Simple yet classy boubou gown styles

The Boubou is a traditional West African garment that dates back centuries. It’s a loose-fitting, flowing robe that was worn by royalty and nobility as a symbol of status. The bubu is also known as a “boubou”.

The Boubou fashion style originated with the clothing of the Tuareg, Songhai-Zarma, Hausa, Kanuri, and Tounou.
It was worn by chiefs of the Songhai of Niger and Mali, Kanuri, Hausa, Dagomba of Ghana, and more.

The boubou was a practical way to protect people from the sun and cold while traveling across the Sahara desert.
The boubou was often paired with a large turban called an Alasho, Tagelmust, or Litham.

Fast forward to today, the boubou has become a popular fashion staple around the world. It’s known for its vibrant colours, intricate embroidery, and exquisite craftsmanship.

Read also: Chiffon gown styles that are classy and comfortable

The boubou is made from high-quality fabrics such as cotton, silk, or chiffon.
The boubou has become an important symbol of African unity and pride.
Etymology

The word “boubou” comes from the Wolof word mbubb, which refers to a loose-fitting ankle-length caftan worn in Senegal.

There is a set etiquette to wearing the grand boubou, primarily in place to keep the over-gown above the ankles at any one time, in keeping with Islamic traditions of avoiding impurity (see Najis).

This can include folding the open sleeves of the boubou over one’s shoulders, normally done while walking or before sitting down, to ensure the over-gown does not rub against the ground, or by folding/wrapping each side over the other with the hand, narrowing the gown’s space toward the ankles (as done by the Tuareg people).

Thus, it is rare to see the grand boubou’s square-shaped gown completely unwrapped.

Here are pictures of amazing bubu style that are comfy yet stylish.