30 items
Fashion
A two piece set cut from handwoven Akwete cloth: a short sleeve top with a full length maxi skirt, in bands of orange, purple, cream, green and black. Akwete is not a print. It is woven by hand by Igbo women in Akwete, a town in Abia State in south east Nigeria, on an upright wall loom that is the widest in Nigeria at roughly 100 to 127cm across. Most West African handweaving comes off a narrow strip loom and has to be stitched together in bands. Akwete does not, so the pattern runs unbroken across the cloth. The motifs are floated into the weave thread by thread as the fabric grows, which means the design is part of the structure of the cloth rather than a layer printed on the surface. The top is cut close through the body with a short sleeve. The skirt falls full to the ankle, so it moves when you walk and holds its shape when you stand. Together they read as one deliberate outfit rather than separates that happen to match. Available in UK 8 to 16. Wear the set together for weddings, owambe, introductions, church and traditional ceremonies, or split it: the skirt carries a plain white shirt or a black top on its own. Because every length of cloth is woven by hand, the placement and alignment of the bands vary from set to set. No two are cut from an identical stretch of fabric. Care: hand wash cold or dry clean. Do not bleach and do not soak. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight and press on a medium heat on the reverse.
Sold by Y’ola Fashions • Lagos
Fashion
The Lewa set is a beautiful women’s Adire two-piece co-ord designed for bold, elegant dressing. With its standout Adire pattern and matching two-piece style, this outfit brings together colour, culture, and confidence in one polished look. Perfect for brunches, holidays, casual occasions, creative events, dinners, and stylish day-to-evening plans, the Lewa Adire set is made for women who love expressive fashion with a refined finish. Available in different sizes and colours, it offers a versatile look that can be styled with heels, sandals, flats, or statement accessories. This piece is also available with custom tailoring, making it a great option for customers who want a more personalised fit. A stylish choice for women looking for an Adire two-piece set, African print co-ord, handmade outfit, or made-to-measure women’s fashion.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
A tailored Ankara blazer dress in green and gold African print, cut to your own measurements. Above the knee, long sleeves, lapel collar. This is African print built for a room where you have to be taken seriously. The blazer construction does the work: a sharp lapel, a defined shoulder and a clean line through the waist, so the print reads as deliberate rather than loud. It is the difference between wearing Ankara and wearing a suit that happens to be Ankara. The cloth is a gold ground crossed with bands of bright green, with small blocks of pink and lilac set inside the bands and a visible weave to the surface. It is warmer and busier than a thumbnail suggests, and that is the point. It photographs well and it holds its colour under office lighting, which is where most print dresses fall down. Where it works: the office, church, a conference, a graduation, a registry wedding, a product launch or a shoot. Anywhere you want to be the most composed person in the room without defaulting to black. Style it the way it is shot: a plain court shoe and one good gold chain. The dress carries the pattern, so the jewellery only has to pick up the gold in the cloth rather than compete with it. Sizing and fit: there is no size chart here, because there are no sizes. You send six measurements at checkout, each with a short guide on how to take it, and the dress is cut to those numbers rather than made in a standard size and taken in afterwards. That is why it holds its line through the shoulder and the waist, which is the part an off-the-peg blazer almost always gets wrong. Each dress is cut from a length of Ankara by hand, so the exact placement of the print across the panels varies from one piece to the next. No two are identical. Care: cold hand wash or a gentle machine cycle inside out, hang to dry out of direct sun, and press on a low heat on the reverse to keep the print sharp.
Sold by Eden Rivers Clothings • Nigeria
Fashion
Step into elegance with our handcrafted African Ankara Fashion Set, a perfect blend of style, culture, and creativity. This premium set is designed for women who love to stand out with confidence and class. Each piece is carefully made with high-quality Ankara fabric, ensuring a flawless and luxurious finish. What’s Included: Beautifully tailored Ankara gown Matching Ankara handbag Stylish head wrap (Auto Gele) Fabric necklace (Ankara) Fabric earrings (Ankara) Ankara bangle/bracelet Ankara wallet and purse Every accessory is uniquely crafted to match perfectly, giving you a complete, ready-to-wear fashion statement without stress. Worldwide delivery. Free free to message us for more inquiries and customization.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion
Mustard yellow maxi dress with beaded shoulder straps and a gathered peplum waist, cut in 100% cotton so it holds its structure through a long day. The fitted bodice and defined high waist create a clean hourglass line, while the floor length skirt falls with weight and movement. The beaded straps and dramatic peplum carry the detail, so the dress reads as a finished look without extra styling. Made for occasion wear: wedding guest outfits, engagement parties, owambe and aso ebi events, birthday dinners, church anniversaries and evening receptions. The solid mustard tone photographs cleanly in both daylight and indoor lighting. Available made to measure. Instead of a standard size chart, the dress is cut to your own bust, waist, hip and length measurements, which you provide at checkout. Made to order by an independent designer on Sokofa and shipped worldwide with DHL tracking.
