Evolution Of African Fashion: How African Clothes Had Changed Over Time

Before being Before being brought to America, African fashion was very simple and clothes were light, and functional. Women personalized their clothing with shells and beads and accessorized with head wraps. Once enslaved, Africans were stripped from their clothing and given one or two old outfits that fit the European style. As of today, African fashion is still evolving and unconventional trends are breaking through the societal barriers. Initially, African culture contributed to the way they would dress. They appreciated the female form.

It wasn’t necessary for women to cover up their bodies.

Children also were usually unclothed until puberty. Many Africans mainly wore just a cloth wrapped around their waists. This helped them stay comfortable in the heat and comfortable when working. When fabrics became easier to obtain, many didn’t believe in cutting and wasting cloth. Therefore, they weaved and tied cotton cloth together to create their beautiful clothing. Unfortunately, when they were captured, enslaved Africans had to throw out their clothing.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified writer

Proficient in: Clothes

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Their clothing was considered uncivilized by European standards and this was the start of their fashion evolution. Once sold, slave owners were required to give slaves one or two articles of clothing. Women’s clothing, in the late 1700’s, was usually made out of wool or linen and cover up most of their bodies. Women were to cover their knees and elbows by wearing skirts and dresses that went down to their ankles. This was a shock for newly enslaved Africans, and they considered the clothing to be uncomfortable and constricting.

After a while, many slaves were paid with fabrics. These fabrics were inferior compared to those worn by whites and were chosen for their low cost and durability rather than for comfort.

So what trends will be popular for women in the future? I believe that women will start wearing pants. Pants are now typically known as men’s apparel but many women would benefit from wearing pants. Pants use less fabric than creating dresses; therefore, women would be able to have more fresh clothing rather than only having 1-3 options. Pants also make it easier to move around. There is less fabric; therefore, there is less to have to hold up and wear, making work and moving around easier and more comfortable.

Culture is always evolving and this includes fashion too. African fashion went from free and simple clothing to constricting, thick, heavy clothing. As of right know, societies standards for women do not allow them to wear pants. But I believe, that in the future, woman will start wearing pants. brought to America, African fashion was very simple and clothes were light, and functional. Women personalized their clothing with shells and beads and accessorized with head wraps. Once enslaved, Africans were stripped from their clothing and given one or two old outfits that fit the European style. As of today, African fashion is still evolving and unconventional trends are breaking through the societal barriers.

Initially, African culture contributed to the way they would dress. They appreciated the female form. It wasn’t necessary for women to cover up their bodies. Children also were usually unclothed until puberty. Many Africans mainly wore just a cloth wrapped around their waists. This helped them stay comfortable in the heat and comfortable when working. When fabrics became easier to obtain, many didn’t believe in cutting and wasting cloth. Therefore, they weaved and tied cotton cloth together to create their beautiful clothing. Unfortunately, when they were captured, enslaved Africans had to throw out their clothing. Their clothing was considered uncivilized by European standards and this was the start of their fashion evolution. Once sold, slave owners were required to give slaves one or two articles of clothing. Women’s clothing, in the late 1700’s, was usually made out of wool or linen and cover up most of their bodies. Women were to cover their knees and elbows by wearing skirts and dresses that went down to their ankles. This was a shock for newly enslaved Africans, and they considered the clothing to be uncomfortable and constricting. After a while, many slaves were paid with fabrics. These fabrics were inferior compared to those worn by whites and were chosen for their low cost and durability rather than for comfort.

So what trends will be popular for women in the future? I believe that women will start wearing pants. Pants are now typically known as men’s apparel but many women would benefit from wearing pants. Pants use less fabric than creating dresses; therefore, women would be able to have more fresh clothing rather than only having 1-3 options. Pants also make it easier to move around. There is less fabric; therefore, there is less to have to hold up and wear, making work and moving around easier and more comfortable. Culture is always evolving and this includes fashion too. African fashion went from free and simple clothing to constricting, thick, heavy clothing. As of right know, societies standards for women do not allow them to wear pants. But I believe, that in the future, woman will start wearing pants.