Trending Fashion: Men Stands Out In ‘Agbada’

There is a feeling of authority, confidence and power on a man wearing this traditional wear. As Africans, Nigerians especially, the Agbada is a trademark, it's a way of differentiating the rich and classy man from others. However, that is even changing now, because they have noticed the power this item of clothing radiates and every man wants to ba a part of it. It can be sewn with different fabrics, Ankaras, lace, aso-oke, guinea etc.

Loose-fitting robes are worn in many different regions of Africa, especially in West Africa. These robes reach to the ankles and are either open at the sides or stitched closed along the edges. In West Nigeria a loose-fitting robe is called an agbada. An agbada has sleeves that hang loosely over the shoulders and an opening at the front. A similar garment, called a gandoura or leppi, is worn in Cameroon, and the Hausa of Nigeria call their loose-fitting robes riga. The same garment is called a dansiki in West Africa.

Most often made of cotton, agbada and other robes are typically highly patterned. These patterns may be woven into, dyed, painted, or appliquéd onto the robe. Men wear the agbada alone with trousers or as a type of coat over a shirt. As Africans have had increased contact with other cultures, traditional methods of producing cloth have declined, and many modern agbada are made from imported cloth and worn with Western pants.

A related garment, called the dashiki, became quite popular in the West during the rise of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which saw African Americans protesting to secure their rights. Wearing a dashiki was a way of making a political statement about the value of African heritage.

Dashiki’s, Buba and Sokoto and Agbada are great pointers. Tracing our history as Africans, this item is only worn by our rulers, chiefs and anybody in a powerful position. During those times, you cannot just wear Agbada to the farm or to a function. It was left for the rich and the royal family.

Modernisation, however has changed matters. Every man is a man of calibre, power and authority in his own little way. The Agbada then, was only worn to functions. but, even now, the president wears it to conferences and meetings outside the country. This is not to say it’s a Monday wear. It’s just shows how our tradition has been fully embraced and celebrated.