boubou

Boubou, also spelled bubu or bubou, is a traditional West African robe worn by men and, in some regions, women. The term covers both a loose, flowing outer garment and the outfit as a whole, typically worn with matching trousers or a skirt. The style is widely associated with West African fashion and is common in countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, The Gambia, Ghana, Mali, and Niger. The garment has also become part of urban and diaspora fashion.

Construction and variation: A boubou typically consists of a long, wide-sleeved tunic or robe worn over additional clothing. In many versions the garment is ankle- or knee-length, sometimes with a front or side opening. Materials range from plain cotton and wax-printed fabrics to silk, satin, brocade, and embroidered textiles. Embroidery, often along the yoke, chest, or sleeves, signals regional origins or status. In some areas, a simpler version is worn daily, while more elaborate versions are reserved for ceremonies and festivals.

Cultural context: The boubou is an important element of social dress in many West African communities. It is worn for religious holidays, weddings, and other formal occasions, and variants may indicate age, clan, or status. Tailoring traditions and embroidery styles vary regionally, reflecting local textile arts and identities. In urban settings, designers have adapted the boubou to contemporary fashion, blending traditional shapes with modern fabrics and silhouettes.

Other uses: In ornithology, boubou refers to several African songbirds, including species in the genus Laniarius and related genera. These birds are known for their melodic calls and inhabit forests and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.