70 Nigerian traditional wear designs for men: trends in 2024 (photos)

You can make a lasting impression on people by wearing Nigerian traditional wear designs for men. A native outfit is best if you want to draw attention and compliments. The latest Nigerian male native attires have many unique and breathtaking options. Usman Aliyu, the founder of Arewafamilyweddings, shares thoughts on Dashiki and how Ankara has gained global popularity in fashion.

The latest Nigerian traditional designs for men are stunning. Nigerians are proud of their culture and fuse it with modern wear to create extraordinary designs. Dashiki and Agbada are the most popular Nigerian traditional wear designs for men.

Latest Nigerian traditional wear for men

A Dashiki is a colorful, loose African shirt that reaches the hips or right above the knee. The pullover garment is a staple wear among West Africans. Meanwhile, an Agbada (Yoruba name) is casual/ceremonial 3-piece clothing. It has an open-stitched full gown, a long-sleeved shirt, and Sokoto (a pair of trousers that narrow towards the ankle).

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Ankara senator styles for guys

People have different names for Agbada. For instance, boubou or mbubb (Wolof), babban riga (Hausa), k'sa or gandora (Tuareg), darra'a Maghrebi (Arabic), grand boubou (in various Francophone West African countries) and gown (English). Nigeria has many globally recognized fashionable designs. Here are the latest African native wears for guys, which can be worn by men worldwide:

Orange and yellow Agbadas

Agbada was originally a Yoruba native attire and was exclusively for wealthy men. However, the outfit has evolved into a unisex global fashion. Agbada left the borders of Yoruba culture, traveled throughout West Africa, and is now being embraced worldwide.

Red Agbada

People of all genders, religions, cultures, and social statuses wear Agbada designs. They are no longer considered attires for the wealthy and powerful in society. However, wearing these attires still evokes an individual's sense of class and style.

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Green and blue Agbadas

Today's generation wears Agbada for all traditional and modern occasions. You can wear the outfit to a religious function, traditional wedding, or formal event. People incorporate different styles to make the attire an all-the-time wear.

Green and blue Agbadas are the best among the latest native styles for guys. An Agbada is neither too hot nor stuffy because its looseness and adjustable wide sleeves provide enough ventilation.

Africans used Ankara, Dashiki, and Agbada outfits as a non-verbal communication from the 1800s to the 20th century. Although this does not happen now, people still adore their attires.

Striped native Agbadas are a forever fashion favorite for men in Nigeria. They are versatile, easy to pull off, and have endless styling options. Since this printed staple will always be in style soon, you can add several to your closet.

Black Agbadas

International and Nigeria's local fashion designers keep introducing irresistible Agbada styles to the fashion industry. Moreover, African celebrities and influencers excitedly showcase and promote these designs, thus pushing Agbada to the world. Black and white Agbadas and Dashikis are the most popular native styles for men.

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Striped native styles for men

Striped native Agbadas have been a men's staple for decades and with good reason. They are timeless, versatile, and flattering, making them an excellent choice for any gentleman's wardrobe.

The West African film industry is at the front row in showing the world the latest ways to wear Agbada. Watching prominent African actors rocking these attires on set inspires the continent and the world to wear them.

Striped native Agbadas are one of the best trendy plain and pattern styles for guys. Usually, the most valued fabric for Agbada is the traditionally woven cloth called aso ofi (narrow-band weave) or aso oke (northern weave).

Bright-colored Agbadas

The most innovative tweak to the modern bright-colored Nigerian male native attire. An Agbada can be made from cashmere or senator materials. The Agbada-senator design comprises a long-sleeved shirt, an open-stitched flowing robe with wide sleeves, and a pair of trousers (Sokoto).

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Blue Agbadas

The Yoruba community has two major types of Agbada: Agbada Iwole (a casual attire) and Agbada Amurode (a ceremonial outfit). The ceremonial one is more voluminous than the casual Agbada.

Choose colors that match your skin tone, and do not buy inferior fabrics; they will ruin your outfit. Instead, use thick material that makes a Nigerian male native attire appear firmer and better.

Wine-colored Agbadas

The ceremonial Agbada is sewn with heavy and expensive fabrics and more elaborately ornamented than the casual one. It is also known as Ginike or Agbada nla. Additionally, the headwear worn with Agbada is called Fila.

Lavender and pink Agbadas

A casual Agbada is known as Sulia or Sapara and is often made of plain, bright-colored, and lightweight cotton fabrics. When choosing the material for your Fila, ensure it does not contrast with the color of the Agbada's fabric.

