Dressing Etiquette

Senegal is a Muslim-majority country, but most places do not require you to cover your knees, head, or shoulders. In larger villages and cities, most local women do not wear a hijab, and you will not be treated disrespectfully if you do not cover up, as you might in parts of India, Malaysia, or the Middle East. Many local women, in fact, prefer traditional Senegalese dresses that expose their neck and arms to modern clothing like shorts and skirts. Women typically cover their heads not for religious reasons, but to protect themselves from the harsh African sun.

Senegal has adopted boubou as its traditional attire, as have its African neighbors. This large, light, and comfortable clothing is a prerogative in Senegalese tradition.

Senegalese boubou is classified as simple or rich, and is both simple and stylish. If the fabric and embroidery are simple, with no extraneous details, boubou will be called "simple." It is typically worn by people of lower socioeconomic status and is made of wax or cotton. However, if the fabric and embroidery are rich, and the sewing details and finishes are of high quality, the boubou will be called "rich." It will be worn in high-profile situations.