A long, loose, flowing robe worn in West Africa, typically made of bright fabric and often worn by both men and women.
From Yoruba 'búbú,' a West African language. The garment's name traveled through trade routes; the word entered English in the 18th century through contact with Yoruba-speaking peoples.
The boubou is so elegant and practical for West African heat that it inspired modern fashion designers globally—celebrities wore them on red carpets, spreading African fashion worldwide. One garment, multiple cultures!
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