kikoi

/ ˈkiːkɔɪ /

noun

1. 1. a piece of cotton cloth with coloured bands, worn wrapped around the body
   2. ( as modifier )

      kikoi material

Word History and Origins

Origin of kikoi¹

C20: from Swahili

Example Sentences

At home in both the bush and the city, Mr. Beard went barefoot in Kenya, wore a saronglike cloth known as a kikoi and once surprised a Vanity Fair reporter when he emerged from his tent accompanied by “four or five” women.

From Washington Post

Delicate and handmade, each piece looks special enough to sit alone on a mantel — even a tea towel, a hand-carved wooden spoon or a piece of Kikoi lava stone on a gray rope, which I learn is actually for scrubbing your feet.

From New York Times

The kikoi originates from the Indian Ocean coast and is a cotton sarong, traditionally worn by men but fine for women too, available in a thousand different patterns and decorated with playful tassels.

From Time

Save yourself the hassle — and years wondering where to hide that giant giraffe carving — by shunning the tourist tack and picking up a genuine Kenyan art form: the kikoi.

From Time

Cool, comfortable and the perfect beach accessory, good quality kikoi can be found at the haberdashery shops on Biashara Street or, if you fancy kikoi-inspired bedspreads or baby clothes, try AA Kenya and Veritas at the Village Market mall in Gigiri, villagemarket-kenya.com.

From Time