15 Classy Zulu Traditional Dresses and Attire

Like many African countries, South Africa is home to unique cultures and traditions that truly showcase their identity, values, and beliefs. Of the different tribes in South Africa, one of the most lovable culture is that of the Zulu people. It is so easy to fall in love with them because of their famous rich and unique attires like the classy zulu traditional dresses.

   In the Zulu culture, there are attire varieties for everyday use, celebratory occasions and to signify milestones reached. In fact, every stage of a Zulu’s life is greatly determined by a certain type of attire. 

Zulu Traditional Attire For Women

  From the dresses of Zulu women, you can tell if they are married, engaged, or single. For example, the isigcebhezana is a miniskirt that women wear only at Zulu ceremonies. An unmarried woman typically wears the skirt and nothing on the top, while Isibamba is reserved for pregnant women.

Here are some Zulu traditional attire for women;

• Isidwaba and Isicwaya

A typical Zulu bride wears this animal skin dress for the traditional marriage ceremony. The Isidwaba is covers the breast and is styled with the Isidwaba, which is a leather skirt and a hat to show that the bride has been taken.

• Zulu-Inspired Long Gown

In recent times, most Zulu brides do not wear the traditional leather and animal skin. Rather, they have opted for this gorgeous long gown enhanced by colourful beads.

• Zulu Mermaid Gown

This gown, commonly worn by Zulu brides, has a touch of modern look to it. Its beauty stems from the shoulders down to the knees and if you want to  go the extra mile, you can top your look with  the traditional Zulu cap called the Isicholo.

• A Short Colored Pleated Dress

With this style, the colour is usually dependent on the user, but most times, women opt for red (which is one of the Zulu colours), while its bottom part is made of pleats of different colours. To further bring home the Zulu symbol, a belts, beats and the Isicholo is used to bring out then traditional look.

• Tulle Skirt

The Tulle skirt is a youthful attire that easily changes a woman’s look into drop-dead gorgeousness. This modern dress can further be accessorized with beautiful dangling earrings and traditional headbands called Umghele.

Zulu Traditional Dresses For Men

Men’s Zulu traditional dresses is majorly the animal skin and feathers which symbolizes their social status. For instance, it is only the royal family and chieftaincy that wear leopard skins

• African-Inspired Traditional Print

This simple yet classy attire is worn mostly during occasions and ceremonies where the shirt is matched with a fabric made of prints of different colors. 

• Multi-Colored Waistcoat, Vest, and Trouser

This is another modern adaption of the Zulu traditional dresses. Rather than the animal skin for the chest and waist, a colourful fabric is used to make the waistcoat and trousers. For an extra style effect, animal skin can be added to the attire.

• Dashiki

The beautiful two-piece outfit is suitable for men as it is naturally attractive. It can be paired with different colours of trousers. Also, the dashiki can be colourfully designed at the neck, wrist, or hem with Zulu colours.

• Shaka Zulu Attire

This attire is greatly revered in Zulu as it’s symbolic to their greatest warrior, Shaka Zulu. The shirt sleeve attire can be worn with a trouser.

• Western-Inspired Zulu Attire With The Umghele

Zulu attire transcends generations and ages such that men can now put on this simple corporate alongside some pieces of Zulu traditional attire.

Zulu Traditional Dresses For Couples

From their colorful outfits to their traditional attire, Zulu couples are always attractive as they make heads turn in admiration whenever they step out together.

• Short Pleated Skirt and Animal Skin Outfit

This particular Zulu couple attire embodies both Zulu traditional attires of men and women.

• Tulle And Ankara Gown and Simple Men’s Attire

The woman’s gown is usually fitted from the shoulder to the knee, while the man’s shirt is sewn with some fabric from the lady’s material. This combination usually looks amazing and can be worn for any occasion.

• Ball Gown and Dashiki

For the ball gown, the Zulu traditional colours can be used for styling the end of the gown. The men’s two piece outfit can also be designed with Zulu patterns and colors.

• Tulle Gown With Ankara and Shaka Zulu

The Tulle gown is every shade of stunning as the Ankara material is blended into the tulle material. The combo naturally gives both a modern and traditional look at the same time. For the men, every item used to design their Shaka Zulu will makes you fall in love with the Zulu tradition.

• Zulu-Inspired Sleeveless Top And Skirt And Mbata

On this attire, the women mostly use simple beads to adorn their body. The men on the other hand wear a matching top with Mbata over their chest.

Which of these styles are your favorite? Do let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to share with your friends and family!