Toward a Modernized Somali Fashion: A Call for Creative Collaboration to Revive Our Visual Identity
- Thread starter Cali Maxamed
- Start date
I'll leave the choice of fabric and materials to the tailor. I want them to experiment and see what works best for the design, the Somali body type, and what suits the Somali climate while bringing out the best final look.
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No, I don’t have a tailor, and I’m honestly broke. I’m not planning to start a fashion brand either. I just want to publish a book with the designs — and they’ll be free for anyone to use, even for business.
My goal isn’t profit. I just want to do something meaningful for my people and leave behind a legacy for the next generations, so they won’t look back and ask why we didn’t do anything.
Garaannabad
Hawshu waa hal abur Qoofeed. Maha daba daaq sidi..
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Last edited:
@Devilsadvocate
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I reached out to Hanan Channel on TikTok — she's a well-known Somali influencer — and she agreed to promote the project by reposting my account. This way, people who are interested in the project can contact me and join.
General Description of Design 3 from a Collection of 5 Traditional Somali Women's Outfits
The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be helpful to consult Somali linguists to discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn in daily life and casual occasions. It consists of three main pieces:
• A long blouse
• Tapered trousers
• A decorative fabric belt tied around the waist
Detailed Description of Each Component
1. Long Blouse
• Length: Falls slightly below the knees
• Decoration: Embellished with vertical stripes, geometric or botanical patterns, or made in a solid color with decorative trim at the hem and sleeve edges
• Cut: Gradually flared at the bottom to allow freedom of movement and comfort during daily wear
2. Trousers (Lower Pants)
• Color: Different from the blouse but harmonizes with it
• Cut: Straight at the thighs and tapers gradually toward the ankles (Tapered Fit)
• Fit: Not too tight
• Length: Ends just above the ankles
• Decoration: Plain, solid color with no patterns
3. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long decorative fabric sash
• Wearing Style: Wrapped around the waist and tied at the front, with the ends hanging loosely
• Design: Either matches the colors and patterns of the blouse or complements them with a coordinated color
• Function: Used to define the waist and enhance the figure without being restrictive
It is inspired by the traditional clothing of women from the city of Harar.
The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be helpful to consult Somali linguists to discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn in daily life and casual occasions. It consists of three main pieces:
• A long blouse
• Tapered trousers
• A decorative fabric belt tied around the waist
Detailed Description of Each Component
1. Long Blouse
• Length: Falls slightly below the knees
• Decoration: Embellished with vertical stripes, geometric or botanical patterns, or made in a solid color with decorative trim at the hem and sleeve edges
• Cut: Gradually flared at the bottom to allow freedom of movement and comfort during daily wear
2. Trousers (Lower Pants)
• Color: Different from the blouse but harmonizes with it
• Cut: Straight at the thighs and tapers gradually toward the ankles (Tapered Fit)
• Fit: Not too tight
• Length: Ends just above the ankles
• Decoration: Plain, solid color with no patterns
3. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long decorative fabric sash
• Wearing Style: Wrapped around the waist and tied at the front, with the ends hanging loosely
• Design: Either matches the colors and patterns of the blouse or complements them with a coordinated color
• Function: Used to define the waist and enhance the figure without being restrictive
It is inspired by the traditional clothing of women from the city of Harar.
I don’t like the dress & trouser combo 🫣
But trousers can be practical — especially for young girls who need to play freely, or for working women like police officers or army recruits.