Sold by Rayo.ng • Nigeria
Fashion
A floor length Ankara bubu gown with a stone embellished panel running down the centre front, embellishment at the neckline and across the sleeve edges. Cut wide and loose through the body with slits at both sides, so it moves with you rather than holding you in. The bubu is one of the few silhouettes that does formal without doing tight. No waistband, no fastening to fight with, nothing that stops working after a long meal. It reads as dressed up because of the embellishment and the length, not because it is restrictive. Available in two prints: a green Ankara with a dense repeating pattern, and a brown Ankara scattered with multicoloured circular motifs. Both carry the same embellished centre panel and neckline. Wear it for owambe, weddings, introductions, church, Eid or Christmas, or any evening where you want to arrive finished. It works with flats and it works with heels, which is more than most floor length dresses manage. Made in Nigeria by Oluwatobiloba Global Concept. Because each gown is finished individually, the exact placement of the stonework and the print varies a little from one to the next. Care: hand wash cold or dry clean. Do not soak and do not bleach. Turn the gown inside out to press on a low heat, and keep the iron away from the stonework, which can lift with direct heat.
Sold by Oluwatobiloba global concept • Nigeria
Fashion
A two piece set: a short sleeved satin shirt in fine red and white stripes, with a collar and a curved back hem, and matching plain red straight leg trousers. This is the smart one of the striped sets. The shirt is short enough in front to wear untucked over the high waist of the trousers and falls longer behind, and the solid red trouser turns the stripe into a bold, put together outfit for work, a dinner or an event. The shirt shares its stripe with the Coral Stripe shorts set, so this is the one to buy if you want the look in trousers. The trousers sit at the waist and fall straight through the leg to just above the ankle, with side pockets. The shirt has turned back cuffs and a yoke across the back. Sizes S to XXXL. Wash cool, and iron the shirt on a low setting on the reverse, as satin marks easily with heat.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
The Jola set is a stylish women’s Adire two-piece co-ord designed with a matching top and wide-leg trousers. Made for women who love bold, expressive fashion, this outfit brings together comfort, colour, and effortless elegance in one standout look. The wide-leg trouser silhouette gives the set a flattering, relaxed feel, while the matching top creates a polished outfit that can be worn together or styled separately. Pair the trousers with a simple blouse, style the top with jeans or a skirt, or wear the full set for a confident occasion-ready look. Perfect for brunches, holidays, creative events, casual occasions, dinners, and stylish day-to-evening plans, the Jola Adire set is a versatile choice for women looking for an African print two-piece outfit, wide-leg trouser set, or handmade co-ord. Custom tailoring is available for customers who want a more personalised fit.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
Elegant African Fashion Set, a handmade Ankara gown with matching bag, gele, earrings and purse. Discover our stunning African fashion set designed for elegance and style! Each set includes: Ankara dress/gown Matching bag Headwrap / AutoGele Fabric earrings Fabric bangle Matching Purse and Wallet Customize Your Set: Choose the items you want, pick the complete set or select only the pieces you love! Perfect for formal events, weddings, cultural celebrations, or daily style. Worldwide delivery available. Feel free to message us for more inquiries and customization.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion
A two piece linen set: a short sleeved button down shirt with a classic collar and a curved hem, and matching straight wide leg trousers with front patch pockets. This is the set for heat. Linen is the cloth that stays cool when nothing else does, and a shirt and trouser in the same cloth reads as one considered outfit, so it goes from a morning flight to a lunch table to a warm evening without a change. Worn open over a vest the shirt works on its own, and the trousers take a plain tee just as well, so it earns its place as two garments as well as one set. The shirt has a shoulder yoke across the back and a hem that curves longer behind than in front. The trousers sit at the waist, fall straight and roomy through the leg and finish just above the ankle, with two patch pockets on the front. It comes in white or black, sizes S to XXXL. Both photographs show the white set; the black is not photographed. Dress it up with heels or down with flat sandals. Wash cool and iron while slightly damp, as linen creases by nature.