Traditional Non-English
Central African, Chinese, French, Ghanaian (Twi), Italian, Kenyan (Swahili), Malawian (Chichewa),
Rwandan (Kinyarwanda), Sierra Leonean (Krio), South African (Xhosa and Zulu), Spanish, Tanzanian (Swahili), Ugandan (Luganda)
Embedded Files
Proverb
Proverb
Translation
Translation
Sustainable Fashion Interpretation
Sustainable Fashion Interpretation
Central African
Central African
The elephant does not limp when walking on thorns. (Central African Republic)
Signifies resilience. In sustainable fashion, it underscores the strength required to maintain ethical practices despite challenges.
A house cannot be repaired when the owner is destroying it. (Central African Republic)
Highlights the futility of repair without addressing the root cause.
In fashion, it suggests that sustainability requires systemic change, not just surface-level fixes.
One finger gashed, all the fingers are covered with blood. (Mongo, DRC)
Emphasizes interconnectedness.
In the fashion industry, it reflects how unethical practices in one area affect the entire system.
Chinese
Chinese
Gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì. 工欲善其事，必先利其器.
A craftsman who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools.
Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that will last for years to come.
Qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià. 千里之行，始于足下.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Start with small, conscious choices in your fashion habits, such as repairing clothes or buying secondhand.
Qǔ zhī yǒu dào, yòng zhī yǒu dù. 取之有道，用之有度.
Acquire with integrity, use with moderation.
Choose clothing responsibly, considering its origins and environmental impact. Use your clothes thoughtfully and repair them when needed.
Shàn dài tā rén, shàn dài zì jǐ. 善待他人，善待自己.
Be kind to others, be kind to yourself.
Support ethical and sustainable fashion brands that treat their workers fairly and minimize their environmental impact.
Qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán. 青出于蓝而胜于蓝.
Blue is produced from indigo, but it is bluer than indigo.
Continuously learn and improve your understanding of sustainable fashion and strive to make more conscious choices.
Jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén. 己所不欲，勿施于人.
Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself.
Consider the ethical and environmental impact of your clothing choices on others, including garment workers and the planet.
Zhú lán dǎ shuǐ yī chǎng kōng. 竹篮打水一场空.
Drawing water with a bamboo basket – a futile effort.
Avoid fast fashion, which often involves unsustainable practices and offers little lasting value.
Yī zhēn yī xiàn, sī sī rù kòu. 一针一线，丝丝入扣.
Every stitch and thread is carefully sewn.
Appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail in well-made clothing.
Jīn yù qí wài, bài xù qí zhōng. 金玉其外，败絮其中.
Gold and jade on the outside, rotten cotton within.
Beware of clothing that appears stylish but is poorly made or produced unethically.
Tiān shí dì lì rén hé. 天时地利人和.
Heaven, Earth, and Man in harmony.
Embrace sustainable fashion that aligns with environmental, social, and economic factors.
Yī bù rú xīn, rén bù rú jiù. 衣不如新，人不如旧.
New clothes are not as good as old friends.
Value timeless style and the comfort of familiar clothing.
Jiàn xián sī qí yān, jiàn bù xián ér nèi zì xǐng. 见贤思齐焉，见不贤而内自省.
See what is virtuous and emulate it; see what is not virtuous and examine yourself within.
Look for inspiration from sustainable fashion icons and brands, and reflect on your own consumption habits.
Jūn zǐ zhī jiāo dàn rú shuǐ. 君子之交淡如水.
The friendship of noblemen is like water, pure and tranquil.
Build long-lasting relationships with brands that share your values of sustainability and ethical production.
Hǎi nà bǎi chuān, yǒu róng nǎi dà. 海纳百川，有容乃大.
The sea is vast because it embraces all rivers.
Embrace diverse styles and be open to new ideas in fashion.
Jiǎn yǐ yǎng dé. 俭以养德.
Thriftiness nourishes virtue.
