How To Wear Kente

Weaving kente

Strip cloth in West Africa is woven primarily by men. As the weaver arranges his materials, chooses his colors and sets up his loom, he has in his mind an image of the finished cloth and patterns he will use. He considers how the pattern will look when worn, how it will flow in motion and how it will flatter the wearer. The weaver may imprint his own style by adding variety or contrast to a traditional pattern. In this way the weaver honors tradition, yet creates a unique cloth.

There is an art to wearing kente. To wear kente properly, it must be worn so that the woven patterned strips are straight horizontally and vertically. In addition, the bottom edge of the cloth should be even all the way around.

Men's cloth typically consists of 20 to 27 strips; women's, 12 to 15 strips.

Kyere w'nantu: Show your legs
The man who selects this style of wrapping is demonstrating his prowess, physique and ability to wear the cloth artistically. This style is worn just above the knees. Drawing more of the cloth up around your shoulders, wrap the cloth as seen below.

Brave man
Chiefs usually wear this style. Drawing more of the cloth up around your shoulder so that the cloth is above your knees, wrap the cloth as seen below. Instead of laying the material over your left shoulder, rest the cloth on your left arm. This creates a voluminous and very flamboyant look.