Ukunda
This is an easy to layer, easy to love top that is versatile enough to wear year round!
- 100% cotton Kenyan kanga
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Color Notes: Orange, purple, white and black
- Functional pockets
- Button fastening through front
- Machine wash cold with like colors
- Fits true to size, take your normal size
- Airy fit, cut to be worn loose and stand away from the body
- Mid-weight, non-stretchy fabric
- Louise is 5'5 and wears a M
- Carol is 5’5” and wears a XS
- Jaz is 5'5 and wears a L
Something not quite right? Returns or exchanges are on us, no questions asked, within 30 days for all orders within the US.*
Plus, we're always available to help! Send us an email with any questions, comments, or thoughts that float by and we'll respond within 24 hours!
*All gift card and mask products are final sale and may not be returned.
Meet our production partner, SOKO Kenya! Based in Kikambala on the Kenyan coast, they are an ethical manufacturer that truly embraces a fair, kind and transparent work culture. In addition to paying above living wages, SOKO provides employees with paid leave and stipends for family emergencies, free pre-primary childcare for all employees with children from ages 2-4, daily mid-morning tea and midday lunch, and clear, outlined processes for job advancement. These values extend to the workspace itself, which is open, airy and bright. It’s truly a privilege to work with the SOKO team, and we invite you to learn more about the stitching process here!Meet our production partner, SOKO Kenya! Based in Kikambala on the Kenyan coast, they are an ethical manufacturer that truly embraces a fair, kind and transparent work culture. In addition to paying above living wages, SOKO provides employees with paid leave and stipends for family emergencies, free pre-primary childcare for all employees with children from ages 2-4, daily mid-morning tea and midday lunch, and clear, outlined processes for job advancement. These values extend to the workspace itself, which is open, airy and bright. It’s truly a privilege to work with the SOKO team, and we invite you to learn more about the stitching process here!n, or other sales information.
Deeply ingrained in Swahili culture, kangas are ubiquitous on the Kenyan coast, worn as head coverings or shawls and around the waist. Characterized by a decorated border and Kiswahili phrase underlying a large central design, motifs take inspiration from the wide ranging cultural influences that have converged over a millennium along the Swahili coast, from the Persian boteh to Rajasthani bandhani to the Bantu cashew nut.
While the sayings were only added in the early 20th century, they are now are central to the textile. It's always fun to see who is wearing what, and why they chose it (or received it!). Sometimes the messages are political or commemorative, printed specifically for an event or organization, but often they're reflective of everyday life. Some of us can probably relate to "I won’t eat in the darkness for fear of my neighbor (I do what I want!)" and all of us can relate to, "There is no one like mom."
- EWElaine W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 weeks agoLike getting two tops in one!
I tried Ukunda in a L vs XL. My photos that have side by side shots have L on the left and XL on the right. Note that the patch pockets will either match or not match. I can wear either size, but XL is definitely roomier/boxier and gives me more hip coverage/length.
Since the background of this fabric is dark I don’t notice as much sheerness with it compared to some of the other kanga fabric shirts with light backgrounds. It’s also not meant to be worn backwards, but I can definitely turn it around and have the orange fabric in the front - doesn’t feel constricting around the neck if I do this because the fabric is so light.
This top can easily go from casual to professional to dressy depending on what I wear with it. It makes a really beautiful layering piece under my work blazers.
- ZHZuzka H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoAnother beautiful sleeveless top to add to my Zuri closet.
Fabulous shades of orange and purple highlight this very comfortable top created from two very compatible prints... I wore this Ukunda top together with my Midnight Zuri dress (which has a purplish tone in the deep blue colour)... I also decided to wear the top backwards so that both fabrics used to make the top could provide extra contrast... the two fabric print construction of Ukunda makes it an extremely versatile wardrobe addition.
- RLREBECCA L.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3 months agoI love this shirt!
I ordered the Ukunda in XL and just love the way it looks on it's own or this is with a shirt under it at a work event this week. The colors are perfect and the design is really fun too. I mostly work remote and think it will look really great on camera too. I love the weight of it too.
- MSMartha S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 weeks agoLove love love
It took awhile to get here but I managed to get a couple of wears of it before the weather cooled. I may even wear it as an open vest, in the winter. Love the pattern. Very slimming.
- THTeresa H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 months agoJust WOW
I had a hard time deciding between this one and the other more purple vest. This is going with me to Anchorage and I plan to pare it with other Zuri clothing I have. Ok confession , I have five dresses and am taking several on my trip. It is btw the lighter weight fabric, which I glad for because it will be the top most layer, going to see glaciers 26 of them and it will be cold even in August. But Zuri is coming with me. Taking several of my Zuri bags, everyone keeps begging me out of em! Will try to post photos of glory and glaciers as long as I can avoid frostbite. My Little Debbie calls herself a blackSkmo because she is an African American Goddess living in Anchorage. Will try to get a picture of Debbie and I in Zuri outfits. Still I am a little scared to even let her try on one cause it’s going to be her birthday, 🥳 she better give it back!