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Ankara senator styles for guys

Ankara Agbadas are among the latest male fashion in Nigeria. You have most likely heard women talk about how attractive they find men in Ankara, which is true. An Ankara agbada is one of the most alluring men's clothing styles you can wear.

Latest Dashiki style for guys

Dashikis are hippie outfits for Africans. Most of these beautiful designs are made from pure cotton. Some shirt designs are unisex; hence they can be worn by men, women, and kids. For those outside the continent, these Nigerian male native attires suit all seasons.

Events to wear Dashiki

Usman Aliyu, the founder of Arewafamilyweddings, in a conversation with Legit.ng, said Dashikis are often worn for various celebratory and cultural events. He said:

They are commonly associated with African heritage and are worn during ceremonies, weddings, festivals, and other significant gatherings. Additionally, Dashikis are sometimes worn to symbolize cultural pride and identity.

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The occasions for wearing Dashikis may vary, but they are generally chosen for events emphasizing cultural heritage and traditions.

Peach and olive Dashiki

Some men often assume they shouldn't wear bright-colored clothes. Wearing bright colors like peach won't make women think you look childish. Instead, peach-colored Dashiki makes men seem more mature, powerful, and comfortable with their sexuality.

Brown Dashiki

Brown is associated with freshness and spring because it is a tender and elegant color. The color is also well-suited for the summer season. Match your brown with white, brown, black, or grey shoes. Such shoes are the perfect complementary choices for men wearing dull-colored clothes.

Checked Dashikis

Box patterns are also called checks. Checks help in adding size and make one look broader. Therefore, if you are small-framed, wear a Dashiki with extensive checks to look bigger. On the other hand, try a medium-sized or small-print Dashiki if you want to look leaner.

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Checked Dashiki is paired with loafers to create a subtly pleasing effect. Grey is a highly versatile color, ranging from light to darker tones. Therefore, wear it with white, black, and other plain colors.

Dashiki with strips

Horizontal strips suit men with tall, slender frames. Thin strips make shorter men and those with heavier bodies more noticeable in the wrong way. Moreover, remember that the wider the stripe, the less stylish it is.

A yellow Dashiki mixed with striped Prussian blue commands respect from people. The second man looks lovely in a fawn-colored hat, elegant flat shoes, and matching fawn/mocha-stripped Dashiki.

Black Dashikis

Red and black are the most attractive colors to men because someone wearing them is perceived as bold, mysterious, stylish, strong, confident, and superior. Black also creates a mysterious aura around a person, thus making people curious to know more about them.

Pairing a black Dashiki with sneakers or loafers is a casual and effortless look that is perfect for the weekends. For a classic look, go for any black Dashiki design that fits you well to complement your body type. The attire should be of the correct size for your body.

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Stylish men are clothing perfectionists. They ensure the trousers break fall perfectly or the shirt cuffs end precisely in the proper position. Therefore, they find tailors who know what they want.

It's hard to buy something 'off the rack' that fits as it should. For this reason, a stylish man knows the importance of a tailor and is loyal to one. A tailor creates bespoke pieces for you, makes fitting clothes, and can make adjustments.

Cute Dashikis

Since opposites attract and contrast create completion, black and white is a perfect color combination for any event. The black-white convergence proves that two divergent colors communicate more powerfully together than alone.

White Dashikis

Women find men in plain white clothes more attractive than those in other colors. Therefore, any man wondering what to wear for a first date or any other event should consider donning a white Dashiki.

Rock these Nigerian men's fashion designs to any event. Play around with colors and decorations to find the best white Dashiki design. It would help if you even tried outfits with black or white shoes.

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There’s nothing beneficial about filling a man's wardrobe with too many garments. Less is more in the eyes of a stylish man because he invests in quality over quantity and keeps things timeless.

Wristwatches and hats are perfect for styling white Dashikis. You can wear watches on both arms or a fabulous bangle on one hand and a watch on the other. Additionally, carry a walking stick to complement the look even further.

Stylish men follow a timeless style and are unafraid to invest in quality garments. Additionally, they know the importance of simplicity, thus never overdoing color combinations, accessories, and layering.

Pink Dashiki

Since Nigerian men's fashion styles are highly subjective, adventurous fashion lovers find box-patterned Dashiki a great way to expand their apparel horizons. Update your style with a pink Dashiki.

Blue and green Dashikis

You can pair a Cerulean Dashiki with purple or brown shoes. You can also complement your blue and green Dashikis with golden yellow, pale grey, or white footwear instead of the usual black shoes. Nonetheless, wear black footwear if unsure which shoe colors go well with your Dashiki.

