Atul’s General Merchants, Nairobi

What to buy here: Kikois and Khangas.

These sarong-like wraps (in male and female form, respectively) are made of colorful woven cotton and can be worn on the beach or used as a throw or curtain at home. Usually made with striped cloth, khangas are traditionally used as skirts or by women to carry their babies as they work. Khangas often have a Swahili proverb printed on them. They make great gifts and they won’t break the bank. The best place to shop for kikois and tangas is either Biashara Street or Ngara Road. Rows upon rows of textile shops line up the streets, offering a sea of vibrant colors and patterns that can’t be beat. Shopping at stores located here will ensure that you’re getting handwoven material with an authentic flavor, rather than the machine-produced stuff you would find at tourist shops. Atul’s General Merchants is an old-fashioned textile supplier on Biashara that sells cut-to-size kikois and khangas, as well as textiles by the yard. On Ngara Road, try Mansi’s Collections, which sells not only kikois and khangas, but also anything you would want to decorate your clothing, including ribbons, beads, wooden buttons and other items. When walking down either street, keep your eyes open for the sidewalk vendors --They sometimes carry the most unusual and beautiful textiles.