Explaining the Crazy Love Behind Zambia Chitenge Fashion!

A walk into the street of Lusaka tells you how deep Zambia chitenge fashion is here. In Africa, the chitenge (also known as kitenge) is a sarong-like cloth commonly used by women as a headscarf or as a sling for babies.

Most central and southern African countries wear chitenges, which have an edging only on one long side.

However, chitenge fashion is more pronounced in Zambia.

What is Chitenge Material?

Chitenge is a brightly coloured fabric popular in Africa which explains why Zambia chitenge fashion. It is popular among Zambian women in businesses and rural areas. They wrap it around their skirt while others rock a chitenge-sewn skirt and a matching headscarf.

The culture behind this fabric is giving a Zambian woman a sense of identity.

What is Zambia’s Traditional Clothing?

A colourful short Chitenge dress, Zambia [Photo by Saddha]Traditional dress styles differs from one tribe to the next. The most common attire for ladies is a blouse and a flowy dress or long skirt. But Zambia chitenge fashion is gaining prominence.

In rural Zambia, chitenge dresses are common attires due to their inexpensive nature. They are considered a part of the tradition where young and teenage girls have an obligation to honour their culture by donning them.

Besides donning it as an attire, the chitenge is commonly used by women to carry babies on their backs. For this noble role, it is not referred to as chitenge but ‘Impapa’ or ‘Inguwo’ in the local dialect.

Nevertheless, designers have come up with aesthetic and fancy chitenge outfits complete with matching headwear. The designs are appealing, especially to the modern Zambian woman.

Explaining the Crazy Love Behind Zambia Chitenge Fashion!

In the spirit of, perhaps, equality, designers also exhibited men’s chitenge outfits ranging from trousers, shorts, pyjamas and shirts. Traditionally, Zambian men's outfits’ include long pants and loose-fitting cotton shirts.

The print designs which are varied and come in different patterns were in the past used as a political tool.

It is a common occurrence to find chitenges engraved with pictures of particular candidates vying for a political post.

It could also be traditional art engraved on a chitenge clothing meant to push a certain narrative to the electorate.

Estos Suppliers Zimbabwe are suppliers of African Prints (Chitenges) and Cloths for both Ladies and Gents for any occasion. Estos Suppliers Zimbabwe Is A Multi-Industry Provider With An Outstanding Reputation For Service, Designed To Meet Our Client's Expectations.

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