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Stylish men know quality when they see it and understand the difference between tailored and ready-made attire. A well-tailored Nigerian Dashiki lasts longer (and saves money) than a poorly made 'off the rack' attire.

Your Nigerian Dashikis should fit your size. A man looks his best when his clothes fit nicely. He will be uncomfortable if the fit of a garment is wrong. For instance, if his pants are too tight, he will be tempted to pull it now and then. So, it's better to size down for a tailored fit.

Blue Dashikis

Explore the blue Dashiki styles to the fullest. Blue's versatility allows it to be paired with silver, brushed gold, or gunmetal accessories. Additional colors to wear with a blue Dashiki would be black, green, red, and yellow.

You should be loyal to your African designs if that is what you love. A stylish man knows how he dresses and builds a wardrobe around it. Owning several suits and wearing them daily would be great, but what's the point if that doesn't suit your lifestyle? Just because you went to a store and bought attire for more than you'd typically pay doesn't make you a stylish man.

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If you want to feel confident, go with royal blue Dashiki. Add velvet material to your design to bring out the attire's uniqueness. Neutral shades like black, grey, or brown are always welcome in your closet.

Lapis-blue and navy-blue Dashikis have the perfect masculine touch. You can wear all blue to a wedding or other formal events. Moreover, challenge the dress code by pairing a Dashiki with loafers, Oxfords, Derbys, Brogues, Monks, Sandals, Boats, and more male shoes.

A combination of different blue colors creates an outstanding Dashiki. People often describe blue as calm and serene. It is also a favorite color for many people and the most preferred by men.

Persian blue Dashikis are some of the best of all the latest fashion styles for men. The attire's color blends well with African skin tones and brings out the person's best body and facial features. Moreover, blue is a color of nature; hence, it matches all colors dominating any environment you visit.

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A creative Dashiki dress code that is typically more casual will give you a break from the three-piece suits you wear daily. Mastering the simple look and building your wardrobe around that lifestyle would be more beneficial than buying suits because people wear them.

Purple Dashikis

Men look good in a variety of hues, including purple. Therefore, pair it with universally flattering colors like true red and teal. Since purple and red are fantastic colors for men to wear, it would be great to step out of your comfort zone and incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Purple gives off a friendly, fun, creative, and bubbly vibe. Wear a silver or gold neck for a better effect, but ensure it is only visible from your neck's back and sides. Wearing a necklace that hangs up your chest will ruin the overall look. However, matching Dashiki with a thick, long, colorful traditional beaded necklace is allowed.

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Define your style and build your wardrobe around your lifestyle. A stylish man keeps his wardrobe organized — everything has a place, and he has a habit of 'less is more.' Store shoes, accessories, and clothes in separate compartments of your wardrobe.

A stylish man has no time to display arrogance to others. He is confident in what he wears but never brags about how good he looks. He knows his style is better than others but never verbally expresses it.

Red Dashiki

Since red men's outfits will never go out of style, buying one is an investment for the indefinite future. It is, therefore, ideal for a man to have at least one striped red Dashiki in his formalwear line-up.

Dashiki elevates anyone from looking ordinary to sophisticated. However, there are rules for achieving a sophisticated look. A little mistake can spoil your overall look. For instance, wearing socks with Dashiki or Agbada is a fashion failure. Wear your caramel Dashiki with pride or add a caramel material to your peach Dashiki.

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Caramel and peach Dashiki

Peach is close to pink and lavender. In recent years, pink and peach Dashikis have become Nigeria's most popular latest male fashion. It was not originally a feminine color, as many people believe. Men were the first to wear it (pink silk suits with floral embroideries) in the 18th century. However, only some men today know this is a masculine and cool color for guys. Wearing a pink Dashiki will not diminish your manliness.

Dashiki with flower patterns

Dark men should not limit themselves to specific designs because they can wear anything and still look great. Wear a flower-patterned Dashiki to any event.

Cider Dashiki

Cider is another beautiful hue for Nigerian men's fashion styles. Since burgundy, navy, forest green, olive, mustard, grey, and black are complementary colors to cider, pairing this outfit with any of them works wonderfully.

A stylish man is very modest and doesn't feel the need to dish out style advice to others. They'll advise if asked, but they never freely tell people how they could look better. So, cut your dressing style advice until you ask and share it freely, even if you think someone needs it.

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A stylish man is confident in his wardrobe, and putting together outfits takes him only a short time. He can pull clothing and accessories he knows fit and are suitable for the day within a few minutes.

