South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation because of its rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
The nation has various ethnic groups, each with distinct traditional dresses.
While some people choose to wear these outfits on a day-to-day basis, others reserve them for social functions.
Various South African traditional dresses. Photo: @isintuourculture, @uyinqaba_designs (modified by author)Source: UGC
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There are multiple designs of traditional dresses today compared to decades ago.
Fashion designers and tailors blend modern styles with traditional elements, and the results are stunning.
They are drawn from various ethnic groups or communities.
Short white Bapedi traditional dresses. Photo: @sepedi.selfcare (modified by author)Source: UGC
Below is a collection of fabulous designs drawn to inspire your next look.
White Bapedi traditional dresses
Bapedi traditional attire is usually made of beautiful bright colours.
The community also has exotic designs.
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Bright colours signify people’s happiness, while the designs symbolise their unique creativity.
Pink is a pretty common colour in this community, and a skater dress with ribbons is an attention-grabber.
The colours used in outfits are bright and bold, and each has a symbolic meaning.
Pink Bapedi skater. Photo: @mantoa_mokubung, @isintuourculture (modified by author)Source: UGC
Amazing Sesotho traditional dresses
Sesotho women usually wear long dresses and skirts in vibrant colours and patterns.
They also tie blankets around their waists.
During special occasions, they wear a traditional Basotho dress called theseshoeshoe.
Blue Sesotho traditional dress. Photo: @kereeditse_lee (modified by author)Source: UGC
A yellow dress is striking and suggests good and happy vibes.
Fabulous Sesotho skater
Best traditional dresses for ladies have evolved so much.
Although thetraditional Sesothodress was straight-cut, skater designs have become quite popular.
Short stylish yellow gown. Photo: @isintuourculture, @sepedi_bapedi (modified by author)Source: UGC
You got to love how Sesotho women never leave their blankies, especially during functions.
Shweshwe is a printed, dyed cotton fabric widely used for South African traditional female clothing.
It was originally dyed indigo.
Sesotho skater dress. Photo: @shop.doja, @apara_sesotho (modified by author)Source: UGC
One of the common colour combinations in this community is black and white.
Its off-shoulder neckline adds a unique touch, making it the perfect attire for hot weather.
Maxi Xhosa dress
Besides black and white, theXhosaalso commonly wear red, orange, and blue.
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Their textile skirt is calledisikhakhaorimibhaco.
This is normally accessorised with elaborate beaded necklaces called ithumbu.
A strapless black and white Xhosa dress will make the eyes turn in any social function.
Fancy pink Shweshwe outfits. Photo: @shweshwedresses (modified by author)Source: UGC
Simple floral gown
Many women prefer simple outfits because they are easy to accessories with colourful beads.
These colours are vibrant and work well for casual and less formal occasions.
Gorgeous Xhosa maxi
Are you looking for a statement piece from the Xhosa community?
Floral and patterned Sesotho wrap dress. Photo: @anka.africa, @apara_sesotho (modified by author)Source: UGC
A beautiful maxi will do the trick, especially if accessorised with an elaborate black and white beaded necklace.
Blue Bapedi traditional attire
Off-should designs gaining more popularity today.
These designs are ideal for evening parties.
White and black Xhosa outfit. Photo: @isintuourculture (modified by author)Source: UGC
Zulu outfit with beads
TheZulucommunity is known for its weaving, craft-making, pottery, and beadwork.
Atraditional Zulu outfitwould be incomplete without beads.
While this community is known for its love for bright colours, you could tone them down.
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you’ve got the option to mix and match it with several ornaments and shoes from your wardrobe.
The designs above are for Bapedi brides, who choose to incorporate colourful ribbons on their fabulous wedding gowns.
Fancy Ndebele dress
Modern Ndebele dresses are pretty colourful.
Traditional Xhosa dress. Photo: @isintuourculture, @apara_sesotho (modified by author)Source: UGC
They mimic their brightly coloured homes painted in striking geometric designs.
The high-low design above is to die for.
Tswana mermaid outfits
Tswana people commonly wear Shweshwe fabrics, especially in blue.
Black and white fancy strapless Xhosa designs. Photo: @kingdomkhwalo (modified by author)Source: UGC
The mermaid design gives a woman a more desirable hourglass silhouette by balancing out their upper body.
You will, without a doubt, look stunning in an off-shoulder outfit.
Married women, for instance, wear a traditional garment made from goat skin.
Maxi Bapedi gown. Photo: @sepedi_bapedi, @lime_rapchic (modified by author)Source: UGC
It comprises anapron calledtshirivha, which covers the front and back.
Xhosa attire is known for its bold, vibrant patterns and colors.
you’re able to add beads around your neck to divert attention.
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Strapless Shweshwe dresses
Strapless dresses help to accentuate a woman’s curves.
You have to admit that Shweshwe fabrics are beautiful.