Embrace a minimalist wardrobe and avoid excessive consumption.
Dī shuǐ chuān shí. 滴水穿石.
Water dripping constantly can wear away a stone.
Small, consistent actions, such as reducing consumption and supporting sustainable brands, can make a significant impact.
Zhǒng guā dé guā, zhǒng dòu dé dòu. 种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆.
You reap what you sow.
Your fashion choices have consequences. Support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
French
French
La beauté est dans les yeux de celui qui regarde.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
This proverb suggests that beauty is subjective and that everyone has their own definition of what is beautiful.
La charité bien ordonnée commence par soi-même.
Charity begins at home.
This proverb suggests that it is important to take care of yourself before you can help others.
Bien faire et laisser dire.
Do good and let them say.
This proverb encourages one to focus on doing what is right, regardless of what others may say.
La fortune sourit aux audacieux.
Fortune favors the bold.
This proverb suggests that those who take risks are more likely to succeed.
Qui trop embrasse mal étreint.
He who embraces too much holds badly.
This proverb warns against trying to do too much at once.
Qui veut aller loin ménage sa monture.
He who wants to go far spares his mount.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's resources and not overexerting oneself.
La vie est courte, il faut la vivre.
Life is short, you have to live it.
This proverb suggests that it is important to make the most of your time on earth.
L'argent ne fait pas le bonheur.
Money does not bring happiness.
This proverb suggests that happiness is not something that can be bought with money.
La patience est une vertu.
Patience is a virtue.
This proverb suggests that it is important to be patient in order to achieve success.
Mieux vaut prévenir que guérir.
Prevention is better than cure.
This proverb suggests that it is better to take steps to prevent problems from happening than to try to fix them after they have occurred.
Rome ne s'est pas faite en un jour.
Rome was not built in a day.
This proverb suggests that it takes time and effort to achieve great things.
Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.
The best is the enemy of the good.
This proverb suggests that it is important to be satisfied with what you have and not always strive for perfection.
La fin justifie les moyens.
The end justifies the means.
This proverb suggests that it is acceptable to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals.
L'habit ne fait pas le moine.
The habit does not make the monk.
This proverb suggests that one should not judge others based on their appearance.
Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu.
There's no smoke without fire.
This proverb suggests that there is usually a reason for things to happen.
Aux sages, un mot aux sages.
To the wise, a word to the wise.
This proverb is used to emphasize that the speaker is only giving advice to those who are willing to listen.
L'union fait la force.
Unity makes strength.
This proverb suggests that it is important to work together in order to achieve your goals.
Qui aime bien châtie bien.
Who loves well punishes well.
This proverb suggests that those who love you the most are also the ones who are most likely to criticize you.
On ne peut pas avoir le beurre et l'argent du beurre.
You can't have your cake and eat it too.
This proverb suggests that it is not possible to have everything you want at the same time.
Ghana (Twi)
Asufi asemasemeza makutu na atunda nguo
The one who speaks nonsense sells clothes.
Outward charm can overshadow substance.
Italian
Italian
Meglio un uovo oggi che una gallina domani.
Better a chicken tomorrow than an egg today.
Appreciate and value what you have now, rather than constantly chasing fleeting trends or possessions.
Più vale un uccello in mano che cento in volo.
A bird in the hand is worth more than a hundred in flight.
Appreciate the clothes you already own and repair or repurpose them before buying new.
Il troppo stroppia.
Too much is bad.
Avoid excessive consumption and embrace minimalism in your wardrobe. Quality over quantity is key.
La moda veloce è un'illusione.
Fast fashion is an illusion.
Avoid the allure of fast fashion and opt for slower, more sustainable alternatives that prioritize ethical production and environmental responsibility.
Investire nel proprio stile è un investimento nel proprio benessere.
Investing in your style is an investment in your well-being.
Choose clothes that make you feel good about yourself and reflect your values. This can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Scegli qualità, non quantità.