Ultramarine-green Dashiki

Personality-wise, wearing ultramarine-green attire indicates you are a social being and not afraid to be seen. The man has matched bright and dark shades of ultramarine on his outfit. Some people call ultramarine-green the blue-green color because they almost look the same.

Yellow Dashiki

A stylish man is a perfectionist who understands the importance of the finer details. From choosing a pocket square that compliments his outfit to how it's folded, he knows the finer details make him stand out from the rest. He is careful with fabrics, colors, accessories, etc., because, to him, every detail counts.

Pale yellow, whites, pastels, purple, pink, and orange look good with dark-skinned men. However, never wear lace-up shoes with an Agbada or Dashiki because they look untidy and graceless. Also, rocking sneakers with these outfits is a big no.

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A single crease will look out of place on their dress shirt, a stain will affect the whole outfit, and a scuff on their clothes needs to be taken care of. From washing and drying correctly to how the items are hung up, a stylish man knows what's on the care label of their clothing.

Silk material Dashiki

The shiny blue Dashiki is beautiful. Meanwhile, the second attire has a dark Italian walnut base color with blue patterns from top to bottom. Wear a medium-sized wristwatch instead of a heavy one since Dashiki or Agbada are bulky attires, and the oversized wristwatch will only distract people from the outfits.

Dashikis with multi-colored strips

You can wear a Dashiki in many ways if you are creative and adventurous. However, be careful when redesigning yours since Dashikis are expensive outfits. You can only redesign the attire if it is too old to wear. Otherwise, match it with jeans, t-shirts, and sweatpants.

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Orange Dashiki

The simple patterns add beauty to these men's traditional wear and draw people's attention. In addition, shiny materials used to make the Dashiki are easier to clean. Therefore, consider mixing orange with blue, black, yellow, or brown.

How to style Dashikis

Aliyu also shared tips on styling Dashikis, emphasizing that personal style is an expression of oneself. He encouraged experimenting and finding what resonates with individuals; the suggestions he provided are:

• Pair with Neutral Bottoms: To make the Dashiki stand out, pair it with neutral-colored bottoms like black or white pants or skirts.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Add accessories like statement jewelry, a matching headwrap, or traditional African beads to complement the Dashiki and enhance the overall look.
• Mix with Modern Pieces: Blend traditional with modern by pairing a Dashiki top with contemporary jeans or a sleek skirt. This juxtaposition creates a stylish and unique outfit.
• Experiment with Layers: Use the Dashiki as a layering piece. It can be worn over a plain shirt or dress for a dynamic and eclectic style.
• Consider Different Cuts: Dashikis come in various cuts, including long, short, loose, or fitted. Choose a cut that complements your body type and personal style preferences.
• Versatile Styling: Dashikis can be worn casually or dressed up for more formal occasions. Play around with how you accessorize and style it based on the setting.

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Latest Ankara styles for guys

The latest men traditional wear are a mixture of African and Western styles. Some are simple to make, while others need a highly experienced designer to make them. You will rarely miss someone who can make these latest male fashions in Nigeria because most local tailors are willing to learn new things.

The unisex Ankara coverups

An Ankara cardigan screams "unique" but only suits those bold enough to break social norms. You better ask your tailor to sew this trendy outfit if you can find these fabrics. Some might argue that such coverups only suit women, but you can now see that men also look good.

Ankara men's suit plus t-shirt combo

Wear your Ankara suit with a fitting plain-colored T-shirt. Ankara is reputed for its colorful prints that symbolize the rich African culture. Therefore, wearing this suit to any function is a great honor for African traditions.

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Ankara t-shirt & trouser combo vs. Ankara-designed Dashiki suit

Nothing beats a good Ankara trousers and t-shirt combo or a Dashiki suit made of Ankara fabrics. Brighten your casual day with either of these outfits and complete it with sandals, loafers, or sneakers. Be assured that whichever style you choose will look good on you. Never wear Crocs with your Ankara outfits because they will kill the vibe and ruin the look.

Ankara jackets

Ankara jackets go well with casual trousers, from jeans and cargo pants to tracksuit bottoms/sweat pants. Sneakers are the best shoes to pair with this outfit. The jacket is warm enough because it is made up of heavy fabrics. The Ankara is only used as a styling and decoration material.

V-neckline Ankara shirts

If you don't want to go all Ankara or all black, here is a unique design. Pair the shirt with black or blue jeans, trousers, or shorts. However, your choice should not grab more attention than your fashionable Ankara shirt.

