African Traditional Attires

This season's Traditional Zulu Attire can be found here. Traditional Zulu Wedding Dresses, Traditional Zulu Makoti clothing, Traditional Zulu Bridesmaids Dresses, Traditional Zulu Shirts for Men, and more are all available.

The Zulus are the largest and most well-known ethnic group in South Africa, owing to their pivotal role in the continent's history. The Zulus are recognized for their fierce fighting spirit, and South African history would be incomplete without mentioning them.

The Zulus emerged from hundreds of minor clans occupying the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on South Africa's eastern coast in the late 18th century. Grazing rights were constantly a source of contention amongst tribes, and warfare was regular.

The characteristic circular-shaped hats known as Ischolo, which are worn by married ladies, are the most prominent decoration in Zulu traditional attire. Originally, Ischolo were constructed of grass and cotton. They may be up to a metre across and shielded the women from the sun. Zulu women also dress differently at different periods of their lives to reflect their status 

A married woman also wears a thick cowhide skirt that has been softened with animal fat and charcoal and is expected to cover her entire body to show that she is now married and no longer available for potential suitors, in addition to the Ischolo. Unmarried young ladies keep their hair short and topless, with a short grass-reed skirt adorned with beads. Women who are engaged hide their breasts and grow their hair.

The reed skirt made of grass Zulu pleated skirts have now taken the place of modern Zulu dresses. Traditionally, Zulu women wore a cloth to conceal their breasts, but currently, cotton vests or beaded bras are worn instead, along with colorful beaded necklaces.