Dressing Etiquette

In Ghana, each ethnic group, with their distinct culture across the nation, represents themselves uniquely in the way they dress. The roots of Ghanaian fashion go back to the pre-colonial era. Traditional wooden looms of cotton and raffia and wool are existing since those times. And, they are still considered an important aspect of their fashion. Kente, Kete, and Gonja cloth are used in most of the traditional ethnic clothes of Ghana.

A unisex outfit or fabric is Kente. However, how men and women wear it varies. Men wear it across one shoulder and around the body, similar to an ancient Greek toga. Women typically wear a two-piece kente, of which one serves as a wraparound skirt and the other as a shawl. To finish the look, a simple blouse is worn. It is also a typical Ghanaian ethnic wedding attire. Kete is similar to Kente. It is also famous, for its bright colors and symmetrical pattern. Although the origins are not clear, both textiles are of great value to the cultural heritage of Ghana.

Unlike Kente and Kete, Gonja is not check-patterns or super colorful. As it is used more for men's outfits, the fabric is woven with a striped pattern. This is used to make a kurta or long kaftan looking shirts for men called Smock. Usually very loose and breathable in the hot temperatures during summer. Also, cotton is used for making this type of fabric.