dashiki

American  

[duh-shee-kee, dah-] / dəˈʃi ki, dɑ- /

noun

plural

dashikis

1. a loose, usually colorfully patterned, pullover garment originating in Africa and worn chiefly by men.

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dashiki British  

/ dɑːˈʃiːkɪ /

noun

1. a large loose-fitting buttonless upper garment worn esp by Black people in the US, Africa, and the Caribbean

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Etymology

Origin of dashiki

From Yoruba dàńṣíkí, from Hausa dán cíkí (with imploded d )

Explanation

A dashiki is an African shirt that's loose and colorful. You'll stand out in a crowd if you wear a dashiki. If you like wearing bright colors and being comfortable, you might enjoy wearing a dashiki. This pullover garment, mainly worn by men, is a staple wherever West Africans are found. It’s colorful, loose, and long. Someone wearing a dashiki is easy to spot. The closest type of American shirt is probably a Hawaiian shirt, which is also quite colorful. If you prefer clothes that are tight or drab, dashikis aren’t for you. Dashiki comes from Yoruba, a Nigerian language.

Example Sentences

He was tieless, wearing a solid‑black dashiki, and he spoke softly at first, almost cautious.

From Slate • Jun. 16, 2025

Earlier this year, Pearson wore a dashiki for his swearing-in ceremony.

From Washington Post • Apr. 28, 2023

And when Pearson, a young black man who is a powerful orator, wears his hair natural and chooses a formal dashiki over a western suit and tie, his very presence is a challenge.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2023

He noted the scrutiny he received for wearing a black dashiki — a tunic-like garment that originated in west Africa — for session, rather than a suit and tie.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2023

“I was just trying to get this dashiki back. And now that we have it back, we’re trying to find our way out.”

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer