The Xhosa Traditional Attire represents the rich Xhosa culture and tradition, traditional dresses worn by Xhosa men and women are considered to be one of the most elegant and beautiful traditional dresses in South Africa.
African fashion trends have been evolving constantly over the years and they have also transformed Xhosa Traditional Attire greatly, but nothing has changed the beauty of these traditional Dresses. The rich African heritage of textile and ethnic elements associated with Africa are displayed intricately in the latest Xhosa Traditional dresses. Recently, the fusion of Western style with traditional African elements has resulted in the creation of trendy modern Xhosa designs. Modern Xhosa Men's Clothing, Xhosa Wedding Dresses, Xhosa Makoti Attire are some of the most fashionable African outfits available today.
The attire is symbolic in nature, taking different shapes and forms depending on the occasion
The traditional Xhosa style of clothing varies symbolises a person’s social status, seniority, marital status or if they are the new wife or have had a baby. This is shown in the headdress and dress of the wearer. Xhosa people commonly wear a plain white (or occasionally red) wrapper also known as an isikhakha or imibhaco. When a woman wears a long Imibhaco or Isikhakha skirt with no slit in front, together with a marriage bib and two beaded aprons means the wearer is a widow. The more elaborate the headwear, the more senior the wearer. Modern Xhosa Dresses will give a hint of most of the above and carry a bearing to the traditional wear.
The Xhosa people are also known for their beautiful beadwork and it forms an important part of women's traditional clothing. They wear long necklaces of beads, with collars of multi-coloured beads around the neck, as well as beaded arm and ankle bracelets.
Older Xhosa women smoking decorative pipes is a familiar sight in some areas of the Eastern Cape. The pipes are usually made from wood and often decorated with beads
Modern Xhosa Dresses
The attire of the person plays a very important role in deciding their individual style and culture. The Modern Stylish Xhosa Traditional Wear is about grace and elegance. The ethnic aura of different Xhosa outfits help you to look fashionable. Modern Xhosa dresses have a contemporary look, and comes with the vibes of the Western influence.
The latest trends in Xhosa Traditional wear now incorporate embroidery, sequins and bead work fused on Mens jackets and womens Traditional Dresses. These embelishments incorporated into the design will add a dash of elegance. A good colour combination and fabrics, match them up with African accessories, African jewelry, footwear, handbags to add charm to your look.
Traditional African Fashion Designers in South Africa work round the clock to deliver the latest Xhosa Traditional Dress designs, remaining up-to-date with the current fashion trends while creatively staying relevant to the traditional values of the Xhosa culture.
Similar to all other African Traditional clothes, Stylish Xhosa Dresses can be worn for any occasion and match with every type of jewellery and hairdo. You can decide your own personal style and culture and make it perfect for any occasion.
Xhosa Traditional Wedding Dresses
Despite the impact of globalization though online media, South Africa has managed to preserve its traditional dresses, a fundamental part of its culture and heritage. Xhosa traditional weddings are no doubt a spectacle to experience for all their lavish settings, elaborate rituals, extraordinary food and of course, the regal Xhosa traditional wedding dresses!
The newest of styles in the latest Xhosa traditional wedding dresses, the painstaking detail that goes into the making of Xhosa Traditional wedding dresses essentially showcases the beauty of Xhosa Traditional wear. Local African fashion designers work hard to ensure that you are always up to date with the changing ever changing fashion trends, providing you with a splendid selection to choose from ranging from IXhosa attire for couples, to Xhosa bridesmaids dresses, traditional Xhosa Attire for men.
Umbhaco Skirts
There are so many options in Xhosa dresses, but some dresses that can never go out of fashion are Umbhaco Skirts. Most Xhosa women prefer to wear Umbhaco skirts, they look beautiful and elegant.
Umbhaco is a material used for Xhosa traditional attire & dresses. It is an extremely durable cotton that's made to last. Umbacho can be used for traditional dress and can also be applied in modern fashion. The garments made from the material are for formal & informal ceremonies. Local African Fashion designers will ensure that your Umbhaco skirts are perfectly stitched based on your size and style. Umbaco is the traditional Xhosa
Xhosa Makoti Attire
THE modern Xhosa makoti attire has for many years distinguished her from other women: a black doek or head scarf up to the forehead, a small tartan blanket over the shoulders, long-sleeved tops, a bath towel wrapped around her upper body, a woollen scarf around her waist and a long shweshwe print skirt. makoti dress code is an indication that one has passed the girl stage and is now a woman.
The modern-day makoti attire has been slightly adapted from its original, it still held a great deal of significance.
The makoti may have to wear the attire for three months to a year and for some, until they have a child. In some families, as a sign of respect, a married woman may never wear trousers again.
The change of dress code is a symbolic transition to welcome a young girl to womanhood – the first of a number of stages a married Xhosa woman assumes over the years. She may no longer do some things she used to do when she was still a young unmarried girl.
It is important that Xhosa makotis adhere to this attire to honour and preserve our culture.
"Because we find working makotis nowadays, a lot of families have become rather lenient and newly wedded brides may sometimes only wear their traditional attire when they come back from work. When a makoti proudly wears her attire anyone can easily see that she is married."
Secondary to the makoti stage one becomes umfazana (young woman) before becoming umfazi omkhulu (woman elder).
In the Xhosa culture, sisters in-law are usually tasked with clothing the makoti during a special ceremony called utsiki, part of which includes giving the bride a new name.