Choose quality, not quantity.
Invest in well-made, durable garments that will last for years to come, rather than constantly buying cheap, disposable fashion.
La moda circolare è il futuro.
Circular fashion is the future.
Embrace a circular fashion model by buying secondhand, renting clothes, repairing and repurposing garments, and supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
La bellezza è negli occhi di chi guarda.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Develop your own sense of style and wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful, regardless of fleeting trends.
A caval donato non si guarda in bocca.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
This proverb suggests that one should be grateful for what they are given and not be too picky.
La moda passa, lo stile resta.
Fashion fades, style remains.
Invest in classic, timeless pieces that will endure changing trends and remain relevant for years to come.
Chi si veste bene, si sente bene.
He who dresses well, feels good.
Expressing yourself through clothing can boost your confidence and well-being. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and empowered.
Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro.
He who finds a friend finds a treasure.
Reminds us that strong friendships are invaluable assets in the pursuit of sustainable fashion. By connecting with others who share our values, we can build a stronger community, amplify our impact, and make a more significant contribution to a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry.
Chi va piano va sano e va lontano.
He who goes slowly goes healthy and far.
Serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable fashion is a long-term endeavor. By embracing slow fashion principles and prioritizing quality, ethics, and mindful consumption, we can create a more just and sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Chi dorme non piglia pesci.
He who sleeps catches no fish.
Encourages active participation in creating a more sustainable fashion system. It reminds us that we all have a role to play, whether as consumers, industry professionals, or advocates for change.
Chi vuole troppo, non ottiene nulla.
He who wants too much, obtains nothing.
This proverb reminds us that while striving for a completely sustainable wardrobe is a noble goal, it's important to be realistic and avoid becoming overwhelmed. By focusing on making small, sustainable choices and supporting brands that align with our values, we can contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry without feeling discouraged.
Chi troppo vuole, nulla stringe.
He who wants too much, gains nothing.
Encourages us to approach fashion with a sense of moderation and purpose. By being mindful of our consumption habits and prioritizing quality over quantity, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
Meno è meglio.
Less is more.
Embrace minimalism in your wardrobe and prioritize quality over quantity. A curated collection of timeless pieces is more valuable than a large, disposable wardrobe.
Rispetta il pianeta, rispetta te stesso.
Respect the planet, live without worries.
Make conscious choices in your fashion consumption to minimize your environmental impact and prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
Riparare è rivoluzionario.
Repairing is revolutionary.
Extend the lifespan of your clothes by repairing them instead of discarding them. This reduces waste and supports a more sustainable fashion system.
La sostenibilità è il futuro.
Sustainability is the future.
Embrace sustainable fashion practices to protect the environment and ensure a more ethical and equitable future for the fashion industry.
L'abito non fa il monaco.
The habit does not make the monk.
This proverb suggests that one should not judge others based on their appearance.
Chi veste pecora, diventa pecora.
He who dresses sheep, becomes sheep
Your appearance influences your self-perception and how others perceive you. Dress with confidence and authenticity to empower yourself.
Chi semina vento, raccoglie tempesta.
He who sows the wind, reaps the storm.
A powerful warning against engaging in harmful or irresponsible behavior. It advises us to consider the potential consequences of our actions before we act.
Chi semina rose, raccoglie spine.
He who sows roses, reaps thorns.
A cautionary reminder that life is not always straightforward, and that even the most virtuous endeavors can encounter unexpected challenges.
Chi veste come vuole, non veste come vuole.
He who dresses as he wants, does not dress as he wants.
While we may strive for unique self-expression, our clothing choices are always a product of both personal desires and the broader social and cultural context in which we live.
Kenya (Swahili)
Kenya (Swahili)
Akiba haiozi
A reserve will not decay.
Emphasizes the importance of saving and resourcefulness. In sustainable fashion, this advocates for preserving materials and reducing waste.