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A multicoloured Ankara ball gown with a yellow organza ruffle neckline and a full skirt built layer on layer, each tier cut from a different African wax print so no two rows repeat. The bodice is fitted and structured, the ruffle sits off the shoulder, and the skirt carries its own volume without a hoop underneath. It is made to measure, which is why it works for a daughter and for a mother. Order it as a girls' ball gown for a birthday, a naming ceremony, a school ball or a flower girl role, or in an adult size for owambe, aso ebi or a wedding guest look. Order both and you get a matching mommy and me set cut to fit each of you properly, rather than one design scaled down. Hand sewn in Nigeria in Ankara cotton wax print, with an organza ruffle and full lining. Send your measurements at checkout, allow 2 to 4 weeks before dispatch, returns within 30 days. This is occasion wear, so treat it that way. Spot clean or dry clean only, and store it hanging so the tiers keep their shape.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
The Mide set is a stylish women’s two-piece skirt set designed for bold, confident dressing. Featuring a flattering flared skirt and matching top, this outfit gives you an elegant, feminine look while still feeling modern and easy to wear. Perfect for occasions, dinners, parties, holidays, brunches, and stylish day-to-evening plans, the Mide two-piece set is a standout outfit for women who love colour, shape, and effortless elegance. Available in different sizes and colour options, it can be styled with heels, sandals, or statement accessories for a polished finish. A beautiful choice for women looking for a classy flared skirt set, matching two-piece outfit, or occasion-ready women’s co-ord.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
Refresh your wardrobe with this women's linen co-ord set, designed with a sleeveless cream top and brown trousers for an easy, polished look. The breathable linen fabric makes it comfortable for warm days, creative events, holidays and everyday styling. Wear the pieces together as a matching two-piece outfit or style them separately with your favourite wardrobe staples. Details: - Two-piece women's linen set - Sleeveless cream top - Brown trousers - Available in sizes 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 - Lightweight, breathable feel
Sold by Y’ola Fashions • Lagos
Fashion
A handmade women’s linen two-piece outfit designed for polished everyday styling. This faux pocket co-ord set pairs an easy top with matching trousers for a clean, put-together look that works for brunch, holidays, creative workdays and warm-weather events. The breathable linen fabric keeps the set comfortable, while the ready-to-wear sizing and made-to-measure option make it easier to find a flattering fit. Wear the pieces together as a matching set or style them separately with wardrobe staples.
Sold by Luxury budget boutique • Nigeria
Fashion
The Lewa dress is an elegant women’s button-down maxi dress designed for effortless style and confidence. With its long, flattering silhouette and classic button-front design, this dress is perfect for occasions where you want to look polished, feminine, and beautifully put together. Available in UK sizes 6-28, the Lewa maxi dress is a versatile wardrobe piece that can be styled for daytime outings, dinners, celebrations, holidays, and special events. Its timeless shape makes it easy to dress up with heels and accessories or keep simple with flats for a relaxed yet classy look. A beautiful choice for women looking for a stylish maxi dress with comfort, elegance, and standout presence.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
The NAISH Signature Butterfly Bubu is a statement African-print maxi gown designed for effortless elegance, comfort and contemporary African style. Featuring a striking red and navy colour palette, the flowing butterfly silhouette creates a graceful, dramatic shape while allowing comfortable movement. Carefully placed patterned panels add visual contrast and give the design its distinctive NAISH character. This piece is made to order in Nigeria. The original design was created for a client and can be recreated when you place your order. Perfect for: Weddings and wedding receptions Owambe and traditional celebrations Church and special occasions Birthdays Cultural events Dinner and evening occasions Resort and holiday wear Details Signature butterfly Bubu silhouette Red and navy African print Relaxed, flowing fit Full-length design Made to order in Nigeria Designed for comfort and statement dressing Fabric: African print / Ankara Colour: Red, navy blue and multicolour patterned accents Origin: Nigeria Please note: Because this garment is made to order and African-print fabric is cut individually, the exact placement of motifs may vary slightly from the original photographed piece. The overall design, colour palette and signature details will be maintained.
