Baati (garment)

A baati, or, more formally, a Dirac shiid, is a Somali cotton house dress with a loose fit and short sleeves.[1] It is popular throughout East Africa due to Somali migration and trading across the region. It is seen as a staple in many East African households. The garment is noted for its versatility; it can be used as swimwear or as a sling to carry an infant.[2] It is one variant of the traditional Somali wear called Dirac.

In 2018, Miss Universe contestant Muna Juma accused fast fashion brand Zara of cultural appropriation because they advertised a dress closely resembling a baati.[3]

  1. ^ "Culture of Asia jalabiya is stolen from the somali culture". Fortune of Africa.
  2. ^ Farah, Safy-Hallan. "The Baati Dress Proves That Modest Fashion Can Be Liberating". Vogue.
  3. ^ Matera, Avery. "Zara Accused of Culturally Appropriating a Somali Baati". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 26 September 2020.