Zimbabwe Clothing

Unlike Lesotho or Swaziland Zimbabwe clothing has generally been diluted to look more western. This is largely because of Zimbabwe history of colonization.

During times prior to colonization Zimbabwe people wore animal skin clothing that would cover the front and the back. With the coming of settlers western dressing was introduced and eroded what was once traditional dress. This traditional dress called nhembe is now left to traditionalists who are working hard to preserve cultural heritage. Even with these, they never walk the streets wearing Zimbabwe traditional clothing.

Zimbabwe therefore lacks a national dress. Even though women and men wear shirts, dresses and head gear made from African designed attire as shown in the picture this is no Zimbabwe clothing. It's African but not necessarily unique to Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe a few years ago launched what was officially to be a national dress but it never saw light of day. The nation ignored it.

Most Zimbabwe professionals wear neck ties and suits. This is the same for women professionals. All in all Zimbabwe clothing is heavily western. With the advent of globalization young people dress mostly American with baggy jeans and t-shirts in universities and colleges.

The Zimbabwe population is largely still very resistant to dressing that exposes "more than necessary" especially in women. There have been cases of women being stripped naked altogether by mobs of people for wearing mini-skirts or too short a skirt even in the capital of Zimbabwe. This includes other cities in Zimbabwe. The generality of the population is still heavily conservative.

Most clothing in Zimbabwe comes from outside. Shoes, shirts, suits and skirts are imported from China and countries such as South Africa. Clothing imports rose sharply as the Zimbabwe economy continued to fall. Local clothing factories such as David Whitehead collapsed under the weight of a poor Zimbabwe currency and falling local demand.

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