7 Iconic Yoruba Traditional Attires That Rocks

Welcome to Brialec Fashion Hub, in our previous article we discussed the female traditional Igbo attires. New we put together the top Iconic Yoruba Traditional Attires that rocks, whether you are a fashion enthusiast or a lover of the Nigerian culture, keep reading as we have a lot of insights to share here.

Lagosnownow Have it that the Yoruba are one of the basic ethnic groups in Nigeria, residing in the Southwestern part of the country, with some also in Benin and Togo, as in most cultures, Yoruba are unique and culturally gifted, which is evident by their impressive fashion style depicted by their traditional clothes. Yoruba fashion is thus a beautiful mixture of colors, patterns, and styles believed to depicts the people’s history, gods, and power structure. The Brialec Fashion Hub will be taking you through an extensive analysis of seven popular attire types belonging to the Yoruba ethnic group, focusing on the dress style pattern, materials used, colors, and accessories that accompany them. Come along for an interesting ride through the fashion of the Yoruba people.

The Yoruba Traditional Attires

Below are the list of our top put together yoruba traditional attires to rock any traditional events

1. Aso Oke

Aso-Oke can translate as “top cloth” in English, from the Yoruba context, and is perhaps one of the most well-known fabrics among all the traditional fabrics associated with the Yoruba. Originally an indigenous hand-woven cloth, Aso Oke is predominantly woven from cotton, silk, or a combination of the two fabrics. The three primary types are; Sanyan, made from wild silk fiber, often brown or maroon, Alaari A rich red cloth made from cotton, and Etu A dark blue, almost black, fabric made from indigo-dyed cotton. It is normally spun with very long fibers so that it is woven into strips that are later used to sew clothes. The most common styles made out of this fabric include Agbada, Iro and Bubs, Gele, Fila, etc, all of which will be expanded on as we go through the post.

It is common in the current trend in fashion to find Yoruba couples adorning Aso Oke Fabric during their traditional wedding, and also other cultural events as it exudes their rich culture and beauty, It also contains geometric styles such as stripes, checks, and other complex graphic designs on the fabric, and each of them may represent certain families or events. Beautifully patterned beadwork is also the latest trend among brides that adorn the Aso-Oke fabric on their big day, There’s no doubt that this fabric also represents wealth and class in society.

Aso Oke is not color-restricted as it comes in different shades and colors, blue, gold, purple, etc.

Accessories

• Coral beads (Iyun): Necklaces and bracelets made from coral beads are highly prized.
• Agate stone beads: Often used in necklaces and bracelets.
• Gold jewelry: Elaborate earrings, rings, and bracelets complement the outfit.
• Irukere: A horse-tail whisk carried by chiefs as a symbol of authority.

Accessories that go with this style.

• Agbada: A gown with wide sleeves that can reach the thighs worn over trousers called Sokoto and a fitted top called Buba.
• Iro and Buba: A wrapper and blouse set for women Newly designed popular printed wrapper and blouse in stock this week.
• Gele: An attached head tie that is creatively made for women.

2. Adire

Adire, is another popular fabric common to the Yoruba people, meaning “tie and dye,” and has been in existence for many decades. Traditionally, Adire was made using locally grown cotton in the past, but today, the fabric material has become more flexible, from lighter cotton materials to silk are also used to create more flowing Adire fabrics.it is a beautifully patterned fabric which itself is the technique that results in this traditional fashion fabric, a resist-dyed fabric, produced by the Yoruba women. Patterns are created through various techniques, such as

• Oniko: Raffia is tied around the cloth to create patterns, the tied potion resists the dye it is infused into.
• Alabere: The fabric is stitched to create designs before dyeing.
• Eleko: Starch paste is applied to the fabric to create patterns that resist the dye.

Adire Fabrics can be used to make various styles, especially in this modern time, Common styles include Boubou a loose-fitting long or short gown, Iro and Buba, Kaftan, and Sokoto(pants for men or women.

Accessories

• Aso-oke gele (head tie/wrap) or cap to match the outfit.
• Leather sandals (bata) with intricate designs.
• Beaded necklaces and bracelets in complementary colors.
• Handheld fans made from leather or raffia, all showcase the true beauty of the Yoruba culture.