Sold by Naishdesign • Nigeria
Fashion
Fitted black maxi dress with a high racer neck and a cascading white fringe skirt, made to your measurements. The bodice is cut close and sleeveless, with a high racer neckline that keeps the shoulders and arms clean and draws the eye up. From mid thigh the silhouette breaks into a full curtain of white fringe that moves as you walk, which is what gives a plain black column its whole personality. It is made in a structured crepe that holds a body skimming shape without clinging, in a two tone black and white palette that takes almost any accessory. Wear it to brunch, a gallery opening, a birthday dinner, a wedding guest slot, or to the office with a blazer over the top. Every piece is cut and sewn to order in your own measurements, so the bodice sits where it should and the fringe finishes at the right length for your height.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
The Imperial Grace Set is a refined women’s two-piece trouser set designed for modern power dressing. Crafted in a rich violet tone, this outfit combines elegance, structure, and confidence in one striking look. The tailored jacket features a clean, collarless neckline, sculpted seams for a flattering fit, and bold gold-tone buttons that add a touch of sophistication. Paired with sleek, straight-leg trousers, the set creates a balanced and polished silhouette that enhances both comfort and style. Perfect for work, business meetings, formal events, dinners, and upscale occasions, this women’s two-piece set transitions effortlessly from day to evening wear. Key Features: * Two-piece set (jacket and trousers) * Structured, tailored fit * Collarless neckline with clean finish * Gold-tone button detailing * Straight-leg trousers * Premium, polished finish Designed for the woman who commands attention with effortless grace and confidence.
Sold by Craftedbyemmy • Lagos mainland/Lagos state
Fashion
A hot pink and royal blue Ankara two piece set, handmade in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier. The collared short sleeve shirt is cut in a bright pink cotton wax print with a white heart outline motif, and pairs with matching royal blue wide leg trousers in the same heart print, so the co-ord reads bold without trying too hard. The shirt has a relaxed, breathable fit that skims rather than clings. The trousers sit on the natural waist and fall in a long, fluid wide leg that lengthens the line and moves well when you walk. Available in Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. Made from cotton Ankara wax print fabric, so it breathes in warm weather, holds its colour through repeated washes and presses back to a crisp finish. Wear the set together for weddings, owambe, church, brunch, birthday shoots and holiday dressing, or split it up: the pink Ankara shirt works over jeans or white tailoring, and the blue wide leg trousers carry a plain top on their own. Every piece is cut and sewn in small batches by our team in Nigeria, so slight variations in print placement are part of the character of the garment. Care: machine wash cold on a gentle cycle or hand wash. Wash separately for the first two washes, hang to dry away from direct sunlight and iron on a medium heat on the reverse.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
Fashion
The Naya set is a stylish women’s two-piece co-ord designed with a sleeveless top and matching shorts. Light, easy to style, and made for confident dressing, this set is perfect for warm days, holidays, casual outings, brunches, and relaxed day-to-evening looks. Wear the full set together for a polished matching outfit, or style each piece separately for more wardrobe options. The sleeveless top can be paired with jeans, skirts, or trousers, while the shorts can be styled with a simple blouse, vest, or statement top. With custom tailoring available, the Naya set is a great choice for women looking for a personalised fit, a stylish summer two-piece outfit, a handmade shorts set, or a versatile women’s co-ord.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
Strapless black crepe mermaid gown with oversized white 3D rose appliques, handmade to your exact measurements. This floor length black evening dress is cut close through the bust, waist and hip, then flares into a dramatic mermaid train that sweeps behind you as you walk. The structured straight neckline holds its shape without straps, and the sculptural white fabric roses run from the hip down one side of the skirt, giving the silhouette its signature contrast. It is made in a mid weight crepe that drapes cleanly, resists creasing and photographs well under flash and studio lighting. A natural pick for prom night, a birthday photoshoot, a wedding reception or second dress, an engagement shoot, a gala or an awards dinner. Every piece is cut and sewn to order. Choose custom tailoring at checkout and send your bust, waist, hip, shoulder and length measurements so the fit is yours alone.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
The Burgundy Empress Set is a refined women’s two-piece trouser set designed for elegance, structure, and modern sophistication. Featuring a tailored long-sleeve top with a sleek round neckline and contrast front panel, this outfit creates a flattering, elongated silhouette. The subtly contoured waist and soft peplum detail enhance femininity, while the straight-leg trousers complete a polished and balanced look. Crafted with a premium finish, this burgundy set offers both comfort and style for confident, fashion-forward women. Perfect for work, business meetings, formal events, dinners, and upscale occasions, this outfit transitions effortlessly from day to evening wear. Key Features: * Two-piece set (top and trousers) * Structured, tailored fit * Contrast panel detailing * Soft peplum waist shaping * Straight-leg trousers * Premium, polished finish Step into confidence and elegance with this standout burgundy two-piece set.
