Style Inspiration: How To Wear A Dashiki

Have you heard of a dashiki but aren’t sure exactly what it is, where to find one or how to wear a dashiki? Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered for you. Whether you’re looking to find out more about this beautiful African clothing. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this beautiful African garment.

What Is A Dashiki?

The dashiki is a loose, colorful item of clothing that covers the top half of the body. It’s mostly worn in West Africa but in other parts of Africa is sometimes called a kitenge. A variation of the dashiki is worn in East Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Somalia as well as in West Africa. 

The name ‘dashiki’ comes from Yoruba and is translated to mean ‘shirt’ or ‘inner garment’.  This means that its appearance can be a little varied, and can be anything from a tailored suit, a mini dress or a simple, draped item of clothing. There are formal and informal versions of the dashiki, depending on the situation or individual. 

They’ve been around since the 12th century, so they’re an important part of African history and daily life. As well as being worn in Africa, it’s also worn by communities in the African diaspora, particularly in the US, where it has a rich cultural heritage all of its own.

Where To Wear A Dashiki?

A dashiki can be worn in many different situations. It may be worn for day-to-day tasks, as any other garment would be or it could be made into a dress, suit or something else entirely. The informal dashiki is the one you’ll usually see worn in everyday life and usually comes with a traditional print or as an embroidered dashiki.

You’ll also sometimes see a dashiki worn in a formal setting, such as a wedding or a funeral. There are three types of formal dashiki: the dashiki suit (also known as the dashiki trouser set), the Senegalese kaftan (or the long dashiki suit depending on the length of the shirt) and a grand boubou or an agbada. You’ll also find a lace dashiki suit that’s often worn by women, which goes by the name of ‘Angelina’ in Ghana and the Congo.

Why Should You Wear A Dashiki?

Dashiki are versatile, colorful, comfortable and easy to wear. They can be worn in many different ways and situations. They also connect with a rich cultural heritage that links back to Africa, but also has its home in the US.

Because they can be tailored to any style, body shape or occasion they can be a flattering fit when you want to match heritage, style and comfort. You can get a plus size dashiki dress or women’s plus size dashiki if you want to add another layer of versatility to your dashiki look too.

They can be made in different fabrics and colors too. Gray is the traditional color for some West African weddings, for example, whereas other couples choose white, non-traditional, purple or blue. Purple and lavender are the colors of African royalty so are often a popular choice. Black and red are the traditional colors of mourning, and are often worn at funerals.

Different Ways To Wear A Dashiki

When we say that anyone can wear a dashiki, we really mean that anyone can wear a dashiki. You can even get baby dashiki so that you can mix and match with your little one for a super-cute coordinated look. The whole family can wear dashiki however they want, whether they’re attending a formal event or heading somewhere more casual.

Let’s take a look at some of the different ways to wear a dashiki and the different styles for men, women and kids.

Dashiki For Her

Dashiki for women are probably the most versatile type. You can find dashiki in so many colors and styles - from purple dashiki that are reminiscent of African royalty right through to more unusual, non-traditional colors. You can even get short dashiki, t-shirt dress style dashiki or long dashiki style midi skirts, depending on the look you want.

They’re also extremely inclusive when it comes to sizing. A plus size dashiki dress or women’s plus size dashiki can be a beautiful, flattering and regal look that works for any occasion, but they really work with any body type and shape.

Dashiki For Him

There are lots of different styles of dashiki for men. Whether you want a long-sleeved dashiki, a dashiki t-shirt, formal dashiki wear or more casual styles to fit with your day to day life. The color and style all have different meanings so it’s important to brush up and make sure you’re on track when it comes to style.

You can get a tailored dashiki, longer-length dashiki that reaches your ankles or a dashiki suit set. Tailoring is a great choice if you want something that’s truly made for you or you find it harder to find clothing off the rack that fits well.

Baby Dashiki

A baby dashiki is cute, traditional, comfortable and versatile for babies and toddlers. You can get them in any color and a variety of styles to help your little one connect with their heritage, and look beautiful doing so. You can even find dashiki onesies that are perfect for younger babies and toddlers.

