How do traditional Gambian clothes differ for women and men?

In The Gambia, traditional attire reflects a blend of West African heritage and religious custom, with distinct styles for men and women.1

• Women: Traditional dress for women frequently features elaborate head wraps paired with flowing caftans. These garments, often referred to as a boubou, are common in both urban centers like Banjul and rural villages.12
• Men: Men typically combine traditional shirts with Western-style pants for daily wear. However, on Fridays and during Muslim holidays—such as Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr—men often wear traditional Arab-style dress accompanied by skullcaps, particularly when attending mosque services.1

While many Gambians incorporate European-style clothing into their wardrobes, the country maintains a strong tradition of textile craftsmanship, including the production of distinctive indigo-dyed cloth.1