29 items
Fashion
A tailored Ankara blazer dress in green and gold African print, cut to your own measurements. Above the knee, long sleeves, lapel collar. This is African print built for a room where you have to be taken seriously. The blazer construction does the work: a sharp lapel, a defined shoulder and a clean line through the waist, so the print reads as deliberate rather than loud. It is the difference between wearing Ankara and wearing a suit that happens to be Ankara. The cloth is a gold ground crossed with bands of bright green, with small blocks of pink and lilac set inside the bands and a visible weave to the surface. It is warmer and busier than a thumbnail suggests, and that is the point. It photographs well and it holds its colour under office lighting, which is where most print dresses fall down. Where it works: the office, church, a conference, a graduation, a registry wedding, a product launch or a shoot. Anywhere you want to be the most composed person in the room without defaulting to black. Style it the way it is shot: a plain court shoe and one good gold chain. The dress carries the pattern, so the jewellery only has to pick up the gold in the cloth rather than compete with it. Sizing and fit: there is no size chart here, because there are no sizes. You send six measurements at checkout, each with a short guide on how to take it, and the dress is cut to those numbers rather than made in a standard size and taken in afterwards. That is why it holds its line through the shoulder and the waist, which is the part an off-the-peg blazer almost always gets wrong. Each dress is cut from a length of Ankara by hand, so the exact placement of the print across the panels varies from one piece to the next. No two are identical. Care: cold hand wash or a gentle machine cycle inside out, hang to dry out of direct sun, and press on a low heat on the reverse to keep the print sharp.
Sold by Eden Rivers Clothings • Nigeria
Fashion
Step into elegance with our handcrafted African Ankara Fashion Set, a perfect blend of style, culture, and creativity. This premium set is designed for women who love to stand out with confidence and class. Each piece is carefully made with high-quality Ankara fabric, ensuring a flawless and luxurious finish. What’s Included: Beautifully tailored Ankara gown Matching Ankara handbag Stylish head wrap (Auto Gele) Fabric necklace (Ankara) Fabric earrings (Ankara) Ankara bangle/bracelet Ankara wallet and purse Every accessory is uniquely crafted to match perfectly, giving you a complete, ready-to-wear fashion statement without stress. Worldwide delivery. Free free to message us for more inquiries and customization.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion
A floor length Ankara bubu gown with a stone embellished panel running down the centre front, embellishment at the neckline and across the sleeve edges. Cut wide and loose through the body with slits at both sides, so it moves with you rather than holding you in. The bubu is one of the few silhouettes that does formal without doing tight. No waistband, no fastening to fight with, nothing that stops working after a long meal. It reads as dressed up because of the embellishment and the length, not because it is restrictive. Available in two prints: a green Ankara with a dense repeating pattern, and a brown Ankara scattered with multicoloured circular motifs. Both carry the same embellished centre panel and neckline. Wear it for owambe, weddings, introductions, church, Eid or Christmas, or any evening where you want to arrive finished. It works with flats and it works with heels, which is more than most floor length dresses manage. Made in Nigeria by Oluwatobiloba Global Concept. Because each gown is finished individually, the exact placement of the stonework and the print varies a little from one to the next. Care: hand wash cold or dry clean. Do not soak and do not bleach. Turn the gown inside out to press on a low heat, and keep the iron away from the stonework, which can lift with direct heat.
Sold by Oluwatobiloba global concept • Nigeria
Fashion
A two piece men's senator kaftan in black, with gold embroidery down the placket and around the collar and cuffs, and matching straight leg trousers. It is cut to your own measurements rather than to a size chart. You give your chest, shoulder, sleeve, top length, waist and trouser length, choose a regular, loose or traditional fit, and the set is made from there, which takes about five days before it ships. That is the point of buying this rather than something off a rail: the sleeve ends where you want it to end. The cloth is what Nigerian menswear calls Seven Star cashmere. It is a soft brushed suiting cloth with a dry matt finish, not goat wool cashmere, and it is the standard cloth for this kind of outfit because it holds a clean line without looking shiny under lights. The embroidery is worked in gold at the collar, down the placket and around both cuffs, and the trousers are left plain so the top carries the detail. Senator style is the restrained end of Nigerian menswear, which is what makes it the versatile one. It is right for a wedding you are attending rather than hosting, for Friday and Sunday wear, for a service, and for an office where a suit would be too much and a shirt too little. Made by KINGZIZ in Lagos. Press on a low iron on the reverse and keep it away from direct heat.
Sold by KINGZIZ • Lagos
Fashion
Mustard yellow maxi dress with beaded shoulder straps and a gathered peplum waist, cut in 100% cotton so it holds its structure through a long day. The fitted bodice and defined high waist create a clean hourglass line, while the floor length skirt falls with weight and movement. The beaded straps and dramatic peplum carry the detail, so the dress reads as a finished look without extra styling. Made for occasion wear: wedding guest outfits, engagement parties, owambe and aso ebi events, birthday dinners, church anniversaries and evening receptions. The solid mustard tone photographs cleanly in both daylight and indoor lighting. Available made to measure. Instead of a standard size chart, the dress is cut to your own bust, waist, hip and length measurements, which you provide at checkout. Made to order by an independent designer on Sokofa and shipped worldwide with DHL tracking.