Ise nguo huvaliwa kufuata hali ya hewa
Clothing should suit the weather.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing clothing appropriate for the climate. This encourages: Versatility, reduced consumption, and reduced waste.
Kupotea njia ndio kujua njia
To get lost is to learn the way.
Highlights learning through experience. Encourages experimentation with sustainable practices in fashion.
Mafupa ya fisi hayawezi kuvaa ngozi ya simba
The hyena’s bones cannot wear a lion’s skin.
Discourages the pursuit of appearances over authenticity. With respect to sustainable fashion it encourages authenticity, rejection of fast fashion, and embracing individuality.
Malawi (Chichewa)
Malawi (Chichewa)
Ngulube yafunda nsalu yawina bufi
A pig tore the cloth it pretended to win.
Falsehoods and deceit are often exposed.
Abiti dzamtengo wagalu amaundika mu mphepete mwa msewu
A poor man’s cloth lies along the roadside.
Poverty often strips one of dignity.
Rwanda (Kinyarwanda)
Rwanda (Kinyarwanda)
Ubwiza bw'umuntu buri mu byo yambara
A person’s beauty is in what they wear.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of clothing or adornment in contributing to an individual's appearance and how they present themselves to others. It can also be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting that outward presentation reflects inner values or personal pride.
South Africa (Xhosa and Zulu)
South Africa (Xhosa and Zulu)
Umtwana olungileyo, izambatho zakhe zihlala zihle (XHOSA)
A good child always keeps their clothes clean.
This proverb often refers to the pride and care one takes in their appearance. In the context of sustainable fashion, it can be interpreted as: Quality over Quantity, Care and Maintenance, and Personal Style.
Engozi eziphathwayo zinika isithunzi (ZULU)
"Adornments that are carried bestow dignity" or "Accessories that are worn add dignity"
Presentation influences how one is perceived. Suggests that the clothes we wear can reflect our values and our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Indlovu ayihlala phansi ngaphandle kwengubo yayo (ZULU)
An elephant does not sit without its blanket.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having the necessary resources before undertaking any significant task or responsibility. The fashion industry can move towards more thoughtful, prepared, and truly sustainable practices that consider all aspects of production and consumption.
Spanish
Spanish
A buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan
To a good listener, few words are enough.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of clear and concise communication.
A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
While this proverb generally encourages gratitude, in the context of sustainable fashion, it's important to consider the origin and ethical implications of "gifts."
A cada cual, lo suyo
To each their own.
Everyone has their unique style or preference.
Cría fama y échate a dormir
Earn fame and rest on your laurels.
A good fashion reputation can sustain itself over time. Emphasizes the importance of building trust and credibility eg Brand transparency,
Cuando el río suena, agua lleva
When the river makes noise, it carries water.
Fashion rumors often have a basis in truth.
De la moda, lo que te acomoda
From fashion, what suits you.
Adopt only the trends that fit your style or needs and avoiding trends.
Del dicho al hecho hay un trecho
From saying to doing, there's a stretch.
Highlights the importance of taking action, move beyond intention.
Dime cómo vistes y te diré quién eres
Tell me how you dress, and I'll tell you who you are.
Clothing reflects personality or social status. Expressing values: Using clothing to express personal values and make a statement about sustainability.
Donde fueres, haz lo que vieres
Where you go, do what you see.
Adapt your attire to the local culture or norms.
El hábito no hace al monje
The habit does not make the monk.
Appearances can be deceiving; character matters more than clothing. Look beyond the label: Don't assume that a brand is sustainable simply because it uses certain marketing terms or has a particular image. Investigate claims: Research brands thoroughly to understand their true environmental and social impact.
Más vale estar solo que mal acompañado
Better to be alone than in bad company.
Highlights the importance of choosing ethical brands and avoiding those with harmful practices.
Más vale prevenir que lamentar
Better to prevent than to regret.
Emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent negative environmental and social impacts eg Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; Support circular fashion models; Advocate for change.
