50+ modern and chic Zulu traditional attires: Embrace tradition in style

Africa is rich in many aspects, including its diverse and beautiful cultures among its people. There are various dressing codes among the different cultures. The Zulu, a tribe belonging to Southern Africa, is one of the richest cultures and has maintained its dressing codes. These are the top modern, classy Zulu traditional attires and the events to wear them.

Zulu people wear a wide variety of clothing, both in traditional ceremonial use and cultural celebrations. In addition, modern and Westernized clothing is worn for everyday use, and women dress differently to indicate their marital status.

Zulu traditional attires for women and men

Traditionally, like most other African traditional clothing, the Zulu used to wear animal skins and hides. Today, however, their clothing has morphed into a mix of different patterns and beautiful colours. Here is the list.

1. Fully beaded attire

This bold Zulu dress is made up of beads that follow different patterns. The most common pattern is the South African flag taking the colours black, yellow, green, white, red and blue.

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2. Yello beads set

The vibrant beaded cape introduces a distinct touch to the fashion ensemble. Complemented by the accompanying headwrap and the yellow lace ribbon adorning the hands, it creates a beautifully straightforward attire with a touch of Zulu-inspired colours.

3. Black top and skirt

In this stunning modern variant attire, a black bra top and a long black skirt are paired with an assortment of beads from the neck down to the stomach.

4. Matching outfits for Umemulo Ka Samke

Umemulo Ka Samke is a traditional Zulu coming-of-age ceremony for young women. During this celebration, you can honour it by matching outfits as young women. This is one of the most loved Zulu modern traditional dresses for such occasions.

5. White top and short black skirt

A white top and a short black skirt are worn with an array of beads from the neck down to the midsection in this elegant modern variation on traditional wear.

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6. Medium skirt attire

This is a simple look of a red skirt and white top. The additional beads and lace wrap give the look a decorative aspect.

7. Long white dress

This outfit includes a long white tight dress accompanied by a multi-coloured bead belt. To complete the look, a beaded crown is worn.

8. A short blue skirt and back bralet

This is a fashionable ensemble. The shorter length of the blue skirt lends a playful and hot touch to the outfit. Its brilliant blue colour draws attention and provides a splash of colour to the entire aesthetic.

9. White dress with leopard cover

Decorated with beads, a white dress here is worn with a leopard skin cover running from the neck to the waist, partially covering it. Generally worn during weddings.

10. Ankara and beads combination

How about adding some Ankara outfits to your Zulu traditional attire? Ankara brings out the traditional aspect of the attire.

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11. Beaded short white dress

Here the outfit is carried by a short white dress accompanied by a majestic beaded necklace running down the shoulders and armlets.

12. Different colour combination

You can experiment with colour variations, as shown in the image. This attire is ideal for the bridal party or any other group event.

13. Leopard Imprint

This here is one of the most traditional outfits by the tribe. It includes wearing a leopard skin pattern piece covering from the rib upwards and another covering from the waist to the thigh.

14. Black attire for a Zulu princess

Black is a common colour, yet again, it is rare to get a beautiful dress in that colour. This dress exudes a regal and elegant aesthetic while honouring the cultural traditions of the Zulu people.

15. Zebra imprint

Like the leopard imprint, this outfit includes zebra skin patterns. However, a short black skirt can accompany it.

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16. Zulu family attire

The outfits here are normal dresses that feature traditional Zulu-inspired design elements, such as intricate beadwork or embroidery along the neckline and sleeves.

17. The orange outfit

This wear consists of an orange bralet covered with bead patterns, bead necklaces, a short brown skirt and traditional leg shakers.

18. Colourful beads and necklace

These colourful beads and a necklace can be a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any outfit. They reflect a sense of culture, style, and personal expression.

19. The black and brown zebra top and white skirt

This dress includes a black and white dress accompanied by a Zulu hat. The outfit is mainly worn for weddings.

20. Brown Ankara inspired

This brown Akara dress is great for any given occasion. The intricate geometric or symbolic patterns pay homage to Zulu culture.

21. Zulu-inspired animal skin outfit

Mostly worn by the bride, this outfit is one of the classiest, where animal skin, mainly cow or goat, is used as a full-body cover. It may or may not include modernized garments such as skirts or bras.

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22. Beaded capes on a black dress

The beaded cape is a statement piece that adds a touch of glamour to the black dress. The cape drapes may extend to different lengths.

23. Yellow tube and yellow skirt

Mainly worn in wedding ceremonies, this garb consists o a yellow tube and short skirt decorated with beads and a club made from beads.

24. Colourful attire with fluffy arms

This is a stylish look for a young Zulu girl who is getting married. The rainbow-fluffy arms add a lovely vivid touch to the appearance.

25. Zulu mermaid umabo gown

The mermaid dress is available in various hues. It is frequently paired with a Zulu hat and multi-coloured neck and body beads.

26. Unique bride and groom outfit

Are you a bride-to-be? Choosing a nice outfit for your special day can have a huge impact on the entire event. You can coordinate your attire with your groom's or choose various styles and designs.

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27. Flare dress

This modern Zulu dress takes various patterns usually worn on any occasion, from weddings to birthday parties, among other celebratory functions.

