There is a language in clothing, communicated before a word is uttered. Colors and patterns tell a story of where you are from and your social rank.
Umbhaco is a material used in South African traditional garments in formal and informal ceremonies. It is an extremely durable cotton that’s made to last when well cared for. Umbhaco ” is also the term give to the traditional attire of the Xhosa speaking people.
Part of the rich tradition of umbhaco is the incorporation of beadwork into garments and this has been a major form of aesthetic expression for nearly 200 years. Some beadwork and clothing, such as the long dress, beaded bags, and lacy looking collars worn by some Xhosa speaking people were influenced by white settlers. It was the artists(designers) themselves however, who invented most conventional designs, patterns and techniques used in beadwork. Traditional Xhosa dress is still valued and worn as a sign of respect to the ancestors.
iBayi fabric is available in a variety of colours with the most popular being white, cream mustard, orange, red, turquoise, blue and black. Umbhaco set items are also available individually, and you can add other items to this for a larger set. All products are made to order, please allow approximately 5 working days for completion of your order, and do include all your measurements! We deliver nationwide.
Our objective is to understand and fulfil your umbhaco fashion needs. Our team of designers create the most beautiful pieces for the whole family. We design umbhaco dresses, skirts, trousers, scarves, bags, doeks and more. As our client we go the extra mile to ensure you are happy with our service.
We go as far as sourcing matching beadwork accessories to complete your exclusive outfit. You can always count on us because enjoy what we do.
Xhosa men wear wraparound skirts that run down from the waist to the feet. They throw a long scarf over one shoulder, which also serves as a cloak when it gets cold. They wear headdresses made from beads or cloth, depending on the customs of their tribes.
Stick fighting is an art that Xhosas learn from an early age when they are out in the veld (pastures) herding cattle. This is where the training starts because they will use this skill to defend themselves and their families. Most of the sticks that Xhosa men carry were given to them at their circumcision ceremony.
Our legend and global icon Nelson Mandela who was Xhosa speaking and wore the full traditional umbhaco on 22 October 1962 to his first day of trial for having left the country without permission and inciting workers to strike. It was not the first nor the last. His wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela chose her outfits strategically, allowing them to speak when she could not, letting them become both acts of resistance and nodes of African pride through the political struggle times of South Africa.
Today umbhaco features in many prestigious events and global stages; and in 2015 a South African designer showcased a single U mbhaco inspired piece at the African Fashion Week London which sold immediately. It is exciting to know how much the attire is embraced out there in the world and will continue to .