Sold by Craftedbyemmy • Lagos mainland/Lagos state
Fashion
A sleeveless black and white polka dot satin dress with a round neckline, a small notch at the front and a flounced tier at the hem. The flounce is what sets it apart. The dress falls loose and swinging from the shoulders into a gathered tier just above the knee, so it has movement without a fitted waist, and the sheen of the satin makes a classic spot print look dressier than cotton would. It suits a daytime party, a wedding guest outfit with a jacket, or brunch with flat sandals. If you want something plainer for every day, the Ivory Breeze shift from the same store is the quieter choice. The spots are evenly spaced black dots on an off white ground, front and back. Sizes S to XXXL. Wash cool and gently, and iron on a low setting on the reverse, as satin marks easily with heat.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A two piece set with an off shoulder top in a black, white and red lattice print and plain red high waisted trousers. The back of the top is worth looking at before you buy. It closes with a corset style lace up finished with a red tie rather than a zip, so the fit at the bust adjusts across a couple of inches. That is the part that decides whether an off shoulder top sits where it should. The print is a crosshatch of black, white and red lines over a dark ground, and it stops at the waist. The trousers are plain red, cut straight and roomy through the leg and cropped just above the ankle. That is the practical difference between this and the Prism Lattice set in the same range. Because only the top is printed, the trousers go with almost anything else you own, and the top will sit over a plain black or cream trouser just as well, so this is the set to buy if you want two garments rather than one outfit. The sleeves are long and full, gathered into a cuff at the wrist. Sizes run S to XXXL. Wash cool, inside out, and iron the print on the reverse.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A two piece Ankara set in cream, red and navy, with an off shoulder top and matching high waisted wide leg trousers. The back of the top is the part worth studying in the photographs. It closes with a corset style lace up over a panel rather than a zip, so the top tightens or loosens across a couple of inches. On an off shoulder top that matters more than usual, because the fit at the bust is the only thing holding it up. The print is an isometric cube design, a cream ground with red and dark navy blocks, and it runs across both pieces so the set reads as one outfit rather than two separates. The sleeves are long and gathered full to a cuff at the wrist, and the top is fitted through the body with a short flare at the waist. The trousers are high waisted and cut wide and full to the floor. If you would rather have two garments you can split up, the Ruby Lattice set in this range pairs a printed top with plain trousers and is the easier one to break apart. This one is bought as a whole outfit. Sizes run S to XXXL. Wash cool and iron the print on the reverse.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A loose Ankara bubu dress in yellow, green and pink with two front patch pockets. The dress is cut in three bold bands of colour, sunshine yellow across the shoulders, deep green through the middle and fuchsia pink at the hem, all printed with large white leaf motifs. It has a soft V neckline, wide elbow length sleeves and a relaxed, straight bubu shape that skims the body rather than clinging to it. On the model in the photographs it falls just below the knee. Two big square yellow patch pockets sit on the green band at the front, roomy enough for a phone. If you would rather have pockets that move as you walk, Lummy Atelier also makes this dress as the Ankara Bubu Gown, Fringe Pockets. Wear it for holidays, social gatherings and easy everyday dressing, with flat sandals or heeled mules. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge, with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
Fashion
A loose, sheer pink bubu gown in a light striped mesh fabric. The gown is cut wide and straight with a V neckline and deep batwing sleeves, and falls to around the ankle on the dress form in the photographs. The fabric is a see through pink with fine woven stripes running down its length, so it catches the light as you move. Because it is sheer, wear it over a slip, a fitted dress or swimwear. It is one free size, cut loose to suit a wide range of figures. Photo 1 shows the front and photo 2 the back. Wear it as a beach or pool cover up, over a plain dress for an evening out, or at home on a warm day. Handmade in Nigeria by Lushy Losh Concepts. There is one gown available.