Más vale tarde que nunca
Better late than never.
This proverb encourages action, even if it's not immediate. It emphasizes that it's never too late to adopt more sustainable fashion practices, such as starting small.
No hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver
There's no worse blind man than one who doesn't want to see.
Understanding comes quickly to the perceptive, similar to knowing quality in fashion. It encourages awareness and a willingness to learn.
No todo lo que brilla es oro
Not everything that glitters is gold.
Not all that looks fashionable is of good quality or value. Look beyond the surface: Don't be fooled by misleading marketing claims. Investigate brands: Research brands thoroughly to understand their true environmental and social impact.
Quien a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija
Who leans on a good tree is well sheltered.
Aligning with quality or good influences leads to benefits. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance and support from those who share similar values: Connect with like-minded individuals, Seek advice from experts, Collaborate with others.
Quien mucho abarca, poco aprieta
He who grasps much, holds little.
Encourages a focused approach to sustainability. Prioritize: Focus on key areas for improvement, such as reducing consumption, supporting specific ethical brands, or advocating for a particular issue. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of sustainable fashion and take small, manageable steps.
Quien siembra vientos, recoge tempestades
He who sows winds reaps storms.
Emphasizes the long-term consequences of unsustainable practices eg Environmental and Social impacts.
Vísteme despacio, que tengo prisa
Dress me slowly, for I am in a hurry.
Slow fashion is key: Prioritizing quality over quantity and embracing a slower pace of consumption allows for more mindful and sustainable choices. Long-term sustainability: Sustainable fashion requires a long-term perspective. Building a sustainable wardrobe takes time and careful consideration.
Zapatero a tus zapatos
Shoemaker, stick to your shoes.
Focus on your expertise or profession. Focus on your role: Consumers can focus on making informed choices, while businesses can focus on implementing sustainable practices. But recognize the importance of collaboration between consumers, businesses, and policymakers.
Sierra Leonean (Krio)
Sierra Leonean (Krio)
Source April 2025: https://www.sierra-leone.org/Krio-Proverbs.html
As yu sel yusɛf, na so di wol go bai yu.
As you sell yourself, so the world will buy you.
You are valued by how you present yourself.
Brands must align their sustainable claims with real practices or risk losing trust.
Blak trɛd nɔ rɔnd pijin in nɛk; a nɔ go sɛ dov.
Because a black thread is around a pigeon’s neck, I will not call it a dove.
Appearances can deceive; substance matters.
True sustainability must go beyond aesthetic gestures to real ethical commitment.
Chɛr-chɛr trɔsɛs sɛ i nɔ de go na tɔn; in masta nɔ rɛdi yet.
The torn trousers says it's not going to town, it's master isn't ready yet.
Until something is properly prepared, it's not fit for display.
Brands must repair their systems thoroughly before marketing themselves as sustainable.
Dat pikin we wεr in papa in trɔsis, na rop go dɔn in wes.
The child who wears his father's trousers will have them fall down.
Taking on what doesn't fit leads to failure.
Fashion brands must design according to real capability and context, not imitate others blindly.
Di tik we yu mit insai kenu, na-in yu go tek padul wit.
The stick you meet inside a canoe is the one you use to paddle with.
Make do with what you have.
Use local materials and existing skills rather than relying on costly, imported solutions.
Fish nɔ gɛt natɛn fɔ du wit renkot.
A fish has nothing to do with a raincoat.
Don't involve yourself in things that don't suit your nature.
Sustainable design should respect natural contexts; avoid unnecessary, resource-wasting creations.
If kresman tek yu klos, yu nɔ fɔ rɔn afta-ram yu nekɛd wan. If yu du am, dɛn go tek una tu as kresman dɛn.
If a madman takes your clothes, you shouldn't run after him naked. If you do, people will think both of you are crazy.
Don't worsen your situation by reacting foolishly.
Respond to greenwashing or criticism thoughtfully, not through reckless PR fixes.
If yu want ɔl, yu de lɔs ɔl.
If you want everything, you will lose everything.
Greed leads to total loss.
Overproduction and overconsumption destroy both brand credibility and the planet.
Nɔ wori pas mekes.
Better safe than sorry.
Take precautions before it's too late.
Building responsible supply chains prevents environmental and reputational crises.
Smol-smol, na-in de mek wata fulop.
Little by little, water fills up.
Small efforts add up over time.
Incremental sustainable changes across operations build lasting industry impact.
Wan fingga no go ebul tek bangga.
One finger can't pick up a palm kernel.
Collaboration is essential for difficult tasks.
Sustainability requires collective action across designers, producers, and consumers.
We yu go na kontri, if yu mit pipul dɛn de dans wit wan fut, yusɛf fɔ dans wit wan fut.
When you go to a country where people dance on one foot, you should dance on one foot as well.
Adapt respectfully to local ways.
Sustainable fashion must honour and work with local traditions, not impose foreign methods.
We yu papa na chif, na fɔ so gawn; we yu papa dai, chenj di gawn tu rapεl.
When your father is a chief, you wear a gown; when your father dies, you change the gown to a wrapper.
Status changes require adjustments.
Sustainable fashion must be adaptable to social and environmental realities, not fixed in one identity.
Wen yu wiv difrɛn-difrɛn kɔlɔ, if blak trɛd dɔn, skil dɔn tap konɔ.
When you weave different colors and the black thread is finished, the skill has also ended.
Foundation elements are essential; without them, the craft fails.
Ethical practices are the “black thread” that must anchor creative sustainable fashion.
Tanzania (Swahili)
Tanzania (Swahili)
Mtoto umleavyo ndivyo akuavyo
The way you raise a child determines their future.
Grooming and upbringing shape character. Can be interpreted as emphasizing the importance of education and awareness-raising.
Nguo mbovu humtoa mtu kwenye baridi
Torn clothes expose a person to the cold.
It aligns perfectly with the principles of upcycling, reusing, and repurposing clothing. This proverb advocates for the idea that discarded clothing can still be useful, encouraging a shift away from fast fashion and wasteful consumption toward valuing every garment's potential.
Ngoma ikivuma sana, ngozi huisha haraka
When the drum beats too loudly, its skin wears out quickly.
This warns against overuse or excessive enthusiasm that leads to quick deterioration. It speaks to the dangers of overproduction and overconsumption in the fashion industry. Excessive focus on trends and fast fashion results in environmental degradation and the depletion of resources.
Uganda (Luganda)
Uganda (Luganda)
Akaseera ne katandika ku lugoye
The journey begins with the cloth.
Preparation and appearance are key for success. Clothing sets the tone for situations.
Akuba n’ente ekuzinga obulege
The one who hits you with a cow will wrap you in hide
Please help requested for the interpretation of this one!
Amaaso g’enda gasooka kulaba ekirungi
The eyes first see the beautiful.
Appearance creates the first impression.
Buli mukazi ajja n’ekyambalo kye
Every woman comes with her dress.
Everyone brings their unique style or contribution. Promotes diversity and individualism in sustainable fashion while respecting ethical production.
Ebigere birina eddwaaliro, naye engoye zirina eddwaaliro lya famire
Feet have their hospital, but clothing has the family’s.
Clothing affects how families are perceived socially.
Ebigere bita omuwala gye yatundira
Feet lead a girl to where she is sold.
The proverb suggests that a person's circumstances or fate often lead them back to difficult or oppressive situations, even if they try to escape. It reflects on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals in society, particularly women and girls, who might find themselves repeatedly in exploitative situations due to societal pressures, economic circumstances, or lack of alternatives. Consider: Exploitation in the fashion industry, Need for ethical practices, Addressing forced labor, Empowering vulnerable workers, ransparency in supply chains, Consumer awareness.