General Description of Design 4 – From a Collection of 8 Traditional Somali Women's Outfits
Design Name: Dirac Aroos
This is a luxurious traditional outfit worn on wedding occasions. It consists of three main components, with an optional fourth:
• The sheer long outer layer (dirac) – a transparent outer garment
• A short-sleeved blouse – worn underneath for coverage and added elegance
• A full-length skirt – worn underneath for coverage and added elegance
• Optional belt – made either from the same fabric as the dirac or from gold, for decoration and waist definition
1. The Sheer Long Outer Layer (Dirac)
• Cut: Loose and comfortable
• Fabric: Lightweight, sheer, and flows elegantly
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles
• Sleeves: Integrated into the fabric (not separate pieces), extending to the elbows
• Neckline: Oval, square, or round only — other shapes are not allowed
• Waist Openings: Two small, subtle slits on the sides for passing the belt (fabric or gold), allowing the dirac to be worn loosely or cinched at the waist
• Decoration: Embroidery is not allowed. Light patterns are permitted to enhance the richness of the fabric without visual clutter
2. The Blouse (Inner Layer)
• Cut: Slightly fitted to define the body without being tight
• Length: Reaches mid-hip
• Neckline: Boat neck, no collar
• Sleeves: Short, ending at mid-bicep
• Decoration: Prominent embroidery on the sleeves only
• Fabric: Satin or thick silk, in a color that complements the sheer dirac
• Function: Provides essential coverage under the sheer dirac while adding an extra touch of elegance
3. The Skirt (Underlayer)
Cut: Wide and loose, allowing free movement
• Length: Reaches the ankles
• Fabric: Satin or thick silk, same color as the blouse
• Decoration: Embroidery begins just below the knees and extends to the hem — clear and visually striking
• Waistband: Equipped with a hidden internal elastic band of suitable width to hold the skirt securely in place. A portion of the Dirac fabric can optionally be tucked into the skirt from the front to adjust the overall shape and provide a refined, cohesive look
• Function: Provides essential coverage under the sheer dirac while contributing to the outfit’s elegance
4. Optional Belt
• Material: Either from the same fabric as the dirac, or made of gold
• Function: Used for decorative purposes and to cinch the waist, giving the outfit more shape and traditional elegance
• Position: Threaded through the small side openings in the dirac, tied or fastened at the waist
As you can see, the design only reveals very specific areas of the body:
• The arms, from the elbow down – so women can adorn them with henna, bangles, and traditional jewelry
• The neck and collarbone area – to highlight the necklace and subtle elegance
This exposure is not for the sake of revealing, but rather to highlight soft femininity and refined beauty.
No exaggerated cuts. No random fusion.
Just pure Somali heritage, crafted with precision, dignity, and timeless style.
Design Name: Dirac Aroos
This is a luxurious traditional outfit worn on wedding occasions. It consists of three main components, with an optional fourth:
• The sheer long outer layer (dirac) – a transparent outer garment
• A short-sleeved blouse – worn underneath for coverage and added elegance
• A full-length skirt – worn underneath for coverage and added elegance
• Optional belt – made either from the same fabric as the dirac or from gold, for decoration and waist definition
1. The Sheer Long Outer Layer (Dirac)
• Cut: Loose and comfortable
• Fabric: Lightweight, sheer, and flows elegantly
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles
• Sleeves: Integrated into the fabric (not separate pieces), extending to the elbows
• Neckline: Oval, square, or round only — other shapes are not allowed
• Waist Openings: Two small, subtle slits on the sides for passing the belt (fabric or gold), allowing the dirac to be worn loosely or cinched at the waist
• Decoration: Embroidery is not allowed. Light patterns are permitted to enhance the richness of the fabric without visual clutter
2. The Blouse (Inner Layer)
• Cut: Slightly fitted to define the body without being tight
• Length: Reaches mid-hip
• Neckline: Boat neck, no collar
• Sleeves: Short, ending at mid-bicep
• Decoration: Prominent embroidery on the sleeves only
• Fabric: Satin or thick silk, in a color that complements the sheer dirac
• Function: Provides essential coverage under the sheer dirac while adding an extra touch of elegance
3. The Skirt (Underlayer)
Cut: Wide and loose, allowing free movement
• Length: Reaches the ankles
• Fabric: Satin or thick silk, same color as the blouse
• Decoration: Embroidery begins just below the knees and extends to the hem — clear and visually striking
• Waistband: Equipped with a hidden internal elastic band of suitable width to hold the skirt securely in place. A portion of the Dirac fabric can optionally be tucked into the skirt from the front to adjust the overall shape and provide a refined, cohesive look
• Function: Provides essential coverage under the sheer dirac while contributing to the outfit’s elegance
4. Optional Belt
• Material: Either from the same fabric as the dirac, or made of gold
• Function: Used for decorative purposes and to cinch the waist, giving the outfit more shape and traditional elegance
• Position: Threaded through the small side openings in the dirac, tied or fastened at the waist
As you can see, the design only reveals very specific areas of the body:
• The arms, from the elbow down – so women can adorn them with henna, bangles, and traditional jewelry
• The neck and collarbone area – to highlight the necklace and subtle elegance
This exposure is not for the sake of revealing, but rather to highlight soft femininity and refined beauty.
No exaggerated cuts. No random fusion.
Just pure Somali heritage, crafted with precision, dignity, and timeless style.
Last edited:
Classification of Traditional Somali Cultural Clothing by Type and Gender
First: Women’s Clothing
For daily use and regular occasions:
Number of types: 5 designs
These designs are characterized by simplicity and elegance, prioritizing comfort and practicality while preserving Somali cultural identity.
