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.

---

dashiki British  

/ dɑːˈʃiːkɪ /

noun

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

---

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

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

He was elected in January 2023 and caused a backlash when he wore a dashiki to be sworn in.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

I should be celebrating the fact that I got my dashiki back.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer