As a greater consciousness of their origins developed in the American Black community during the 1960s and 70s, styles and garments from Africa began to become more popular. African American attire began to hark back to the continent of origins much more clearly. Fabrics and styles from the western part of the continent became incorporated into the styles of the diaspora in America. African American Attire
This roots influence was especially noticeable when it came to some of the fabrics which were used, something particularly true of women's garb. A cloth known as 'Kente' was used to make dresses and other garments. This material was traditionally woven by the Ashanti and Ewe, peoples who lived in the countries of Ghana and Togo.
Trousers and T-shirts made out of the fabric became more common. Formal garments also often received a touch of the fabric to add that personal note of cultural pride. Bow ties and cummerbunds for formal suits often being made from it, while academic robes have also been designed which incorporate the material.
Other, perhaps less flamboyant, themes from Africa have also been adopted into some people's clothing styles. Bright colours continue to find favour among people of African descent in the USA. Beads and other fabrics, such as mud cloth from Mali, have also found favour with some people.
Accessories such as jewellery have also taken on many design features from Africa since those days in the 1960s and 70s. Necklace and bracelet designs have become much more consciously reflective of Africa's cultures. One example of this usage is the prevalence of Adrinka type designs, taken from the philosophies and beliefs of West Africa.
As style continues to evolve and new trends appear, African American attire will continue to mutate. What is clear though is the wider influence that Black American fashions and style exert on the rest of the world. Black Americans may have been influenced by West Africa, but they in turn have influenced the way the whole world chooses to dress.
This roots influence was especially noticeable when it came to some of the fabrics which were used, something particularly true of women's garb. A cloth known as 'Kente' was used to make dresses and other garments. This material was traditionally woven by the Ashanti and Ewe, peoples who lived in the countries of Ghana and Togo.
Trousers and T-shirts made out of the fabric became more common. Formal garments also often received a touch of the fabric to add that personal note of cultural pride. Bow ties and cummerbunds for formal suits often being made from it, while academic robes have also been designed which incorporate the material.
Other, perhaps less flamboyant, themes from Africa have also been adopted into some people's clothing styles. Bright colours continue to find favour among people of African descent in the USA. Beads and other fabrics, such as mud cloth from Mali, have also found favour with some people.
Accessories such as jewellery have also taken on many design features from Africa since those days in the 1960s and 70s. Necklace and bracelet designs have become much more consciously reflective of Africa's cultures. One example of this usage is the prevalence of Adrinka type designs, taken from the philosophies and beliefs of West Africa.
As style continues to evolve and new trends appear, African American attire will continue to mutate. What is clear though is the wider influence that Black American fashions and style exert on the rest of the world. Black Americans may have been influenced by West Africa, but they in turn have influenced the way the whole world chooses to dress.
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