South Africa’s varied blend of cultures, ethnic groupings, and religions has resulted in a wide range of traditional clothing. In African civilizations, for example, clothing reflects a person’s age and social standing. We look at the numerous styles of traditional clothing prevalent in South Africa.
Xhosa
The Xhosa culture has a complicated dress code that is influenced by a person’s social standing, and it incorporates stunning beadwork and printed fabrics. Women’s attire and accessories have traditionally represented the various stages of life.
Long skirts and aprons in lovely printed or embroidered fabrics are their major items of apparel. Ithumbu, or elaborate beaded necklaces, are worn around the neck, as are beaded bracelets and anklets. Married women customarily wear the iqhiya, or headscarf. Embroidered capes or blankets are wrapped around the shoulders to complete the look.
Xhosa men were traditionally warriors, hunters, and stockmen, and as such, animal hide was a key part of their traditional attire. On important occasions, embroidered skirts are paired with a rectangular cloth draped over the left shoulder or a tunic and multiple strands of beaded necklaces.
Zulu
Women in Zulu culture also dress differently at different periods of their life. A young woman who is unmarried wears her hair short and merely a short grass-reed skirt adorned with beads, whereas engaged women conceal their breasts and grow their hair.
To symbolize that she is spoken for, a married woman covers her entire body. She’s dressed in a thick cowhide skirt softened with animal fat and charcoal. Women used to conceal their bosoms with a handkerchief, but now cotton vests or beaded bras are worn with beaded necklaces.
The most recognizable decoration is a circular-shaped cap known as an izicolo, which is worn by married ladies. Traditionally, these hats were constructed of grass and cotton and measured up to a metre across to protect the user from the sun.
Ndebele
The Ndebele tribe is well-known for their beautiful beadwork and vividly colored dwellings with remarkable geometric designs. An apron is the most important piece of Ndebele women’s clothing. Older girls wear isiphephetu, a beaded apron given to them by their moms, as well as isigolwani, which are thick beaded hoops worn around their necks, arms, legs, and waist.
Married women wear longer aprons made of hardened skin with elaborate geometric motifs. They also wear isigolwani and idzilla copper rings around their necks, ankles, and arms. Girls and unmarried women do not traditionally cover their breasts, whereas married ladies cover their upper bodies with multi-colored striped or beaded blankets.
Ndebele men dress in animal hide aprons with beaded breastplates or iporiyana that drapes over their neck. The iporiyana is a symbol of masculinity that a young man receives from his father after undergoing initiation. Along with a cape, animal hide headbands and ankle bracelets are worn.
Traditional Venda Venda girls wear a shedo, a tiny apron that conceals the pubic area. When girls acquire breasts, they wear a nwenda, which is a brightly colored striped fabric worn around the waist or around one shoulder. Beaded necklaces, bangles, and headbands are also popular accessories.
Tsindi, a loincloth, was originally worn by Venda boys and men. The tsindi is a triangular piece of animal skin that is wrapped around the front of the body, passed between the legs, and knotted at the rear. They also draped a cloak over their shoulders in colder weather. Today, Venda men frequently wear shirts made of nwenda cloth with slacks.
Tsonga (Shangaan) (Shangaan)
The Tsonga-Shangaan tribe is a Zulu branch found primarily in southern Mozambique and the northern provinces of South Africa. Tsonga men traditionally wear animal skins, while Tsonga women wear colorful gathered skirts called xibelani, which vibrate when they dance.
Malay of the Cape
The Cape Malay ethnic group was imported to South Africa from South-East Asia during the slave trade. The Cape Malay community in Cape Town is primarily Muslim. Cape Malay people, like Indian South Africans, wear mostly Western dress in everyday life and traditional attire at mosques, madrassahs, and special occasions.
South African Indians have always maintained their cultural heritage, dialects, and religious beliefs, whether Christian, Hindu, or Muslim. Western attire is used on a daily basis, whereas exquisite embroidered saris and sherwanis are traditionally reserved for special events like as weddings.
What do most South Africans wear?
Dresses, shorts, T-shirts, and light pants are popular choices among South Africans. If you’re staying in Johannesburg, bring a light sweater or jacket for the nights, as well as an umbrella for summer thundershowers.
In South Africa, what do you dress to dinner?
Even in most restaurants, the dress code is casual. There are a few smarter city hotels and restaurants, though, where a smart casual dress may make you feel more at ease.
