| Since the election of President Obama, there has | | | | Another type of dashiki is called a grand boubou. |
| been an increase in an interest in African fashions | | | | The boubou is generally worn with matching pants |
| among African American communities. Clothing is | | | | and a long robe that covers the outfit. This style |
| often an expression of who we are. There are | | | | is commonly worn by Nigerians, Muslims, and by |
| those who celebrate their African heritage | | | | many Africans in Francophone countries. Dashikis |
| through a variety of African clothing styles. These | | | | are becoming very popular in western countries. |
| ethnic styles are a very versatile and dynamic | | | | For example, the dashiki is a popular style worn |
| way to tell others who they are and what they | | | | for Kwanzaa celebrations. |
| are about. No doubt African clothing has a rich | | | | African clothing choices like the dashiki are a great |
| diverse history. | | | | way to make a fashion-forward statement while |
| Clothing from different regions of the continent of | | | | simultaneously telling others of your heritage. |
| Africa is a reflection of that region and diversity. | | | | To really set off the African dashiki look, it can be |
| It can be very overwhelming trying to understand | | | | paired with a kufi. A kufi is a traditional form-fitting |
| the different styles and what each style | | | | West African hat. It is often worn by older men |
| represents. This article is meant to be the first of | | | | in Africa and represents status as wise and |
| many that educates the reader about the rich | | | | respected leaders of their communities. |
| history and beauty of African clothing fashions. | | | | As these series of articles continue, the reader will |
| The first in this series is the dashiki. Dashikis are | | | | be better informed about the African attire and |
| colorful unique garment-like tunics that cover the | | | | possibly create a style that represents his or her |
| upper part of the body. It's not uncommon for | | | | pride and heritage. |
| the men of western Africa to don dashikis. These | | | | Whatever style of African clothing that one |
| garments are worn in formal and informal | | | | chooses to wear, each article of clothing a rich |
| occasions and for various ceremonies. Muslims, | | | | history and heritage that can be seen by |
| Christians and followers of indigenous African | | | | everyone. It is a celebration of a people, a |
| traditional religions don dashikis. Dashikis are | | | | lifestyle, and a world view. African clothes are |
| generally paired with matching drawstring pants. | | | | ideal for those wishing to connect with past and |
| Bridegrooms often wear these garments for their | | | | future generations throughout the African |
| wedding ceremonies. | | | | Diaspora. |