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Dashiki-styles Ankara shirts

The men are wearing Dashiki-style Ankara shirts with tuxedo collar designs. The long or short sleeves can be tailored with Ankara or plain-colored materials. Pull up the long sleeves to your elbows to create a unique style. Additionally, pair the shirt with matching plain-colored trousers and accessorize the outfit with a wristwatch and beaded bangles.

Black Tshirts with Ankara on sleeves and pockets

This is the easiest Ankara design to make on a t-shirt. Always keep the remaining Ankara pieces after making a dress or suit. Use the pieces to create unique Ankara designs on plain-colored t-shirts. You can attach the pieces to the sleeves and pockets.

Denim Ankara shirts

You can randomly cut out parts of your denim shirt and fit Ankara patches. Use different Ankara fabrics for a more creative and unique street fashion. Pair your new Ankara denim shirt with training pants or jeans.

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Ankara men's shorts

Men and women love shorts when summer rolls. Aim to look physically good by reserving your Ankara shorts for this season. Children can also wear these unisex attires. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with men wearing above-the-knee-length shorts.

Colorful Ankara hoodies

Add this unique Ankara hood to your wardrobe, for it will turn heads. A hood is warm because it covers your head, neck, and hands, thus leaving fewer places for cold to sneak through and get to your skin.

Ankara scarfs

A couple that loves simplicity looks good in this unique dressing style. Instead of wearing matching Ankara suits and dresses, throw Ankara scarfs onto ordinary outfits. Pair this beautifully styled Ankara scarves with plain-colored dresses, jackets, shorts, jeans, khakis, etc.

Ankara shirts with V-neckline

You cannot go wrong with such a timeless piece. But it would help to be careful when wearing such a shirt, as pairing it with the wrong thing is easy. Ensure the jeans, pants, or shorts are plain because patterned and checked ones ruin the look.

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Ankara facemask and snood scarf

Ankara facemask and snood scarf are unisex accessories and ideal for cold days. Stay warm and fashionable by wearing the facemask or snood with matching plain-colored attires. You will never go wrong with an Ankara snood or facemask, a polo shirt, and a pair of jeans for a casual look.

Global Popularity of Ankara

Aliyu discussed how Ankara has become popular globally. He mentioned that the widespread acceptance of Ankara in men's fashion reflects a broader appreciation for diverse cultural influences and a desire for unique and personalized style expressions. He said:

• Casual and Formal Wear: Ankara is used for casual and formal wear. Men incorporate Ankara prints into shirts, jackets, suits, and accessories like ties and pocket squares.
• Street Style: Ankara has found a place in global street-style fashion. Men often wear Ankara-printed hoodies, T-shirts, and sneakers, blending traditional African prints with contemporary urban fashion.
• Cultural Fusion: Ankara is frequently used globally to create a fusion of cultural styles. Men combine Ankara pieces with Western clothing, creating a unique and eclectic look.
• Celebrity Endorsement: Celebrities and influencers worldwide have embraced Ankara in men's fashion, contributing to its global visibility and acceptance. This has led to increased interest and adoption in various style communities.
• Fashion Shows and Runways: Ankara designs for men are showcased in international fashion shows and runways. This exposure helps establish Ankara as a mainstream fabric in the global fashion scene.
• Accessories and Footwear: Ankara is not limited to clothing; it's also used in accessories like bags, hats, and shoes. These items add a touch of African flair to men's outfits.
• Wedding Attire: Ankara is a popular choice for wedding attire globally. Men often wear Ankara suits or incorporate Ankara details into their wedding outfits, celebrating cultural diversity.

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What material is a dashiki made of?

Most of them are made from silk brocade and pure cotton fabrics.

How should a Dashiki fit?

Use the standard measurements for clothing sizes. For instance, a small-sized Dashiki should be 42″-44″ around the chest and 27″-28″ long. A medium-size one should be 46″-50″ chest and 28″-30″ long. Meanwhile, the large-size shirt should be 48″-52″ chest and 28″-32″ long.

What material is used for Agbada?

Nigerian natives use brocade, damask, and velvet to make Agbada.

How many yards of material do you need for Agbada?

You need 4 to 7 yards to sew a quality Agbada. However, consult your nearest designer for the right measurements.

What is Ankara material?

Ankara (also called the African print, Holland wax, Ankara wax print, or Dutch wax) is a 100% cotton fabric with vibrant patterns.

The good thing about Nigerian traditional wear for men is they are perfect for men of all ages. Also, tailors can make female versions of the same designs. Therefore, as the fathers and sons rock one design during special occassions, the women can wear outfits that almost resemble the men's.

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Source: Legit.ng