Men's Galafini Shirt (Lépi) – African Artisanal Indigo

Understated elegance, exceptional material. Men's shirt in Galafini (also known as Lépi, Adire, Ganga, etc...): cotton woven in strips, assembled, then dyed with natural indigo according to West African expertise. A chic, durable, and comfortable artisanal piece.

Key Features

• Material: 100% hand-woven cotton (narrow sewn strips), natural indigo dye
• Cut: short sleeves, mandarin collar, 2-button placket
• Sizes: M, L, XL
• Finish: indigo nuances and slight irregularities, signs of artisanal manufacturing
• Price: €75

Fabric & Origin

Galafini / Lépi belongs to the great textile traditions of West Africa: cotton strips are woven on a loom, assembled, then dyed in an indigo vat. The color comes from dye plants, offering deep and vibrant blues. Each people names this textile in their language, but the principle of weaving in sewn strips remains common.

Close to Bogolan, different dye

Common base: cotton woven in strips and assembled. Major difference: traditional bogolan uses iron-rich muds and vegetable decoctions; here, the shirt is indigo-dyed, hence its deep blue hue.

Style: From Casual to Formal

Casual

With raw denim or chinos, minimalist shoes. The indigo adds depth without being overpowering.

Dressed Up

With navy suit trousers, simple loafers. The mandarin collar structures the silhouette.

A question? Contact us

Care

• Wash in cold water, separately (slight bleeding possible at first)
• Dry flat, in the shade
• Iron gently on the reverse; avoid bleach, prolonged soaking, and tumble drying

Our Commitment

Kaolack Créations collaborates directly with weavers and tailors in West Africa. Each piece supports living craftsmanship, fairly compensated, and values transmitted savoir-faire.

See also: Farafina Collection • Men's Shirts • Bogolan & Traditional Textiles Selection

Galafini, Lépi, indigo: what do these names mean?

Galafini (Mali) and Lépi (Senegal/Guinea) refer to a cotton textile woven in strips, sewn then dyed with natural indigo. Indigo refers to the plant/dye used.

How is it different from bogolan?

Both are based on woven and assembled cotton. Bogolan uses ferruginous muds and vegetable decoctions; this shirt is indigo-dyed, hence its blue color.

Is the shirt 100% cotton?

Yes, 100% hand-woven cotton.

Will the color bleed?

Slight bleeding may occur initially. Wash in cold water, separately, then dry flat.

What size should I choose?

Straight cut. Sizes M, L, XL. If you hesitate between two sizes, choose the larger size for a looser fit.

👉 See the universal size guide