For weddings and celebratory occasions:
Number of types: 1 design
This design is luxurious and symbolic, used for weddings and special events.
For home use:
Number of types: 2 designs
These are intended for comfort at home, while still maintaining a traditional aesthetic touch.
Second: Men’s Clothing
For daily use and regular occasions:
Number of types: 4 designs
These designs are known for their simplicity and elegance, prioritizing comfort and practicality while preserving Somali cultural identity.
For weddings and celebratory occasions:
Number of types: 1 design
This design is luxurious and symbolic, used for weddings and special events.
For home use:
Number of types: 2 designs
These are intended for comfort at home, while still maintaining a traditional aesthetic touch.
Final Notes:
This classification aims to organize and document traditional Somali clothing in a way that reflects its diversity and uses, taking into account gender and the social function of each outfit. It serves as a foundational step toward developing a modern design identity rooted in heritage.
First: Women’s Clothing
For daily use and regular occasions:
Number of types: 5 designs
These designs are characterized by simplicity and elegance, prioritizing comfort and practicality while preserving Somali cultural identity.
For weddings and celebratory occasions:
Number of types: 1 design
This design is luxurious and symbolic, used for weddings and special events.
For home use:
Number of types: 2 designs
These are intended for comfort at home, while still maintaining a traditional aesthetic touch.
Second: Men’s Clothing
For daily use and regular occasions:
Number of types: 4 designs
These designs are known for their simplicity and elegance, prioritizing comfort and practicality while preserving Somali cultural identity.
For weddings and celebratory occasions:
Number of types: 1 design
This design is luxurious and symbolic, used for weddings and special events.
For home use:
Number of types: 2 designs
These are intended for comfort at home, while still maintaining a traditional aesthetic touch.
Final Notes:
This classification aims to organize and document traditional Somali clothing in a way that reflects its diversity and uses, taking into account gender and the social function of each outfit. It serves as a foundational step toward developing a modern design identity rooted in heritage.
Design 5 Overview – From a Collection of 8 Traditional Somali Women’s Outfits
Name: Dirac
This outfit is worn for everyday life and casual occasions. It consists of:
• The Long Robe (Main Piece)
• Decorative Belt
• Thick Inner Garment (a long dress with short sleeves OR a short-sleeve blouse with skirt all made of thick fabric) — used to prevent body contours from showing.
1. The Long Robe (Main Piece)
Cut: Comfortable and loose, a single piece that covers the entire body, with no shoulder or arm seam details.
Sleeves: Integrated batwing design, extending from the shoulder to the wrist at an angle, with loose, non-tightened ends.
Neckline: Simple (round, square, or oval), with no deep openings or complex cuts.
Length: Reaches the ankles or slightly longer.
Openings: Two small, subtle side openings at the waist for threading the belt.
Fabric: Medium-weight soft cotton, comfortable and opaque, with moderate flow.
Decoration: No embroidery; botanical, geometric patterns or vertical stripes can be used.
2. Decorative Belt
Shape: Long fabric belt wrapped around the waist two to three times, tied at the front.
Ends: Left to hang freely without being tightened.
Fabric: Made from the same material as the robe or from a coordinating fabric in color and pattern—complements the robe without competing with it.
Function: Defines the waist and highlights the silhouette without excessive tightening.
3. Inner Garment (Thick Undergarment)
Option 1: Long dress with short sleeves reaching the ankles, made from thick fabric that does not reveal body contours.
Option 2: Short-sleeve blouse reaching mid-hip paired with a long skirt to the ankles, both from thick fabric that conceals body shape.
Purpose: Prevents body details from showing through the main robe (Dirac).
Name: Dirac
This outfit is worn for everyday life and casual occasions. It consists of:
• The Long Robe (Main Piece)
• Decorative Belt
• Thick Inner Garment (a long dress with short sleeves OR a short-sleeve blouse with skirt all made of thick fabric) — used to prevent body contours from showing.
1. The Long Robe (Main Piece)
Cut: Comfortable and loose, a single piece that covers the entire body, with no shoulder or arm seam details.
Sleeves: Integrated batwing design, extending from the shoulder to the wrist at an angle, with loose, non-tightened ends.
Neckline: Simple (round, square, or oval), with no deep openings or complex cuts.
Length: Reaches the ankles or slightly longer.
Openings: Two small, subtle side openings at the waist for threading the belt.
Fabric: Medium-weight soft cotton, comfortable and opaque, with moderate flow.