3. Aso Ebi

Aso Ebi, meaning “family cloth,” isn’t necessarily a specified fabric or style, it’s just a common custom among the Yorubas where a group of people, either, family or friends to a celebrant wears the same fabric to an event, the fabric could range from lace, Ankara, Adire, Jacquard etc they do not also need a specific style, appearing in uniformed fabric, is often a show of love and support to the celebrant of the day. A rich and fascinating culture that has also become a common trend by other ethnic groups in the country. Read on why you find Yoruba events so colorful and lively, as they show their unity and support through their fashion. Aso-Ebi styles often include fitted custom-made gowns, Iro and Buba, gele, and Bubu, while for men, Agbada or dashiki with matching trousers is often a common sight during an Aso-Ebi gathering.

Patterns depend on the chosen fabric but often feature bold, eye-catching designs.

Accessories

• Matching gele for women, often tied in elaborate styles.
• Matching shoes and bags.
• Bold jewelry, gold, silver, or beads that complement the outfit’s color and style pattern.
• Hand fans can be made from fabric, feathers, beads, etc the focus is usually on matching the chosen fabric

Moving on to Yoruba Traditional inspired Style

4. Agbada

Style and Pattern:
The Agbada is a majestic, flowing robe worn by men for special occasions. It consists of three pieces:

• The Agbada itself: A large, flowing outer robe with wide sleeves.
• Buba: An undervest/ Shirt.
• Sokoto: Fitted trousers.

The Agbada sometimes has embroidered accents, which are mostly observed on the neckline and chest. They can be geometric or Yoruba symbols which are trademarks of the place with motifs.

Fabrics Used:

• Guinea brocade: A heavy, textured fabric for the most formal Agbadas.
• Aso-oke: For a truly traditional look.
• Jacquard or Damask: For a luxurious sheen.
  -Senator Fabrics too

5. Buba and Sokoto

This is a classic men’s attire which consists of:
Buba is a loose-fitting shirt that falls below the hips and can be long or short-sleeved While Sokoto is translated as trousers that are wide at the top and narrow at the ankles. It is a simple up-and-down style pattern, usually with round embroidered necklines, also around the front of the buba, it comes in different designs and pattern embroidery according to the wearer’s taste and in contrast or similar to the fabric color.

Fabrics Used for this attire include both lightweight Cotton, lightweight and breathable like the Senator fabric, perfect for the Nigerian climate, which is usually got most of the season, Guinea brocade: A heavier, more luxurious fabric for special occasions, Lace fabric, etc Used for more formal versions of the attire.

Accessories

• Fila: A traditional cap that comes in various styles.
• Abeti-aja: A cap with flaps that resemble a dog’s ears.
• Gobi: A shorter, cylindrical cap also known as Atiku
• Leather sandals or babouche slippers.
• Walking stick for older men or those in positions of authority.

6. Iro and Buba

This is the quintessential Yoruba women’s attire, consisting of:

• Iro: A large wrapper usually tied around the waist, it can be short or long. The short wrapper Iro is usually referred to as “Oleku”, commonly worn by maidens.
• Buba: means blouse, it can be hip-length or longer. With current trends in fashion, the style pattern varies, it could be in simple solid colors to intricate designs. The style of the buba can range from fitted to loose, with various necklines, mostly rounded, and sleeve options (short, three-quarter, or long sleeves).

Fabric choices for Iro and Buba are also flexible ranging, from Ankara fabric, which can be used as everyday wear or for special events, and Aso-Oke Fabric, for more traditional and formal occasions.

Lace fabric, both African and Swiss lace for used mostly during special events.

Accessories

• Gele: An essential head tie, often tied in an elaborate style, from pleated to petals, or fan-style
• Ipele: A shawl draped over one shoulder.
• Beaded jewelry, including multiple strands of waist beads. neck and wrist beads, etc
• Clutch purse or small handbag.
• Elegant sandals or heels.

7. Dashiki

The dashiki is a modernized traditional Yoruba fashion attire, characterized by cut-together sleeves, loose fitting with a V-neckline, with a colorful embroidery design on the front and sleeves, covering the upper body. The large design on the front can include traditional Yoruba symbols or Adinkra symbols from Ghana.

Common fabrics Used include Cotton, Silk, Ankara, etc in different colors and patterns.
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Accessories

• Kufi cap: A small, brimless cap often worn with the dashiki.
• Wooden or beaded necklaces.
• Leather sandals or slip-ons.
• Cloth or leather bag with traditional designs.

Conclusion

From on experience, it can be concluded that Yoruba traditional attires are bright-colored manifestations characterized by historical, religious, and social figures. These garments hold a powerful significance, and status is reflected in designs, color, and ornaments. These attires are more than just garments, they are tools that help Yoruba people showcase their culture.

At Brialec Fashion Hub we view attires, styles, and wears generally as non-verbal language, we love to showcase traditions and cultures to limelight

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