7 Classy African Attire for Men

Updated: Mar 15, 2023
By Happiness Hassan
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African attire for men is diverse and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the African continent. These clothing items are often characterized by bright colors, bold prints, and intricate designs, and are worn for both formal and casual occasions. 

The type of African attire worn by men varies depending on the region and culture, with each region having its own unique style and traditions. From the flowing robes of West Africa to the colorful printed fabrics of East Africa, African attire for men is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse cultures found throughout the continent. 

Whether worn as a symbol of cultural pride or simply as a fashion statement, African attire for men is a powerful expression of African identity and heritage.

African men attire is a diverse collection of clothing styles that reflect the cultural heritage and traditions of the continent. The attire is often vibrant and colorful, and it varies depending on the region, ethnicity, and occasion.

One of the most recognizable elements of African men’s attire is the use of bold, bright colors and patterns. This is often achieved through the use of fabrics such as Ankara, Kente, and Dashiki. These fabrics are often adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments, including beads, sequins, and cowrie shells.

Another important feature of African men’s attire is the use of traditional clothing styles such as the dashiki, boubou, agbada, and kanzu. These styles have been worn for generations and are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the continent.

In addition to traditional clothing styles, modern African men’s fashion has also been heavily influenced by Western styles, resulting in a fusion of traditional and contemporary designs. This fusion has created a unique style that is popular not only on the continent but also around the world.

Overall, African men’s attire is a celebration of culture, tradition, and individual style. It represents the diversity and richness of the continent’s history and serves as a powerful symbol of African identity and pride.

African Attire for Men

1. Dashiki

Credit: Steve abo, nackonline, Ibrahim showemimo

This is a colorful, loose-fitting tunic that originated in West Africa. It is often worn with matching pants or shorts.

2. Agbada

credit: Zanaposh, Yekaenterprise, Etsy

This is a flowing, wide-sleeved robe that is popular in Nigeria and other West African countries. It is often worn for formal occasions and can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, or lace.

3. Kente Cloth

This is a type of woven fabric that originated in Ghana. It is often used to make colorful shirts, pants, and other clothing items.

4. Kaftan

This is a long, loose-fitting robe that is popular in North Africa and the Middle East. It can be made from a variety of fabrics and is often worn for formal occasions.

5. Boubou

This is one of the common types of African attire for men which is a flowing, loose-fitting robe that is popular in West Africa. It is often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or silk and is worn for both formal and casual occasions.

6. Safari Suit

Credit: Afrikrea, Zimbio, Rajanyas, Richard Thompson

This is a lightweight suit that was originally designed for African safaris. It typically consists of a jacket and pants made from a breathable fabric like cotton or linen.

7. Kitenge

Credit: made in china, Alibaba, Aliexpress, Psalm105 fashion design

This is a type of printed fabric that is popular in East Africa. It is often used to make shirts, pants, and other clothing items.

Fun Fact About African Men Attire

In some parts of West Africa, the way a man ties his wrapper or cloth can convey different messages about his status or intention. For example, in Nigeria, the way a man ties his wrapper around his waist can indicate whether he is a married man or a bachelor, or whether he is attending a formal or informal event. 

In some cases, the way a man ties his wrapper can also signal his political affiliation or social class. The art of tying the wrapper is often passed down through generations and is considered a cultural tradition.

Conclusion

African attire for men can be very comfortable, depending on the fabric and style chosen. Traditionally, many African fabrics are made from natural materials such as cotton or silk, which are lightweight and breathable. This can make them ideal for warmer climates, where they help to keep the wearer cool.

In addition to the fabrics used, many African clothing styles are designed to be loose-fitting and comfortable. For example, the dashiki, boubou, and agbada are often made with flowing, oversized shapes that allow for ease of movement and comfort. These styles are also typically worn with simple, lightweight clothing underneath, which further enhances their comfort.

However, it’s important to note that not all African attire for men is designed with comfort as the top priority. Some styles, particularly those with heavy embellishments or stiff fabrics, can be more restrictive and less comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. As with any type of clothing, it’s important to consider the specific style and fabric before making a purchase to ensure that it will be comfortable and suitable for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What clothes do men wear in Nigeria?

Dashiki and Agbada are the most popular Nigerian traditional wear designs for men.

What is the meaning behind African attire for men?

African attire for men is a representation of cultural heritage and identity. Each region in Africa has its own unique style and tradition, and the clothing worn by men reflects their cultural background and history.

Is African attire only worn for special occasions?

No, African attire is worn for both formal and casual occasions. It can be worn as a symbol of cultural pride, as a fashion statement, or simply as comfortable and stylish clothing.

Can non-Africans wear African attire?

Yes, anyone can wear African attire. However, it is important to be respectful and culturally sensitive when doing so, and to avoid appropriating or misrepresenting African culture.

What is a male African attire called?

Kente: Kente is the most popular and the most celebrated of all African clothing styles. The Kente is made from African silk and has vibrant geometric patterns, colors and designs. Every piece of Kente has a specific meaning.

What do African tribes wear?

In East Africa, the kanzu is the traditional dress worn by Swahili-speaking men. Women wear the kanga and the gomesi. In Southern Africa, distinctive shirts are worn, like the long dresses they wear. For instance, South Africa is known for the Madiba shirt, whereas Zimbabwe is known for the safari shirt.

Why do Africans wear traditional clothing?

Garments were worn to mark the status of an individual or to mark a special ritual or passage of time as people moved from one state to another. Young girls or maidens started with just a skirt or apron while married women wore full body wraps and cloaks that were highly valued by the owner.

How many outfits should a man have?

Seven is a good number (excluding track pants, pajamas and shorts). Three pairs of jeans — dark blue, light blue and black or gray. Two pairs of chinos — one beige, one another shade. Two pairs of formal trousers

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Ankara refers to a type of apparel and fabric that uses a wax-based printing technique to imprint traditional African patterns, colors, and symbols on cotton. Various terms, such as "kente cloth," "african wax print," "kitenge," or "ankara patterns," may have been...

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