Decoration: No embroidery; botanical, geometric patterns or vertical stripes can be used.
2. Decorative Belt
Shape: Long fabric belt wrapped around the waist two to three times, tied at the front.
Ends: Left to hang freely without being tightened.
Fabric: Made from the same material as the robe or from a coordinating fabric in color and pattern—complements the robe without competing with it.
Function: Defines the waist and highlights the silhouette without excessive tightening.
3. Inner Garment (Thick Undergarment)
Option 1: Long dress with short sleeves reaching the ankles, made from thick fabric that does not reveal body contours.
Option 2: Short-sleeve blouse reaching mid-hip paired with a long skirt to the ankles, both from thick fabric that conceals body shape.
Purpose: Prevents body details from showing through the main robe (Dirac).
General Description of Design 6 – From a Collection of 8 Traditional Somali Women's Outfits
Outfit Name: Baati
This traditional outfit is known as "Baati". It is a Somali women's garment consisting of a loose outer layer worn over inner clothing. The fabric used for the outer "baati" layer is relatively light, which makes it necessary to wear a blouse and trousers underneath, made from soft and breathable fabric.
This outfit is worn inside the home.
1. The Long Robe (Main Piece – Baati):
Cut/Shape:
Loose and comfortable, flowing from the shoulders down with no waistline, allowing for freedom of movement and ease.
Sleeves:
Short and wide, integrated with the body (not separately attached), reaching approximately to the elbow.
Neckline:
Simple and modest — can be round, square, or oval — without deep cuts or complex details.
Length:
Reaches the ankles or slightly longer, depending on preference.
Fabric:
Lightweight and soft fabric, preferably flowy and non-transparent, allowing for breathability and comfort.
Decoration:
No embroidery or added embellishments; the beauty of the piece comes purely from the printed fabric, giving it both simplicity and elegance.
2. The Inner Layer (Undergarment):
Consists of a short blouse that reaches mid-hip, with short sleeves, worn with long trousers extending to the ankles.
Fabric:
Made from comfortable and light fabric that allows for easy movement and body comfort, without being transparent.
Outfit Name: Baati
This traditional outfit is known as "Baati". It is a Somali women's garment consisting of a loose outer layer worn over inner clothing. The fabric used for the outer "baati" layer is relatively light, which makes it necessary to wear a blouse and trousers underneath, made from soft and breathable fabric.
This outfit is worn inside the home.
1. The Long Robe (Main Piece – Baati):
Cut/Shape:
Loose and comfortable, flowing from the shoulders down with no waistline, allowing for freedom of movement and ease.
Sleeves:
Short and wide, integrated with the body (not separately attached), reaching approximately to the elbow.
Neckline:
Simple and modest — can be round, square, or oval — without deep cuts or complex details.
Length:
Reaches the ankles or slightly longer, depending on preference.
Fabric:
Lightweight and soft fabric, preferably flowy and non-transparent, allowing for breathability and comfort.
Decoration:
No embroidery or added embellishments; the beauty of the piece comes purely from the printed fabric, giving it both simplicity and elegance.
2. The Inner Layer (Undergarment):
Consists of a short blouse that reaches mid-hip, with short sleeves, worn with long trousers extending to the ankles.
Fabric:
Made from comfortable and light fabric that allows for easy movement and body comfort, without being transparent.
General Description of the Seventh Design – From a Collection of 8 Traditional Somali Women’s Outfits
The name of this outfit is currently unknown, and it might be helpful to consult Somali linguists to determine its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn in daily life and during regular social occasions. It consists of two main pieces, with an optional third piece:
• The long dress
• The decorative belt
• An optional waist wrap scarf
1. The Dress
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles.
• Cut: A-line cut, with long sleeves
• Color: Solid and plain
• Decoration:
• Embroidered strips are added. A specific selection of the following patterns may be used, or a combination of all of them, depending on preference:
• An embroidered strip around the neckline.
• A vertical embroidered strip running from the neckline down to the end of the dress.
• An embroidered strip at the sleeve ends.
• An embroidered strip at the bottom hem of the dress.
• Note: The base fabric should remain plain, with the embroidery providing all decorative elements. Harmonious color selection is essential for elegance and visual balance.
2. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long, fabric-based, decorative and lightweight.
• Length: Wraps around the waist two or three times, tied at the front with the ends left hanging freely.
• Design: Made either from the same fabric and patterns as the dress, or from a complementary and harmonizing color.
• Function: Used to define the waist and enhance the feminine silhouette without tightening.
