Kitenge Tops for Everyday Wear: The Complete Guide
Â
What is Kitenge
Women frequently use kitenge, a fabric from East Africa, West Africa, and Central Africa, wrapped over their chests or waists, over their heads as a headscarf, or as a baby sling. Kitenges are often vibrant pieces of cloth.
The History of Kitenge Clothing
Batik fabrics were found in Indonesia during the Dutch colonization, and traders from that nation carried samples back to their home country. Dutch textile producers created methods for machine-printing cloth in large quantities and began making less expensive imitation batik fabrics. The traditional batik fabrics were preferred in Indonesia, where these new materials were not well-liked. However, when they were introduced to West Africa in the 1880s, they were favorably received.
After serving in Indonesia, soldiers from West Africa returned home with batik fabrics, which helped to popularize the textiles. Before production began in African nations, the cloth was made for many years by several various producers in Europe, notably the British and Dutch.
Why You Should Consider Wearing Kitenge Tops
African attire called a kitenge top is typically worn by guys. But in recent years, ladies have started to wear tops more frequently. This is because the tops are adaptable and suitable for a wide range of circumstances.
Africa is the source of the kitenge. It was originally used by Africans as apparel, but now it is popular throughout many other cultures.
The advantages of wearing kitenge tops and how it can be a simple method to enhance your fashion game will be covered in this post.
Wearing a kitenge top can provide you with several advantages, both practical and cosmetic. Kitenge top is a wonderful summertime garment that may be worn as a top, a skirt, or a dress.
We'll look at a few justifications for wearing kitenge tops in this article.
with other pieces in your wardrobe, kitenge tops, an African garment, can be worn as either formal or casual attire. For a more casual look, they can be worn with skirts or pants and even with high heels or sneakers.
- Kitenge Tops Display Your Sense of Style:
There's no disputing that kitenge tops convey your sense of style and attire! They are often made of bold, vibrant, and colorful cloth that lets you show off your flair.
Types of Kitenge Tops, Designs for ladies in 2022
Kaftan Top
An outer jacket, a jacket, a dress, or a suit may be worn over the warm kaftan top. It's a loose, long-sleeved top that's available in a variety of designs and prints. This top goes well with virtually anything, including dresses, sweatpants, loose shirts, and cardigans. Shop for Kitenge Kaftan tops with us at Ikojn.
Maxi/Longline Top
If you are unsure about your size, this top is ideal. The cloth must be comfy and supportive enough to keep you standing. To fit comfortably around your allotted measurements without being too tight, the top should also feature an empire waistband.
Wrap Tops
This top works well for many different situations. It can be dressed up for a big occasion or worn simply with a pair of jeans. This top should be tied or have a zipper to close it at the top, with a large enough opening at the bottom to allow for the complete range of motion.
Cinched Waist Top
This shirt works well for many different situations, such as work or school. It is both attractive and cozy to wear. The waistband of the top should be low cut so that it covers all of your skin and fits comfortably around your body.
Peplum Top
The loose-fitting peplum top is available in a wide range of patterns and styles. Given that it creates the impression that you are wearing a dress, you may pair it with nearly anything. Given that it appears so formally lovely when worn appropriately, it ranks among the dressiest tops for ladies. Both traditional and contemporary fashions feature peplum tops.
Blouse Top
The blouse is a shirt that most closely resembles the conventional feminine figure. This top is a classic because of the broad straps, boat-neck design, somewhat longer hemline, and modest collarbones. It is one of the best options for women's tops thanks to its button-down collar and modest empire waist. However, because of the chest straps, blouses look their best when worn with lower bust sizes. A blouse that is smaller than usual in size will allow you more leeway if your bust size is greater.
Tunic Top
Loose-fitting gowns called tunic tops are frequently paired with sandals or boots. A top with many different wearable combinations is the tunic. It may be dressed down with a belt and some shoes or worn when you want to feel more laid back. Do not, under any circumstances, bring a tunic to work! If you do, you will become extremely enraged.
What's The Difference Between a Short-Sleeve and Long-Sleeve Top?
The distinction between long sleeves and short sleeves is the subject of this essay.
Shirts with long sleeves wrap the arm from the wrist to the shoulder. When a shirt has short sleeves, the entire arm—from the wrist to the shoulder—is not covered.
Long sleeves cover more of your arms than short sleeves do, which is the primary distinction between the two types of sleeves.
Although long sleeve tops often keep you warmer than short sleeve tops, they don't provide as much sun protection.
A blouse with sleeves that go past the elbow is referred to as having long sleeves. Shirts with short sleeves are sleeveless garments.
Warmth in chilly weather and sun protection is provided by long sleeves. They also conceal scars and tattoos, which is a benefit for people who want to cover up their body art or cover up their skin.
In warm weather, short sleeves are ideal because they keep the wearer cool and prevent sunburns or tan lines.
To pair your kitenge top with your everyday outfit you should first decide what kind of kitenge top you have - a kanga top, a kikoi top, etcetera - and then pick out an outfit that will go well with it!