the ancient days, Africans would have already used shells as adornments and ornamental accessories. Other localities on the continent have also shown the presence of necklaces, pearls, and jewelry of all kinds in society.
However, the true foundations of African fashion or clothing are still quite unclear at this time. In order not to dwell on this more or less hypothetical part, it is better to skip a few centuries and find the man on the march towards modernity.
During this period, the traditional bark accouterments gradually turned into tree fibers. African clothing makers used Kapok as the first choice of material and later on went for cotton. However, that’s not all!
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From Tradition to Modern Fashion
It was not until the industrial revolution that the African fashion styles really embraced change. Indeed, it was not until the nineteenth century to see the artisanal manufacture of local textiles completely disrupted. This was marked by the entry of Wax Hollandais, a new printed fabric, which can still be found today.
With the influence of cultural exchanges, the loincloth, meanwhile, has also become popular with the people. It is a light outfit, rectangular in shape, which is generally made from fabric, leather, feather, or plant material. This heralded the birth of African bohemian fashion, and today it is possible to meet different types of fabrics and loincloths on the market.
In the more evolved and contemporary Africa, the old day fabrics and accessories, however, do not lose in any way their traditional sources. Thus, a new trend has emerged. It is a perfect balance between ancestral attire and modern clothing. Thanks to many talented cloth designers and artisan artists.
African fashion has now been able to enter the market of the world of high fashion designing and dressmaking. As for the loincloth, it hasn’t really seen any noticeable change. Despite this phenomenon, this accessory nevertheless seems to have the ability to adapt to any occasion.
In addition, several important events now exist to highlight this ethnic touch. Today, it is not uncommon to find renowned stores like Wax Africa to offer this fashion to the rest of the world.
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Why adopt African fashion styles?
African fashion is now one of the most original clothing trends on the market. A true cultural vestige, this way of covering oneself perfectly combines modernity, elegance, and style. Moreover, there are also other significant reasons that make African fashion an unavoidable vogue. Below are two main reasons why Africa fashion is famous.
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Its atypical structure and texture
The making of these fabrics draws its sources from ancestral African traditions. Be it handcrafted or industrial, these clothes have an original configuration. For example, you can distinguish the Boubou dress by its wide shape that makes it suitable for a hot climate.
Previously, designers intended it only for the nobility. But this outfit can now be addressed to any bohemian man and woman. The loincloth, for its part, remains a particularly trendy and popular dress. Depending on its model, you can wear this garment for many occasions including a wedding or even a romantic evening.
African-style clothes also have an atypical texture. Designers select the patterns carefully to blend perfectly with the colors of the fabric. Their design helps to establish real osmosis between the features of the garment and the liveliness of the colors chosen.
This combination allows you to catch people’s eyes, bring an original touch to your style and bring your look back to life. You just have to choose the cut and the model of the coat in this way to match your morphology.
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Its authenticity and exceptional freshness
The best way to stand out in clothing fashion is obviously to change your wardrobe. For this, there is nothing better than outfits with traditional African inspirations. African loincloths are far from very common, especially in Europe and the United States. The tribal patterns printed on these fabrics are exceptional and reflect the very values of the continent.
Wearing this kind of clothing can therefore only give you the chance to attract the attention of people on the street. In addition, we must not forget that African long dresses are both practical and original accessories. The models available are numerous and can offer particular ease in terms of wearing.
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If you want to try out African fashion styles, it is possible to find items such as tunic, casual, asymmetrical, blouse, pleated, halter top, neckline, and even slim on the market. Modern African clothing styles can satisfy all tastes and be used for all occasions.
