Authentic African fashion in Nairobi, Kenya: from local everyday wear to traditional costumes
What surprised me most while walking around the city during my stay in Nairobi was the high level of fashion sense of the local people. I would like to share my honest impressions of the African fashion that I saw, experienced, and purchased there.
Local fashion suited to the climate of Nairobi, 1,700m above sea level
Nairobi has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 17°C. This has a big influence on local fashion. In Japan, there is an image of "Africa = hot," but in reality, Nairobi is quite chilly in the mornings and evenings.
*By the way, I am often asked, "Where do you recommend staying?", so I will answer that question in this article: " I actually stayed there! Talking about accommodation in Nairobi, Kenya."
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Photo: A second-hand coat being sold on the streets of Nairobi
The locals dress really well to adapt to the changing weather. They tend to wear layers: a light jacket or cardigan in the morning, cool cotton clothing in the afternoon, and then another jacket in the evening.
Photo: A tailor near Kileleshwa making long sleeves and long trousers
What particularly impressed me were the beautiful 100% cotton dresses worn by the local women. Though they were brightly colored and patterned, they were not overly flashy and gave off an elegant impression.
Photo: Clothes from Kibera designer brand LooslikeAvido
Tips for the best clothing for dry climates
Many areas in Kenya have a dry climate, and the country has a deeply rooted clothing culture that is suited to this environment.
Relaxed silhouette
The mainstream design is loose and not too tight fitting, allowing air to circulate easily. I realized that this is the secret to comfort in dry areas.
Long sleeves and pants to protect your skin
To protect the skin from the strong sunlight, thin long sleeves and long pants are widely worn, a wisdom that is also common in the clothing culture of desert regions.
Photo: Kenyan women relaxing on the beach
Surprised by the diversity of African fashion
I realized that there is far too much diversity in African clothing to be described in one word. Even within Kenya alone, there are completely different clothing cultures depending on the tribe and region.
Kanga
This is the most beloved fabric in East Africa. It comes in a set of two, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulders or head. The local women wear the kanga beautifully, and I was impressed by how the same kanga can create completely different impressions depending on how it's worn.
Photo: Kanga (a piece of cloth with letters) and Kitenge (described below). Both are African prints.
Kikoy
Originally worn by coastal fishermen, it is now worn by both men and women and is a versatile fabric that can be used as a sarong, shawl, or beachwear.
Photo: Kikoi purchased in Kenya
contemporary african print
The streets were filled with dresses and shirts that combined traditional patterns with a modern twist. A wonderful style that combines African tradition with modern fashion is being created, especially among the younger generation.
Kitenge
In Nairobi's markets and some stores, I came across a beautiful printed fabric called Kitenge. It is characterized by vibrant colors and unique patterns (see the photo above), and you can often see it made into dresses and shirts.
The appeal of upcycled accessories
At the town market, there were many accessories for sale made from recycled materials and old fabrics. They were all full of ingenuity, such as earrings made with beads and bracelets made from recycled sisal string. By purchasing directly from local artisans, you naturally learn to practice fair trade, which means paying a fair price. This was a valuable learning experience that would be difficult to have in Japan.
Photo: Necklaces, earrings, and other items made from upcycled materials (Maro Designs)
An experience that made me feel the depth of African culture
What I felt through fashion was the depth of African culture. Each of the 54 African countries has its own unique culture, and these characteristics are reflected in their clothing. I realized that everything, from costumes using things like the kanga to modern fashion, is imbued with meaning and history.
Summary: Feeling the charm of Africa through fashion
My fashion experience in Nairobi was worth more than just shopping. By experiencing the local climate, culture, and people's lives, I think I was able to truly understand the appeal of African fashion.
I would like to continue introducing ethical and sustainable African fashion to people in Japan. I would be delighted if you could experience the rich culture and traditions of Africa through fashion.
Representative Kaoru Tsuji
