The traditional clothing for a Swahili man is a long robe and a small, rounded hat with embroidery or bright colors. Women dress in long dresses, skirts or draped cloth and have their head covered with a cloth or fabric. Many of the clothing colors are bright and striped. When not wearing traditional clothing for a celebration or festival and always during important and religious occasions, western style clothing is worn.
Men wear pants and shirts and women a different style of dress. However, on Fridays, which is the official day of prayer for Muslims, they wear traditional clothing. The kanga is a rectangular piece of cloth that represents Swahili culture. The cloth is hand-made with extreme care. The kanga is used as a sling to carry babies. It can also be used to carry melons and other foods on your head when you are walking a distance and you have to carry a heavy load. The kanga can also be used as a kitchen apron.
Online Swahili lessons for kids: dinolingo.com
