What is a traditional African dress called?

There are many names depending on the region, including the Boubou (or Grand Boubou) in West Africa, Kaftans, Dashikis, and garments made from Ankara (wax print) or Kente cloth.

Can I wear African dresses if I am not African?

Yes, wearing African prints is widely welcomed as cultural appreciation, especially when purchased from authentic African designers and worn respectfully for cultural events, weddings, or celebrations.

How do you tie an African headwrap?

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, center it at the back of your head, pull the ends to the front, cross them over, twist them tightly, and tuck the remaining fabric ends into the folds at the sides or back.

Traditional African Dress

Traditional African Dress Costume

Celebrate rich heritage with vibrant patterns, flowing silhouettes, and bold accessories.

Traditional African clothing encompasses a vast array of diverse cultural garments, from West African Ankara prints and Dashikis to flowing Boubous and Kaftans. People choose these garments to celebrate African heritage, attend cultural festivals, or showcase vibrant, artistic textiles. This guide focuses on styling a classic West African-inspired ensemble featuring a colorful matching print set or a flowing Boubou with a coordinating headwrap.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $30–120

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What you need for a Traditional African Dress costume

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Ankara or Dashiki matching set
A vibrant, colorful two-piece skirt and top set or a matching tunic made from authentic African wax print fabric.
DIY: Use a vibrant, colorful patterned maxi skirt paired with a solid-colored top that matches one of the print's accent colors.
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Matching headwrap (Gele or Duku)
A long strip of matching or coordinating stiff wax print fabric to wrap and tie around the head.
DIY: Use a colorful, lightweight scarf tied high and secured with bobby pins.
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Beaded statement necklace
A large, multi-layered beaded collar necklace in contrasting or complementary colors.
DIY: Layer several strands of colorful beaded necklaces together.
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Chunky gold or wooden bangles
A stack of wide metallic gold, brass, or carved wooden bracelets worn on the wrists.
DIY: Paint existing plastic bangles with metallic gold acrylic paint.
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Leather sandals
Simple, flat leather slide sandals or strappy sandals in neutral brown, tan, or gold.
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How to put it together

1
Put on the matching Ankara print top and maxi skirt, ensuring a comfortable fit at the waist.
2
Wrap the coordinating headwrap fabric around your head, tucking the ends securely to create a voluminous, structured crown.
3
Layer the large beaded collar necklace over the neckline of the top so it sits flat against your collarbone.
4
Stack several wooden or gold bangles on one or both wrists for a balanced accessory look.
5
Slip into simple flat leather sandals to keep the focus on the vibrant textiles of the outfit.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup elegant with warm, earthy tones, a bold lip color that matches the fabric, and neatly styled hair tucked completely under the structured headwrap.

Traditional African Dress for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a women's Ankara skirt set with a men's matching Dashiki shirt or Agbada robe in the same fabric pattern.
group: Coordinate a group in different vibrant African wax print garments, such as Kaftans, Boubous, and Dashikis, creating a colorful tapestry of styles.
kids: A simple, colorful Dashiki tunic paired with comfortable leggings or shorts.
Plus size: Flowing Kaftans and Boubous offer an incredibly elegant, comfortable, and universally flattering drape.

Tips

When wearing traditional garments, do so with respect and appreciation for the specific cultures and textile histories they represent.
Stiff cotton fabrics like authentic wax prints hold their shape best, especially for structured headwraps.
If the headwrap feels loose, secure it to your hair using large bobby pins or a velvet headband underneath to prevent slipping.

Traditional African Dress costume FAQ

What is a traditional African dress called?: There are many names depending on the region, including the Boubou (or Grand Boubou) in West Africa, Kaftans, Dashikis, and garments made from Ankara (wax print) or Kente cloth.
Can I wear African dresses if I am not African?: Yes, wearing African prints is widely welcomed as cultural appreciation, especially when purchased from authentic African designers and worn respectfully for cultural events, weddings, or celebrations.
How do you tie an African headwrap?: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, center it at the back of your head, pull the ends to the front, cross them over, twist them tightly, and tuck the remaining fabric ends into the folds at the sides or back.

Did you know? The vibrant patterns on Ankara wax prints are not just decorative; many traditional designs carry specific names, proverbs, and social meanings that communicate the wearer's status or feelings.