Lace design
Lace is a timeless fabric.
Ndebele traditional dresses. Photo: @ndebeledresscode (modified by author)Source: UGC
It can be paired with multiple other fabrics for a classy look.
you could wear the outfit above to church, parties, weddings, and other places.
People love the maroon-purplish colour because it is a toned-down colour.
*Maxi gorgeous Xhosa maxi dress. Photo: @simplymooi_, @uyinqaba_designs (modified by author)Source: UGC*
Blue Swazi look
Swazi women wear anilihhiyaor cloth.
There are numerous beautifulSwati attiresyou can go for.
Beautiful gowns with headgear
Keep it cute and casual with this long African print gown.
Dark and light blue Bapedi traditional attire. Photo: @sepedi.selfcare, @sepedi_bapedi (modified by author)Source: UGC
Short peplum dress
Short dresses often convey a sense of youthfulness and fun.
The shorter length can make the dress look more modern and chic, while still retaining its traditional elements.
Lovely red Swazi outfits
The Swaziilihhiyais quite colourful.
Traditional Zulu outfit with beads. Photo: @2goodphotograph, @isintuourculture (modified by author)Source: UGC
Women normally accessorise it with beads.
Metallic and other non-beaded accessories are quite common in today’s era.
The sash comes in on top to complete the outfit.
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Have a pink mermaid gown custom-made for your body and wear it with pride.
The blend of colours above is admirable.
The maxis above are classic and chic.
Cute traditional wedding outfits. Photo: @pediweddingsinspo (modified by author)Source: UGC
Flattering yellow high-low design
Some women are not comfortable wearing maxi dresses because they are too long.
For them, high-low dresses are the perfect alternative.
The look goes well with modern accessories too.
Fancy white with patterns Ndebele dress. Photo: @manyakum, @zinhle_summer (modified by author)Source: UGC
Cute kiddies' traditional dresses
Many traditional dresses for kids are made of Ankara fabrics.
There are hundreds of prints and child-friendly designs to choose from.
The neckline’s asymmetry adds drama to an otherwise streamlined design.
Tswana maxi mermaid outfits. Photo: @tswanadresscode (modified by author)Source: Getty Images
You have to try this design in 2024.
Off-shoulder with puff sleeves
Puff sleeves often evoke a sense of vintage fashion.
This style can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various occasions.
Black off-shoulder Xhosa modern dress design. Photo: @isintuourculture (modified by author)Source: UGC
It can be worn casually for a daytime outing or dressed up with accessories for a more formal event.
Zulu midi dress
The detail on the midi dress above is impeccable.
The white bodice blends well with the skirt with some patchwork and other details.
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African clothing refers to the traditional clothing worn by the people of Africa.
Which traditional dress is most beautiful in South Africa?
It is challenging to pick out one community’s attire because each is special to its people.
Venda dresses for a bride. Photo: @vendadresscode (modified by author)Source: UGC
What is a traditional African robe called?
The traditional robe carries differentnamesin different South African communities.
The Venda call ittsindi,kanzuin Swahili,boubouin West Africa, and many others in various ethnic groups.
Cute pleated dress. Photo: @medu_onlinestore (modified by author)Source: UGC
What are the main Sepedi colours?
The mainSepedi traditional outfitcolours are turquoise, bright pink, yellow, blue, and white.
There are many designs to choose from, each inspired by a specific ethnic group.
Short and maxi traditional attire. Photo: @shweshwedresses (modified by author)Source: UGC
Briefly.co.za recently published cute South Africankiddies' traditional dresses.
It is a parent’s joy to see their child making a fashion statement.
Traditional attires are a great way to style your child for any occasion.
Pink floral lace gown. Photo: @apara_sesotho (modified by author)Source: UGC
Fortunately, designers are constantly coming up with new and amazing designs for kiddies' traditional dresses.
She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019.
In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
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She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
Maroon-purplish Bapedi outfits. Photo: @sepedi_bapedi (modified by author)Source: UGC
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Blue Swazi look. Photo: @swati_and_venda_weddings (modified by author)Source: UGC
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
Traditional detailed red and blue gowns. Photo: @uyinqaba_designs (modified by author)Source: UGC
Red Swazi outfit for young women. Photo: @swatidresscode (modified by author)Source: UGC
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Tsonga dress with red, yellow and blue flowers. Photo: @tsongadresscode (modified by author)Source: UGC
Pink African traditional dress. Photo: @sepedi.selfcare (modified by author)Source: UGC
Colourful South African traditional dresses. Photo: @tsongadresscode (modified by author)Source: UGC
Maxi black and white African traditional gown. Photo: @shweshwedresses (modified by author)Source: UGC
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Floral kids gowns. Photo: @cuzokidsankarastore (modified by author)Source: UGC
Off-shoulder gown with puff sleeves. Photo: @uyinqaba_designs (modified by author)Source: UGC
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