The Nigerian fashion industry is bold, expressive, and rooted in its diverse culture. Fashion expert, Nonye Goodie-Obi, shares insights on what’s trending and what’s transforming, whether it is traditional wears to getting a contemporary glow-up or accessories making bolder statements than ever before.
Some popular Nigerian outfits. Photo: @jakpo.therayven, @jakpo.therayven, @toluwanimee (modified by author)Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Nigerian fashion emphasizes vibrant colors, diverse fabrics, and bold designs, which reflect the country’s rich culture and heritage.
- Ankara fabric is a highly popular and versatile choice that can be worn with different outfits from casual wear to formal attire.
- A mashup of traditional African print with futuristic designs is a leading trend in 2025.
- The rise of gender-neutral wear encourages expressive and inclusive style for all.
The trendiest Nigerian outfits today
What should I wear in Nigeria? Here is a look at some of the different fashion styles with pictures.
Women’s trousers
Nigerian women’s trousers. Photo: @fle_clothing, @iamdorkong, @bomistyles, @opeyemisdiary, @nma.ankara.gallery, @mayrushonline, @essencefashionempire, @_nizzie_ (modified by author)Source: Instagram
In Nigeria, women’s trousers vary in shape, style, design, colours, and materials. For formal events and settings, Nigerian women wear plain coloured trousers or those with muted patterns or prints.
Like other outfit types, Ankara makes up a significant portion of women’s trousers in Nigeria. One can choose from three-quarter length trousers, ankle-length, or something in between. Nigerian Ankara is one of the most versatile materials in terms of trouser design and look. You can choose to have tight-fitting trousers, loose ones, or have them made into a palazzo design.
Men’s trousers
Nigerian men’s trousers. Photo: @suisferreira, @gramof_richieo, @shopadio, @ankaraexclusivemen, @laybes_men, @ankara_depot (modified by author)Source: Instagram
Years ago, the different tribes and communities in Nigeria had ceremonial clothes that often involved some sort of trousers for the men. While most of those have been overtaken by modern-day fashion, a few still exist.
Today, Nigerian men wear trousers made from materials such as Ankara, denim, cotton, and polyester. Ankara is undoubtedly the most noticeable of all these. The bold patterns, florals, or lines are often fashioned into full-length or three-quarter length trousers and then paired with plain or printed shirts and t-shirts for the ultimate Nigerian look.
Women’s blazers
Nice-looking Nigerian women’s blazers. Photo: @mai_aura, @chichi.the.ankara.chic, @edaowofashion, @kikzfashion, @fle_clothing, @closetbygbemileke, @ladydivineclothingco (modified by author)Source: Instagram
Nigerian women’s blazers show just how much the country’s native fashion has borrowed from the western world. Today, these trendy female blazers and jackets have close resemblances to blazers from other parts of the world.
Still, the touch of Ankara gives Nigerian women’s blazers a unique look. It is no surprise that these clothing items have become ultra-popular in most African celebrities’ wardrobes. These blazers are often full of colours and come in a wide range of designs. One can rock their blazer with a skirt, pair of jeans, shorts, pencil skirts, or short skirts.
Men’s coats
Nigerian men’s coats. Photo: @african.chica, @hocbyfunmi, @dua_africandesignskenya, @burning_rizzla, @allthingsankara, @phelicx, @gemogibespoke, @officialifeoluwa101 (modified by author)Source: Instagram
In formal settings, Nigerians often wear the conventional coats and jackets found in many other countries across the globe. In casual settings, the Nigerian factor kicks in. Coats are often fashioned out of bold Ankara materials and can vary in length from waist-length to knee-length.
Wealthy Nigerian men are often seen wearing long Ankara coats.
Women’s shorts
Nigerian women’s shorts. Photo: @chichi.the.ankara.chic, @justyou.ng, @justyou.ng, @gakenicloset, @tjl.signature.uk, @kwamboka_ke, @mayrushonline (modified by author)Source: UGC
Nigeria is renowned for its hot tropical climate, a factor that contributes to the widespread adoption of shorts as part of women’s dressing across the country. It is worth noting that shorts were not traditionally part of the native ladies’ wear in Nigeria. Ankara shorts are among the most popular women’s outfits in the country. These fashionable and highly versatile pieces of clothing can be made in a wide range of clothing styles, colours, prints, and lengths. One can choose from numerous designs. These include tight, loose, short, medium, or long shorts.
Besides Ankara, Nigerian women also wear shorts made from different materials, though these are less common. These shorts go perfectly with various tops, blouses, and t-shirts.
Men’s shirts
Nigerian men’s shirts. Photo: @kojo_solomon, @abamaba_gh, @welcome_to_my_ghana_market, @miradacollections, @ruthyole, @abbi_express, @family_development_971 (modified by author)Source: Instagram
Nigeria is renowned for the native shirt-like outfits known as Buba and Sokoto. While these are still an integral part of the country’s fashion industry, conventional shirts made from cotton, polyester, and Ankara are more common.
Men’s shirts come in various designs, the most common being the round-collar and conventional collar designs. The shirts also come in varying lengths and sleeve types. One of the most common looks is that of a long round collar shirt paired with a plain coloured pair of trousers.
