Ethiopia’s varied environment surely has an impact on how people dress there. People in Ethiopia’s lowlands wear in thin cotton clothes to be warm, but the country’s highlands call for heavier clothing, such as wraparound blankets. Even though Ethiopian clothing represents the traditions of the many ethnic groups in the country’s many regions, there are certain commonalities among it. Traditional clothing is widely found in many rural areas, and the majority of it is composed of woven cotton. Since the 19th century, both men and women have worn shammas, a long cotton robe that covers the body and the head. Men often wear white cotton pants underneath the shamma, while women typically wear colorful gowns that reach their ankles. To categorize Ethiopia’s national dress into a single, identifiable style is a challenging task. Of course, there are iconic snow-white outfits that are commonly associated with Ethiopia’s national identity, but this is just the start. Every tribe or ethnic group in Ethiopia has its own distinctive fashions and variations. A large country, Ethiopia has a varied geography and climate. This is a sufficient explanation for the differences in attire among the many ethnic groups in the country. Habesha kemis is the traditional garment of Ethiopian women. This ankle-length, white chiffon dress is often worn for formal events. For instance, because of the heat, people in the lowlands favor lighter clothing, whereas their neighbors in the highlands prefer heavier clothing because of the colder weather.