3. The Scarf (Optional Piece)
• Usage: Attached to the belt around the waist as an outer layer. Resembles a shawl or apron, covering the back of the dress and part of the front without closing entirely.
• Cut: Covers the back portion of the dress, partially extends to the right and left front sides, while leaving the front center open. Reaches approximately to the knee.
• Fabric: Preferably lightweight.
• Aesthetic Function: Adds a decorative touch and enhances color or pattern coordination within the design. It also adds elegance and dignity.
The name of this outfit is currently unknown, and it might be helpful to consult Somali linguists to determine its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn in daily life and during regular social occasions. It consists of two main pieces, with an optional third piece:
• The long dress
• The decorative belt
• An optional waist wrap scarf
1. The Dress
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles.
• Cut: A-line cut, with long sleeves
• Color: Solid and plain
• Decoration:
• Embroidered strips are added. A specific selection of the following patterns may be used, or a combination of all of them, depending on preference:
• An embroidered strip around the neckline.
• A vertical embroidered strip running from the neckline down to the end of the dress.
• An embroidered strip at the sleeve ends.
• An embroidered strip at the bottom hem of the dress.
• Note: The base fabric should remain plain, with the embroidery providing all decorative elements. Harmonious color selection is essential for elegance and visual balance.
2. Decorative Belt
• Type: Long, fabric-based, decorative and lightweight.
• Length: Wraps around the waist two or three times, tied at the front with the ends left hanging freely.
• Design: Made either from the same fabric and patterns as the dress, or from a complementary and harmonizing color.
• Function: Used to define the waist and enhance the feminine silhouette without tightening.
3. The Scarf (Optional Piece)
• Usage: Attached to the belt around the waist as an outer layer. Resembles a shawl or apron, covering the back of the dress and part of the front without closing entirely.
• Cut: Covers the back portion of the dress, partially extends to the right and left front sides, while leaving the front center open. Reaches approximately to the knee.
• Fabric: Preferably lightweight.
• Aesthetic Function: Adds a decorative touch and enhances color or pattern coordination within the design. It also adds elegance and dignity.
General Description of the Eighth Design – From a Collection of 8 Traditional Somali Women’s Outfits
The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be helpful to consult Somali linguists to discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn inside the home.
1. The Dress
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles.
• Cut: A-line cut, with short sleeves
• Decoration: No embroidery or added embellishments; the aesthetic relies solely on the printed fabric, which gives it both simplicity and elegance.
2. The Inner Garment (Lower Layer):
Consists of a short blouse that reaches the mid-hip, with short sleeves, worn with long trousers that reach the ankles.
• Fabric:
Comfortable, non-thick fabric is used—allowing ease of movement and body comfort, without being transparent.
The name of this outfit is currently unknown. It may be helpful to consult Somali linguists to discover its traditional name or create a culturally appropriate one.
This outfit is worn inside the home.
1. The Dress
• Length: Reaches or slightly exceeds the ankles.
• Cut: A-line cut, with short sleeves
• Decoration: No embroidery or added embellishments; the aesthetic relies solely on the printed fabric, which gives it both simplicity and elegance.
2. The Inner Garment (Lower Layer):
Consists of a short blouse that reaches the mid-hip, with short sleeves, worn with long trousers that reach the ankles.
• Fabric:
Comfortable, non-thick fabric is used—allowing ease of movement and body comfort, without being transparent.
The Somali Women’s Outfits collection is now fully complete.
What remains are the patterns, motifs, and accessories — and honestly, this is the most challenging part of the entire design process.
Our ancestors left us only a little to work with, but from that little, we’ve come to understand their taste and style.
I’ve already collected some patterns from the internet that resemble their aesthetic, and I’ll be sharing them after finishing the men’s fashion collection, which is simpler than the women’s — that’s why I started with the women’s designs first.
If you have ideas or designs you'd like to share, you're welcome to join our team, Somali Style. We'll help you develop them, because in the end, these efforts aim to uplift our nation and help it shine among the nations.
What remains are the patterns, motifs, and accessories — and honestly, this is the most challenging part of the entire design process.
Our ancestors left us only a little to work with, but from that little, we’ve come to understand their taste and style.
I’ve already collected some patterns from the internet that resemble their aesthetic, and I’ll be sharing them after finishing the men’s fashion collection, which is simpler than the women’s — that’s why I started with the women’s designs first.
If you have ideas or designs you'd like to share, you're welcome to join our team, Somali Style. We'll help you develop them, because in the end, these efforts aim to uplift our nation and help it shine among the nations.
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