Know the many different ethnic dresses from around the world

Introduction

Just as every people has their ethnic food so does each nation clothe themselves differently. Even within one country, there are varied dresses depending on which region a person comes from. Both plus size women and smaller women have ethnic apparel that suits their body type and culture. Unlike formal or professional clothes which are mainly used for occupational purposes, traditional apparel are quite symbolic and worn on special occasions such as weddings. Sometimes a particular region has a kind of clothing due to the availability of a certain fabric or the existence of a weather condition. We take a look at customary women clothes across the world, how they look and what their significance are.

Women apparel in Africa

Africa ethnic clothing is mainly light fabric and worn for ceremonial purposes. Most women dresses are clad around the body. The color and artwork of the dress depends on the occasion – white for baby naming ceremonies and black for funerals. Typically the dress is worn as one or two pieces made from the same fabric. An example of this kind of clothing is the kente or pagne.

For elaboration and special adornment, these ethnic clothes have headgears. The boubou style is one African clothing worn during formal ceremonies. It is usually made from cotton or other light fabric with embroidery or plain. Batik, tie dye and African wax prints are also common customary clothing for women. They are made from cotton. Buba is a unique form of plus size blouse worn by Yoruba women in Nigeria.Traditional cloth made from cotton and calico is also worn by women from in Africa. In Ghana, it’s called ntoma and in Tanzania its chitenge. It is a long wrap skirt and blouse of the same fabric. There is a variant of this clothing in south Africa where its called kapulane. The light fabric makes it suitable for high temperatures experienced in these regions.

In Eastern Africa, the Zuria is a common traditional wear. Its a relatively short dress worn during special events. Then there is also Kikoi which is basically a wrapper made from dyed cotton. It occasionally functions as a headgear for women. Of all African ethnic clothing, the dashiki is the most colorful. It is a popular casual garment in west and east Africa. It’s basically a long shirt with streaks or spirals of color patterns, similar to batik and tie dye except that its made from lighter fabric. .

Clothing for women in Asia

The hanbok is the customary clothing of Korea. Typically worn by elderly women, it is a symbol of tradition and culture.

The Chinese traditional wear hanfu which comes with its own unique accessories is a common piece of clothing for women in the region.

In Persian countries such as Iran and Iran, most women wear chadar which is a fill length wrapper with closure. The wearer tightens it around the body with the hand. Its like a buttonless long shirt.

Of all Asian cultural dresses, the Japanese kimono is the most conspicuous. It is an overtly large box shaped apparel with pronounced square shoulders.

Women cultural dresses in Europe

In Central Europe, the dirndl of the Germans makes a distinct ethnic clothing. It is a traditional women’s plus size costume designed as a frock with wide sleeves. It is worn all across the country and has become so symbolic of the nation that German livings outside their homeland typically adopt the outfit during national celebrations. Spaniard women have similar apparel but of mellow color.