Sold by Lushy Losh Concepts • Nigeria
Fashion
A loose, floor length bubu gown with a white lace yoke and lace sleeves. The body of the gown is a bold resist style print, falling straight and wide from a white dry lace yoke that sits across the chest and shoulders and runs into short, wide lace sleeves. The neckline is a soft V edged in the lace. On the model in the photographs it falls to the floor and skims the body rather than clinging to it. Choose your colour in the picker: sunny yellow with a dark brown print, or royal blue with a deeper blue print. Each colour is shown in one photograph. The fabric is listed by the maker as Adire, Ankara and dry lace. Wear it for celebrations, church, weekend outings or easy everyday dressing at home, and dress it up or down with your accessories. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge, with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. If you love both colours, ask Lummy Atelier about taking the pair together. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
Fashion
A loose Ankara bubu gown in yellow, green and pink with two fringed pockets. The gown is cut in three bold bands of colour, sunshine yellow across the shoulders, deep green through the middle and rich fuchsia pink at the hem, all printed with large white leaf motifs. It has a soft V neckline, wide elbow length sleeves and a relaxed, straight bubu silhouette that skims the body rather than clinging to it. On the model in the photographs it falls just below the knee. The statement detail is the pair of yellow patch pockets on the front, each finished with a long yellow fringe that moves as you walk. The fabric is listed by the maker as Ankara and Aso-oke. Wear it for holidays, brunch, social gatherings and easy everyday dressing, with flat sandals or heeled mules. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge (size 8 to 20), with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
African products
A short, loose bubu dress in handwoven aso oke, with two front pockets and a fringed hem. The dress in the photographs is the purple colourway: wide purple panels down the front and two purple patch pockets, set against stripes of orange, red, black, grey and cream, with the fringe left loose all along the hem. The cut is wide and free with broad open sleeves, so it sits easily on the body and moves with you, and on the model it falls above the knee. The seller describes the cloth as 100% handwoven aso oke, lightweight and breathable, made to wear to brunch, a casual day out or an owambe. It also comes in brown, orange, burnt orange, pink, red and gold. Only purple is pictured, so message the seller to see a colour before you order. Dress it up with heels or keep it easy with flat slides. One free size, which the seller says fits UK 8 to 16.
Sold by BheyusApparels • Nigeria
Buying guide
Start from the cloth and the rest follows. Ankara, the wax print most people picture first, carries bold repeating patterns and suits sets, dresses and separates. Adire is the indigo resist-dye tradition of the Yoruba in south-west Nigeria, quieter and more graphic, and it has become the everyday favourite for co-ord sets. Woven cloths such as kente, aso oke and akwete are prestige textiles kept for occasions worth remembering.
Sizing differs from high-street standards because independent designers cut to their own patterns. Read the garment measurements on each product page instead of relying on your usual size, and check whether the piece is ready to wear or made to measure. Made-to-measure pieces are cut after you order, which is why they need a making window before shipping.
A virtual try-on on many product pages shows a piece on your own photo within seconds, which takes some of the guesswork out of buying clothing online.
Common questions
Ankara is wax-printed cotton, with the pattern printed on both sides of the cloth, which keeps colours bright through years of washing. Adire is dyed rather than printed: Yoruba artisans use a resist technique with indigo, so the pattern is made by what the dye cannot reach.
Check the garment measurements listed on the product page rather than a letter size, since independent designers cut differently from high-street brands. Many pieces are also made to measure, so you can give your own measurements instead of choosing a size.
Many product pages include a virtual try-on that shows the piece on a photo of you within seconds. For fit rather than look, use the measurements on the page or choose a made-to-measure piece.
Wash in cold water, inside out, and line-dry out of direct sunlight. Avoid harsh detergents and tumble drying. Hand-dyed indigo may release a little colour in its first wash, so wash it separately the first time.
