Africa is a continent rich with diverse languages and people groups. The clothing styles of many African countries have a rich history going back thousands of years. These days you can see African-Americans choosing to enhance their style and celebrate their heritage by donning these garments. The designs of the clothes are one reflection of African culture, but the colors and symbols that decorate them are also important to understand.

African clothing styles for men have come a long way and have evolved from traditions dating back hundreds of years ago. There is a wide selection of fashionable clothing for African men, that comes in various colours, design, materials, and styles. These clothing styles are usually designed to correspond to various functions and occasions.

Arguably, Kente is the best known and the most celebrated of all African clothing styles. It is considered as the embodiment of the African heritage that is known all over the world. Traditionally, Kente is made from African silk originating from the Ghana. This African design for men, dating back almost 400 years ago, is intended to be worn only by kings and chiefs. The geometric pattern, colour and design of every piece of Kente come with specific meanings. Aside from making a statement, it also embodies the creativity, life experiences, religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and family line of the wearer.

African Fabrics Rich Cultural Heritage - This is cloth weaved with artificial rayon fibres. Over the last thirty years it has become more common for it to be made from rayon. The main reason for this is because kente is in demand and so weavers have adapted by using a cheaper more cost effective way of providing for tourists. The rayon fibre weaved kente is the least valuable and much cheaper than original or authentic Kente. Traditionally this was the kind of cloth that was made exclusively for the chiefs and kings of Ghana. It is not commonly used as it is expensive but it is by far the best Kente in terms of quality and is still accessible for those who can afford.

Symbols and Color in African Clothing - Kente cloth made of Ghana has many different designs and colors with various meanings. Red is the symbol of bloodshed and is frequently worn for political meetings and rallies. Green represents fertility and you can see it worn often during a young girl's adolescence. White symbolizes purity or victory. Yellow represents maturity or glory and chiefs frequently wear this color. Blue symbolizes love, and black represents aging.

Knowing the symbolic meanings of color and design in African clothing helps one to have a greater sense of the culture and the rich history of the African styles that one can find today. Whatever your ethnic heritage may be, you can find an African style that reflects your identity and your good taste too.

Methods of adding designs - There are many unique ways in which designs are added to fabrics. Some dye the fabrics through different methods to create designs on the surface. Others use colourful threads and weave them into the cloth to give diverse patterns. Some of them also use embroidery method by sewing them. Patterns are also created by applique method in which pieces of cloth are sewn in the background. Printing is used as a way to add colours and design on cloth nowadays.