Women’s dresses
Nigerian women’s dresses. Photo: @yarifashionstudio, @_zhirigrace, @ankaradelight, @shop.doja, @estericollections, @jamaxapparel, (modified by author)Source: Instagram
One cannot talk about fashion and style for ladies in 2025 without mentioning the country’s dresses. Decades ago, Nigerian women’s dresses were often native long gowns made from various fabrics. Today, these Nigerian dress styles predominantly feature Ankara and come in various designs, colours, lengths, and styles.
Years ago, one would often see well-to-do women wearing dresses with conspicuous designs and bold patterns. While that is still true today, the design and style options have drastically increased. One can get the perfect fashion design dress by browsing the remarkably rich Nigerian fashion gallery full of numerous dress designs, colours, and lengths.
For casual settings, Nigerian women wear medium-length or mini dresses. For a more professional look, the country is renowned for its flowy gowns that can be worn by women of different ages. Someone looking for the latest native styles for ladies will most likely come across these flowy dresses made from different materials.
Hottest style trends in 2025
Nonye Goodie-Obi, the founder and creative director at Nonnistics, explained in an interview that fashion in Nigeria today is not just vibrant, but it’s a “versatile and apologetically expressive” blend of both traditional and global influences.
Here are the key trends Nonye mentioned that are dominating the streets, runways, and even social media feeds:
- Creative mixture of tradition and technology that brings “futuristic silhouettes, metallics, and geometric designs rooted in African identity.” Just like the Wakanda style.
- Designers are now crafting gender-neutral styles such as co-ord sets and agbadas that give freedom of expression in a way that promotes comfort and individuality.
- For accessories, statement earrings, stacked bangles, and oversized sunglasses are what’s trendy.
- Slaying responsibly is the new luxury, as Nonye points out, “designers are using organic cotton, bamboo, and repurposed materials to create timeless looks with minimal environmental impact.”
- Power shoulders and corset tops continue to dominate in both traditional and modern outfits today.
Trendy fabrics and patterns in Nigeria’s fashion
Nigerian fashionistas are still embracing rich textures, vibrant colors, and bold prints in 2025. Nonye shares some standout fabrics and patterns:
- Ankara: While Ankara remains a timeless favorite, there is a new game playing out in 2025: “a growing trend of mixing multiple prints in one look, or pairing Ankara with solid textures for visual contrast.”
- Adire: This hand-dyed Yoruba fabric is facing a major comeback. Nonye said it’s “resurging, with fresh motifs and gradient effects that work in both casual and luxe designs.”
- Aso-Oke: Is no longer reserved for special occasions like weddings, you can now rock it as blazers, jumpsuits, bomber jackets, pencil skirts, and other everyday pieces.
- Lace and Tulle: She said, “Embellished lace and layered tulle are trending for formal wear, particularly in bridal and party looks.”
- Metallics: It’s all about the dazzle in 2025, such as fabrics with metallic sheens – lamé, silk blends with shimmer, and foiled cottons.
- Bold prints: Geometric, abstract, and floral motifs are popular today, especially in digitally printed form.
How Nigerian outfits get modern makeovers
Nigerian traditional fashion is not just surviving, but it is thriving by “respecting its roots while adapting to the pace and polish of modern life.” Nonye shares how:
- Agbadas, kaftans, and bubas are getting a sleek upgrade. The expert explains that they “now come in slimmer, structured cuts for a more contemporary feel, without sacrificing elegance or flow.”
- Traditional wrappers (iro) are now with corset tops, crop blouses, and asymmetric details.
- Mashing up cultural wears with western clothes, such as tuxedo jackets made from Aso Oke or Adire denim jackets.
- While bright colors are still reigning, muted tones like olive, beige, rust, and charcoal are on the rise.
- Traditionally “reserved” wears like buba, dashiki, and senator styles are now worn as streetwear and workwear, such as with sneakers or loafers.
Must-have accessories in 2025
- Accessories are essential for styling. The expert shared the following accessory checklist to have in 2025:
- Gele (headwraps): Although still iconic, it is now styled in architectural twists. Nonye said they are styled “in sculptural, metallic, gravity-defying shapes that make bold fashion statements at weddings and events.”
- Sunglasses: Oversized and odd-shaped, like triangular, geometric, or asymmetrical.
- Hats: They are back again with a bang, from wide-brimmed classics for daytime appeal or fascinator-style for formal gatherings.
- Statement jewelry: Like coral beads, brass cuffs, stacked bangles, and layered chains, including locally handcrafted pieces.
- Artisanal accessories: Nonye said “pieces that tell a story” are highly sought after, such as bags made from raffia, shoes beaded by hand, and belts woven with traditional patterns.
- Tech meets tradition: Gadgets like smartwatches, phone holders, and earbuds that have afrocentric patterns or embellishments are also on the rise.
Nigerian outfits come in wide-ranging designs, colours, and materials. While the country is renowned for its Ankara outfits, its fashion industry also has elements borrowed from other parts of the world.
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Source: TheTalk.NG
