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Why Styling Is Important. And The Psychology Behind Trendy Nigerian Native Clothing Styles For 2024.

Fashion in Nigeria has always been more than just fabric and design—it is a powerful statement of culture, identity, and confidence. As 2024 unfolds, trendy Nigerian native clothing styles are taking center stage with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and modern cuts that blend tradition with innovation. But beyond the beauty of agbada, ankara, gele, and senator styles lies a deeper story: The psychology behind why Nigerians embrace these trends. From the desire for cultural pride and social status to the influence of celebrities and social media, every outfit tells a tale of personality and perception. In this blog, we’ll explore the most stylish native wear trends of 2024 and uncover the psychology that drives their popularity, helping you understand not just what to wear but why it matters in today’s Nigerian fashion scene.

Have you ever heard of young teenagers shopping and shopping as a coping mechanism? Well, that’s because the psychology behind Nigerian native clothing has noted the comfort some people find in hiding themselves behind clothes.

 

Clothing is a medium to express ourselves, and how we style it is our original “expression of ourselves”.

Styling is a way to feel in control of your own identity. Often underestimated, styling is very important. It is also a way to control how our environment perceives us.  It lets us structure our personalities in the form of accessories and clothing. It will act as an independent loose skin on your body and bring out the inner YOU.

 

You could be using our creativity and novelty to mold your styling looks.

Looking back at how rapidly the Nigerian Fashion Industry changed, today, there are some traditional clothes designed beautifully out there, ruling the African fashion market. Some of these styles have been upgraded and molded to suit the requirements of a chic and young Africa.

 

LATEST NATIVE CLOTHING APPARELS FOR MEN IN 2021

KAFTAN 

A traditional robe with long sleeves 

 

You probably already know what it is, and are probably already scrunching your nose at it. But Hold on! Don’t be so quick to judge.

This men’s apparel isn’t the same anymore as it was previously. It isn’t something for oldies to wear. Thanks to the African fashion industry for redefining its look, making it more chic and pretty.

AGBADA 

A traditional wear including three pieces of clothing, a shirt with long sleeves, and a big gown that runs down to your ankles, with an opening (Buba) and a pair of trousers. 

The AGBADA is a redefined piece of clothing. Extremely traditional and worn on several formal occasions.

AGBADA are worn on occasions of marriage. Previously, they were only worn by a strong and dominant ethnic group in Nigeria—The Yoruba.

Now, several tribes in Nigeria wear it to special occasions.

ISIAGU 

A short or long-sleeved dress worn with a pair of black pants and often accompanied by a red fez cap or an Igbo Leopard cap. 

The ISIAGU or as also called CHIEFTAINCY, is mostly worn by the IGBO people of Eastern Nigeria. Higher officials of the IGBO community, too, are seen in these.

This outfit is mostly worn to special occasions like weddings by the IGBO community. The phenomenon of ISIAGU holds up the cultural expression of the IGBO community’s values, which are strength, courage, and nobility.

JALABIYA 

Long-sleeved long dress, with or without collars and buttons 

As said, it has most likely originated in the Arab it is one of the most popular male clothing items in Nigeria. This attire is native to Northern Nigeria – the Fulanis and Hausas. Many tribes in Nigeria have been seen dressing in JALABIYA.

 

WHAT MATERIAL TO GO FOR…..FOR YOUR NIGERIAN NATIVE WEAR 

Traditional wear must be accompanied by the perfect cloth material. An occasion’s outfit styling begins with shopping for cloth material based on how well it will suit you and the style you are opting for.

Ankara, Guinea, Lace, and Linen are the most commonly chosen materials for structuring traditional wear. These days, even trouser material is being used very much.

Selecting the right material for your attire concerns what you love and enjoy wearing the most. What is comfortable enough and what looks the best on you? Well, this is something to also be careful of, since while looking at materials online, you may feel that any one of them might suit your look.

Another thing to be particular about while picking your material is that many styles have a certain material that suits the entire Nigerian native attire. In case of those, it is advisable to stick to it.

THE FABRIC ANKARA 

The clothing fabric Ankara is a 100% cotton fabric with varied, colorful prints on it. It is always bright and creative and has imprinted African Tribal prints. Its versatility is widespread. African fashion brands have also been responsible for their widespread influence. It can be used in structuring hats, earrings, blazers, etc. This printed fabric is also being inculcated onto skirts, gowns, dresses, etc.

THE FABRIC ASO OKE 

What is better than a local fabric that has lasted through the changing Nigerian native fashion market and successfully removed the threat that was hovering over them? Surviving an industrial change is a big deal.

This traditional local fabric is manufactured by the ethnic group, Yoruba. It is usually made with cotton, but sometimes it is also mixed with silk and metallic yarn. It is primarily used for making Agbadas, head ties for women, wrap-up, and Filas.

THE FABRIC ATIKU 

This Fabric is also made up of cotton. The designs range from being plain, striped, and patterned, and come in various color grades. 

What follows is that this fabric is sewn for traditional men’s wear. They are primarily used for the senator and agbada style.

 

THE FABRIC BROCADES

The Fabric is embroidered cotton. They have been wax-stamped and beaten with clubs for the shiny look that it is known for. They are more popularly known as Guinea Brocades in Nigeria. They in Hausa are popularly known as Sheeda. They are mostly sewn for free-style kaftans.

 

THE FABRIC BATIK 

Manufactured as an adire in Nigeria, Batik comes with patterns and motifs created by the dye mechanism. This process of dye mechanism makes the cloth resist dyes by tying (adire eleko) or by applying cassava paste (adire eleko). It is mostly used in making buba gowns, dresses, contemporary fashion gowns, trousers, and shorts.

THE FABRIC CHIFFON 

The degrees of transparency alter, the colors are varied, the lightness is praiseworthy, and its use narrows down to styles of gown and tops. The latest styles have been combining the fabric with Lace and Ankara.

 

THE FABRIC LACE 

The list of laces available in the market includes tulle, cord, paper, guipure, sequenced, beaded, jute, and George and French laces. Different fabrics of the same and contrasting colors are also used.

The European colonists introduced Western dress styles into Africa, altering their style of dressing. But even so, the traditional dressing styles have been the ultimate for most Nigerians.

The Patterns of sewing were brought into Africa in the 15th century. Nigerian native clothing, even today, is simply its traditional wear, which has been a little more enhanced in their new and ever-growing society. With the increase in demand by young people for more chic and attractive designs.

 

By kingkentus