28. Long orange gown

Long gowns are regarded as displaying decency. As seen above, you can use the decorative beads as bangles or waistbands while wearing your attire.

29. White bralet and pleated red skirt

Usually worn at parties, this attire is covered by Zulu-inspired bead patterns on the neck and waist. To complete the look, a beaded bead band is worn.

30. Black short dress and lace wrap

You can add a lace wrap to your Zulu outfit. While the outfit may not be shouting as the one about, the additional lace wraps help in brightening the look.

31. Zulu hat and neck rings

Right here is one of the most sophisticated yet classy looks. It included a beaded Zulu hat, yellow earrings, multiple golden neck rings and a multi-coloured beaded necklace.

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32. Friendship outfit

Are you and your friend or sister attending a function? You can rock with varying modern Zulu traditional dresses. The idea is to keep it simple.

33. Zulu-inspired Kente dress

With patterns inspired by other African cultures, this outfit includes a patterned hat, blacktop and a kente skirt. Golden necklaces, arm rings, bangles, and anklets are worn to spice things up.

34. Zulu-inspired headgear

Why not keep it basic and go for traditional Zulu-inspired headgear? It offers you the queen look while remaining simple and conventional.

35. Short gold and black dress with train

For those whose favourite colour is black gowns, then this outfit is for you. It includes a short black dress covered with golden decorations.

36. Overflowing yellow top

You can try keeping it formal by going for a long mermaid gown. It shows elegance, and the addition of the flowing top, matching headgear and beads adds more beauty.

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37. Black bralet and beaded skirt

This is a Zulu traditional attire for a woman who is young. The signature beaded skirt is evident for both makoti and intombi.

38. Simplified layered skirt

The laid skirt is made from vibrant and bold patterns and colours. The pleated skirt reaches the ankles, creating an elegant and flowing silhouette.

39. Black tube and yellow pleated skirt

Generally worn by young women, this Mkhehlo dress is composed of a black tube covered with multi-coloured bead patterns, a beaded belt and a yellow pleated skirt.

40. Zulu traditional attire for man

Zulu men are known for wearing traditional animal skin outfits. It signifies the power a man has in the community. This outfit is ideal for a wedding occasion.

41. Black and white dress

Are you looking for modern classy Zulu traditional dresses? Taking two colours only, this traditional dress is commonly worn during weddings, among other events. The dress is beautifully decorated with black and white beads following Zulu-inspired patterns.

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42. Pink skirt and white top

If you love pink, you can opt for this vibrant out. You can wear matching shoes as shown above or go for something simple like white rebooks.

43. Unakoti gown

This stunning but straightforward Zulu-inspired dress is available in a variety of hues. Usually worn by the bride, the white gown is patched with traditional animal hides and feathers at the bottom to complete the elegance.

44. Black and brown gown

This brown and black long off-shoulder Zulu gown goes down to the knee, where it begins to flare to give the fabric that perfect stylish flare design. It can be worn with or without adding another colour to the material. This Zulu traditional outfit is lovely, but if you want to look even more 'Zulu' or stunning, you can add some Zulu beaded accessories.

45. Corset top and red skirt

The Zulu-inspired rosette top takes various multi-coloured patterns to match the long flared red dress perfectly. The outfit is usually worn at elegant parties, including Memelo (Coming of Age), Mkhehlo and Members (Pre-Wedding ) and Machado ( Wedding).

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46. Zulu beaded accessories with Venda

This outfit takes a beautiful mix of Zulu beaded accessories paired with a touch of Venda. Commonly worn by bridesmaids, bangles of different colours and a beaded crown complete this look.

47. Beaded tube

This bold look is usually worn by young women. It includes a line of beads barely covering the essentials showing just how beautiful the Zulu culture is. The beaded pot gives the whole outfit a definite African vibe.

48. Covered up attires for older women

After a Zulu woman becomes a makoti, that is, a newlywed. She is required to cover up her body entirely. However, as she advances in age and becomes a mother and grandmother, she should cover extra using shawls and signature isicholo hats.

49. Zulu-inspired dashiki wear

Although dashiki is originally from West Africa, the outfit has spread mainly across Africa. The Zulu people have also included dashiki as part of their wear. The pattern can be a dress, shirt or skirt decorated with Zulu inspired bead patterns.

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50. Shaka Zulu attire

The Zulu tribe's symbol sits on the breast of this gorgeous short-sleeved combination of colours. It can be worn with a pair of trousers and comes in a range of colour combinations.

The Shaka Zulu outfit is highly valued in Zulu. The attire symbolizes and means a lot to them because it dates back to the time of Shaka Zulu, the legendary warrior who is adored and revered throughout the Zulu empire.

51. Attire for warrior

Zulu men's traditional attire is majorly made of animal skin. The aggressive appearance of the ancient warriors of this tribe majorly contributed to their success in wars.

With their cow tail processed amashobas to make them look more prominent than usual and the pure animal bib, this warrior outfit is still worth keeping.

52. Bride and groom design

This Zulu couple's attire is a visual representation of their cultural heritage and the significance of the wedding ceremony. You can wear matching skin animal outfits or go for different variations.

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These are some of the top Zulu traditional attires that are trendy and classy. It is important to note that the tribe is known for beadwork, which is why their clothes are comprised of bead patterns.

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Source: Briefly News