The Somali exclusive/royal clothing for men is characterized by its flowing, robe-like shape and intricate embroidery. These garments are often made from fine fabrics such as silk or cotton and come in a range of colors, from bold and vibrant to subtle and muted. They are typically accessorized with a turban or headscarf, and sometimes a sash or belt with a seef(sword) on the side making it suitable for formal occasions
Sadly, these gorgeous cloths are rarely seen in the 21st century, with the latest cases of them being worn dating back to the 90s. It's a shame because the younger Somali generation particularly the diaspora is in awe of it and yearns for its return.
Unfortunately, there are some who mistakenly attribute this clothing to foreign cultures like the Arab(thawb), Turkish(Kaftan), Levantine(Jubba), Arabian(bisht) etc. But after a lot of research, it's clear that this is an authentic and exclusive expression of Somali identity and culture. Weirdly enough non of the doubters took into consideration the amazing royal clothing produced and worn natively in the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia's royal clothing? Moreover, although the Somali people have worn many of the aforementioned garments for centuries, this exact unique style seems to be solely observed within the Somali people.
When I say exact unique style, I mean exact.
There is similar fashion observed from close neighbours, it being a case of the afar sultan wearing a firm embroidered cloth and a class of Sudani sheikhs. It is worth to mention that the Sudani sheikhs wore multiple different clothes including khamiis, labo’go, duubcad(turban?), bisht, and the seemingly Somali cloth loosely embroidered with few embellishments.
For those who want to revive this particular cloth, push it as a unique formal Somali clothing, a representation of our identity and culture. But for those who believe it's foreign and not for the Somali people to claim as theirs, let it be and focus on reviving modern or formal wear of Somali clothing. I must add, the labo’go is not suitable formal wear for an elder, who would instead opt for the normal shaati macawis koofi combo or khamiis and koofi.
@Admin upon seeing multiple relating posts discussing this and most of them leading to a dead end, I want for this thread to be a final one. I request that it’s pinned or something similar so anyone interested in discussing this topic comes back to this thread instead of making a separate one each time.
Sadly, these gorgeous cloths are rarely seen in the 21st century, with the latest cases of them being worn dating back to the 90s. It's a shame because the younger Somali generation particularly the diaspora is in awe of it and yearns for its return.
Unfortunately, there are some who mistakenly attribute this clothing to foreign cultures like the Arab(thawb), Turkish(Kaftan), Levantine(Jubba), Arabian(bisht) etc. But after a lot of research, it's clear that this is an authentic and exclusive expression of Somali identity and culture. Weirdly enough non of the doubters took into consideration the amazing royal clothing produced and worn natively in the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia's royal clothing? Moreover, although the Somali people have worn many of the aforementioned garments for centuries, this exact unique style seems to be solely observed within the Somali people.
When I say exact unique style, I mean exact.
There is similar fashion observed from close neighbours, it being a case of the afar sultan wearing a firm embroidered cloth and a class of Sudani sheikhs. It is worth to mention that the Sudani sheikhs wore multiple different clothes including khamiis, labo’go, duubcad(turban?), bisht, and the seemingly Somali cloth loosely embroidered with few embellishments.
For those who want to revive this particular cloth, push it as a unique formal Somali clothing, a representation of our identity and culture. But for those who believe it's foreign and not for the Somali people to claim as theirs, let it be and focus on reviving modern or formal wear of Somali clothing. I must add, the labo’go is not suitable formal wear for an elder, who would instead opt for the normal shaati macawis koofi combo or khamiis and koofi.
@Admin upon seeing multiple relating posts discussing this and most of them leading to a dead end, I want for this thread to be a final one. I request that it’s pinned or something similar so anyone interested in discussing this topic comes back to this thread instead of making a separate one each time.
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