Ebyambalo bifa ku nnyindo z’omuntu
Clothing ends at one’s nose.
Judgment of style is subjective. Clothing can lose its appeal over time. Encourages designs that remain timeless and durable.
Ekifaananyi ky’omuntu kiba mu mwambalo gwe
A person’s image is in their attire.
Clothing greatly influences perception.
Ekirungi kiva ku nnaku, naye kyekolebwa ku mwambalo
Goodness comes from hard work, but it’s shown in attire.
Appearance requires effort and time. Encourages investment in quality and sustainable fashion that takes time to craft responsibly.
Ekitiibwa ky’omuntu kiri ku mwambalo gwe
A person’s dignity is in their clothing.
Clothing reflects respect and self-worth.
Embalira egula mwenge
The way you dress buys you alcohol.
Dress well to attract generosity or goodwill.
Engoye ez’omuntu ez’amanyi eby’okukola
A person’s clothes know their duties.
Clothing reflects a person’s role, responsibilities, or status. The notion that proper attire can help one fit into or navigate various social situations.
Engoye si ky’okwagala naye kye ky’olwa
Clothing is not what you love, but what is necessary.
Clothing serves a functional purpose beyond mere desire. This proverb carries a deep cultural meaning about appearance and social perception. It suggests that in society, the clothes you wear are not just a matter of personal preference, but also about how others perceive you. The proverb emphasizes the importance of dressing appropriately for social situations, even if it might not align with your personal taste.
Engoye za ddya abantu bamanye owuliko
Fine clothes make others know who is present.
Appearance commands attention.
Ennaku tesiima ku ngoye
Sorrow does not appreciate clothes.
The proverb reflects on the human condition, emphasizing that during profound emotional experiences, particularly sadness or mourning, superficial concerns such as one's attire become irrelevant. Emotional connection: The proverb highlights the importance of emotional value in clothing. Sustainable fashion aims to create garments that foster deep emotional connections, leading to longer-term use and care.
Kabangi ke susuna obugoye bwe
The hare chooses its garments with care.
One’s appearance should match the occasion.
Kulya mwando kutufunika ubwato
A torn cloth covers the boat.
Even simple things can serve an essential purpose.
Ng’omuntu tafa mutwe y’ayambala engoye
As long as a person is not dead, they wear clothes"
Taking care of oneself is essential, and clothing is a part of that self-care. Promotes the idea that sustainable clothing is part of caring for oneself and the environment. Choosing eco-friendly and well-made clothing reflects self-respect and environmental consciousness.
Obulungi bw’omuntu buva mu bimu by’ayambala
A person’s beauty comes from some of what they wear.
Appearance enhances natural beauty.
Obuyonjo bw’omuntu buli ku ngoye z’omubiri gwe
A person’s cleanliness is on their clothes.
Hygiene and tidiness reflect character.
Olugoye lwe lugaziisa omuntu
A cloth makes a person appear taller
Clothing adds stature and respect. Sustainable fashion emphasizes creating garments that uphold dignity while ensuring they are ethically and sustainably produced, respecting both the wearer and the environment.
Olugoye lwo lwe ggwanika lyo
Your clothes are your storehouse.
Make the best of what you have. This proverb conveys a deep meaning about the value and importance of clothing in Ugandan culture. It highlights the cultural significance of clothing beyond mere covering, emphasizing its role in social, economic, and personal contexts.
Omuntu tayogera ng’akyali n’embuzi etanda ku mbugo
A person does not speak while still sitting on a goat skin.
Don’t be boastful before improving your appearance or situation.
Omwambalo tegugamba by’olina mu mutima
Clothing doesn’t reveal what’s in the heart.
Appearance doesn’t reflect true character. Highlights the need to choose clothing that aligns with inner ethical values, such as sustainability and fairness.
Ukuzisula kwengubo kuyenza ibe yintsha
Taking care of a garment makes it last longer.
Care prolongs the life of valuable things.
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