The Evolution of Fashion in Rwanda

Although the styles and materials of Rwandan dress have changed over time, clothing as a kind of personal adornment has remained consistent for centuries. In Rwanda, clothing not only serves to cover and protect a person's body, but also provides information about a person's age, marital status, social class, and region.

Before the introduction of imported fabric from Asia and Europe, Rwandan people wore clothing made of vegetable fibers or animal skins. These clothes not only decorate the body, but also had symbolic functions that pointed to the immaterial culture of Rwandans.

Impuzu were clothes made out of the pounded bark of a ficus tree and worn by adults until the mid-20th century. Impuzu items were relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. The use of bark cloth for clothing drastically diminished over time with the introduction of cotton material to Rwanda via trade with neighboring kingdoms and the arrival of European missionaries, explorers, and colonial administrators.

Uruyonga were clothing made of woven plant fibers. Children between the age of 6 to 10 years, wore this garment  that had a waist line belt (Ikibanga) and a lower part filled with cord (Inshunda). 

The Ishabure, made from the hide of a young calf, was the most sophisticated item of clothing of ancient Rwanda. It is was worn by both men and young girls The size and the elaborated stitching are evidence of a true aesthetic elegance. The central design could be star - like and made of four or six inlaid branches, with a z shape stitched across the length. 

Made out of calf or goat skin, ikinyita was either wrapped around the hips or worn fixed on the shoulder. It was mainly for young girls, but there were also styles for men and young boys.

This is a dance cloth worn for parade by troops of warrior dancers (intore), the inkindi was also clothing worn by elite groups.

Umushanana is a type of ceremonial attire consisting of a floor-length skirt with a sash draped over one shoulder. The Umushanana is typically worn by both men and women during ceremonies and festivities in Rwanda. Today, umushanana is worn by dancers during performances and for important events, including weddings.

Since the import of Western clothing became popular in the 1950s, more Rwandans wore traditional clothing less often in their daily lives. From this period, Rwandan fashion evolved according to the existing trends around the world.     

Inspired by their Rwandan heritage, 21st-century Rwandan designers combine new technology and contemporary design to produce clothing in Rwanda using local materials and techniques.  Designers are creating more casual looks in addition to more formal wear. Their innovative designs recall Rwanda’s history of adornment and fashion.