Because dashiki allow for freedom of movement, they’re a great choice for little ones who don’t want to feel like they’re constricted in their clothing. Babies and toddlers never stop, so a dashiki can be really helpful to keep them comfy and happy.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-to-wear-a-dashiki

How To Accessorize With African Print?

African print fabric is not only beautiful, it’s versatile too. As well as being made into traditional and casual clothing, African prints are perfect as an accessory too - they add color, cultural heritage and vibrancy to the plainest outfit. If you’re supporting a black-owned business when it comes to buying your African accessories? Even better.

Here’s some style inspiration on how you can add African print accessories to all of your outfits, whatever your personal style.

African Print Bags & Purses

Wherever you’re traveling, an African print bag is a must. You can carry all of your essentials easily, jazz up a comfy airport outfit and still manage to spot your luggage on the conveyor belt when you arrive at your destination. You can get bags of all shapes and sizes in African print, so whether you’re looking for a traditional twist on a purse for dinner and drinks or something that’s more heavy-duty for vacation, you’ll easily find your perfect match. Choose purple, blue or traditional prints for a truly African-inspired carry-on.

African Print Head Scarf

An African print head scarf or head wrap is the perfect way to add a touch of style and sophistication for an Afro-glam look on the go. Whether you’re wearing your hair natural, in a protective style or in extensions or a wig you can easily add a head scarf as a combination of practicality and fashion. A head scarf made from African fabric can be worn at home, for exercise, running errands or to protect your hair style at night. They look beautiful, whatever the occasion, and can even be worn wrapped around your bag or draped around your neck for a really versatile feel.

Face Mask

Face masks are definitely an accessory that no-one would have predicted being so prominent a couple of years ago, but here we are. Whilst it’s not necessarily a style choice (in as much as it’s totally mandatory in some places), there’s no reason why you can’t make this practical item into a fashion accessory by choosing an African print face mask to boost the look, feel and mood of your face mask. Bonus points if you manage to match your mask to your other accessories for a truly co-ordinated accessory style. Sometimes matching is the perfect style choice!

Jewelry

African-inspired necklaces, earrings and bracelets are the perfect finishing touch to absolutely any outfit. They add a touch of tradition, culture and heritage to any outfit and are a great choice when you want to throw in a little touch of African sophistication. When it comes to African-print jewelry, tighter fitting pieces like chokers, dangling earrings or tight fabric bracelets show off the fabric pattern and colours best.

Belt

Whether it’s with jeans, trousers, a skirt or a dress then an African fabric belt can be a beautiful, bold style choice. If you want to accentuate your waist or hips then this is the look for you - it’ll draw attention to those areas, even on the most colorful outfit. It can also be a great choice if you want to cinch your mid-section in a little. This works best with a thicker belt that shows off more African print and more of your shape. If you want a more versatile, less formal option, then tying an African print scarf through your belt loops can look a little softer than a tight belt. 

Shoes and Boots

If you really want to make a style statement, then African print shoes and boots is where it’s at. Seriously, if you need to get noticed, this is the way to do it. From light touches on sneaker logos and laces through to full printed shoes and boots, when you wear African prints on your feet, people are going to take notice. It might be time for a pedi if you’re going to be drawing attention with your shoes, especially if they’re open-toed. Who needed boring shoes anyway?

Hair Scrunchie

Keep your hair tied out of the way whilst showing off your African style with a scrunchie or hair tie. Bonus points if it’s made from satin as this will be way gentler on your hair. A scrunchie is a great choice if you want to keep your African print subtle and understated, or you prefer to skip bandanas, head wraps or bonnets for something simpler.

Hand Fan

Want to feel boujee, high maintenance and stay cool? An African print hand fan (such as a Bolga fan) is a great way to combine all three of these. If you’re travelling, the weather’s hot or you’re heading to an event where there’s going to be a ton of people then a hand fan can help you to look and feel your best. By using an African print one, you’re proudly communicating your heritage too.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-to-accessorize-with-african-print