Browse this seasons Traditional Zulu Attires. We have the latest traditional Zulu Wedding Dresses, Traditional Zulu attire for Makoti, Traditional Zulu Bridemaids Dresses, Traditional Zulu Shirts for men and more.

Traditional African Dresses

The most prominent adornment in Shweshwe traditional dresses are iconic circular-shaped hats called isicholo, which are worn by married women.
Ischolo were originally made of grass and cotton. They measured as much as a metre across to protect the women from the sun. Zulu women also wear different attire to indicate the different stages of their lives.

Apart from the Ischolo, a married woman also wears a thick cowhide skirt that has been softened with animal fat and charcoal, she is required to cover her entire body to indicate that she is now married and no longer available for potential suitors. Single young women who are not yet married wear their hair short, topless with a short grass-reed skirt embellished with beads. Engaged women cover their breasts and grow their hair.

The grass reed skirt Modern Shweshwe Dress has now been replaced with the common zulu pleated skirts. Traditionally, Zulu women covered their bosom with a cloth, but nowadays, the simple cloth used to cover their breats has been replaced with cotton vests or beaded bras are which are worn along with colourful beaded necklaces.
hweshwe traditional dresses are the most popular Shweshwe traditional attire designs from South Africa. The current trends for 2022 have been influenced in the previous year and the designs carry over lace, tulle and embelishments that spruce up the dress designs to maintain a hint of the cultural relevance whilst keeping up with modern trends.

Shweshwe is a South African fabric with a bold and bright design, which has been featured in fashion runways for the past couple of seasons. It’s an impressive textile made from cotton, with inbuilt patterns that have a geometric quality about them.

Shweshwe Traditional Dresses

The popular traditional clothing prints were originally worn by women in the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces of South Africa. It is a brightly colored, printed fabric that can be used to make dresses or skirts. The vibrant colors were inspired by European prints and created with natural dyes made from nuts, bark, leaves and flowers.

Shweshwe is a very comfortable fabric that can be worn both in summer and winter and these dresses are not just for special occasions but also for casual wear. These clothes are designed with different styles and patterns and they are worn by both young and old people. Shweshwe dresses have been around for a very long time. In fact, some people believe that the shweshwe fabric was invented during the 18th century by Afrikaner women who were married to Dutch officers. It is believed that they created this dress out of the cloth they were given by their husbands.

Shweshwe Traditional Wedding Dresses

This wedding season, Traditional Wedding Dress designers in South Africa are creating amazing Shweshwe Traditional Wedding dresses designs. The Shweshwe prints can be blended with a mixture of plain matching colours, tulle, satin or cotton to create amazing Traditional Wedding dresses. Shweshwe brides have become more open to modern design trends and there is always new and exciting designs to watch out for if you are looking for modern Shweshwe designs.

African traditional dresses represent a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and histories, each boasting unique designs, colors, and patterns. These garments not only hold deep cultural significance but also reflect the artistic creativity and identity of the people who wear them. From the vibrant fabrics of West Africa to the intricate beadwork of East Africa, let’s explore 20 stunning African traditional dresses that showcase the continent’s wealth of cultural heritage.

Looking for designer traditional dresses in South Africa? Our collection features beautifully crafted garments made by talented designers, perfect for any occasion. Browse our selection of unique and authentic designs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. Get inspiration for your traditional designer dress for 2023!