Sold by Rayo.ng • Nigeria
Fashion
The NAISH Signature Butterfly Bubu is a statement African-print maxi gown designed for effortless elegance, comfort and contemporary African style. Featuring a striking red and navy colour palette, the flowing butterfly silhouette creates a graceful, dramatic shape while allowing comfortable movement. Carefully placed patterned panels add visual contrast and give the design its distinctive NAISH character. This piece is made to order in Nigeria. The original design was created for a client and can be recreated when you place your order. Perfect for: Weddings and wedding receptions Owambe and traditional celebrations Church and special occasions Birthdays Cultural events Dinner and evening occasions Resort and holiday wear Details Signature butterfly Bubu silhouette Red and navy African print Relaxed, flowing fit Full-length design Made to order in Nigeria Designed for comfort and statement dressing Fabric: African print / Ankara Colour: Red, navy blue and multicolour patterned accents Origin: Nigeria Please note: Because this garment is made to order and African-print fabric is cut individually, the exact placement of motifs may vary slightly from the original photographed piece. The overall design, colour palette and signature details will be maintained.
Sold by Naishdesign • Nigeria
Fashion
Elegant African Fashion Set, a handmade Ankara gown with matching bag, gele, earrings and purse. Discover our stunning African fashion set designed for elegance and style! Each set includes: Ankara dress/gown Matching bag Headwrap / AutoGele Fabric earrings Fabric bangle Matching Purse and Wallet Customize Your Set: Choose the items you want, pick the complete set or select only the pieces you love! Perfect for formal events, weddings, cultural celebrations, or daily style. Worldwide delivery available. Feel free to message us for more inquiries and customization.
Sold by SWCU GLOBAL • Lagos
Fashion
A multicoloured Ankara ball gown with a yellow organza ruffle neckline and a full skirt built layer on layer, each tier cut from a different African wax print so no two rows repeat. The bodice is fitted and structured, the ruffle sits off the shoulder, and the skirt carries its own volume without a hoop underneath. It is made to measure, which is why it works for a daughter and for a mother. Order it as a girls' ball gown for a birthday, a naming ceremony, a school ball or a flower girl role, or in an adult size for owambe, aso ebi or a wedding guest look. Order both and you get a matching mommy and me set cut to fit each of you properly, rather than one design scaled down. Hand sewn in Nigeria in Ankara cotton wax print, with an organza ruffle and full lining. Send your measurements at checkout, allow 2 to 4 weeks before dispatch, returns within 30 days. This is occasion wear, so treat it that way. Spot clean or dry clean only, and store it hanging so the tiers keep their shape.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
A two piece linen set: a short sleeved button down shirt with a classic collar and a curved hem, and matching straight wide leg trousers with front patch pockets. This is the set for heat. Linen is the cloth that stays cool when nothing else does, and a shirt and trouser in the same cloth reads as one considered outfit, so it goes from a morning flight to a lunch table to a warm evening without a change. Worn open over a vest the shirt works on its own, and the trousers take a plain tee just as well, so it earns its place as two garments as well as one set. The shirt has a shoulder yoke across the back and a hem that curves longer behind than in front. The trousers sit at the waist, fall straight and roomy through the leg and finish just above the ankle, with two patch pockets on the front. It comes in white or black, sizes S to XXXL. Both photographs show the white set; the black is not photographed. Dress it up with heels or down with flat sandals. Wash cool and iron while slightly damp, as linen creases by nature.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
African products
A men's Ghana smock in navy strip woven cotton with bold yellow stripes. The body is made from narrow woven strips sewn together, navy with slate checks, and flares into deep pleats below the chest so it moves as you walk. White hand stitched stars are scattered across the front, and a white embroidered keyhole neckline finishes it. The sleeves are short and wide. Wear it over jeans for an easy weekend look, or dress it up for a wedding, a naming ceremony or Independence Day. It is one size, and the seller gives its measurements as 127 x 81 cm. Made of 100% cotton.
Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast
Fashion
Regal Dashiki Ankara Shirt with Aso Oke accents, a unisex African top for weddings. Step into timeless elegance with The Regal Dashiki, a bold celebration of African tradition fused with contemporary style. This dashiki features a vibrant mix of fabrics, including luxurious Asooke-inspired accents, thoughtfully incorporated to give it a modern, regal touch. The combination of textures, handed kneading neckline and patterns creates a look that is unique, stylish, and unmistakably African. • Fabric & Material: Made with high-quality, breathable materials. The dashiki features durable, vivid prints complemented by Asooke-style accents on the pockets and kneading neckline detailing for a touch of sophistication. • Design & Fit: A relaxed yet tailored fit ensures comfort while maintaining a sharp, distinguished silhouette. • Neckline & Sleeves: Classic round kneaded and slit neckline and well-fitted sleeves balance comfort with elegance. • Hem & Length: The hem is carefully designed to fall mid-thigh to knee length, giving a regal, flowing appearance. • Cultural Heritage: Every detail reflects African craftsmanship, blending traditional patterns with modern design to honor heritage while keeping it contemporary. • Versatility: Perfect for weddings, cultural events, church, parties, or casual outings. Pair with matching trousers or jeans for a standout look. With The Regal Dashiki, you’re not just wearing clothing, you’re expressing culture, style, and confidence, all in one statement piece. Can be worn by both genders.
Sold by PRINCESSCHI TREND LTD • Lagos
Fashion
The Imperial Grace Set is a refined women’s two-piece trouser set designed for modern power dressing. Crafted in a rich violet tone, this outfit combines elegance, structure, and confidence in one striking look. The tailored jacket features a clean, collarless neckline, sculpted seams for a flattering fit, and bold gold-tone buttons that add a touch of sophistication. Paired with sleek, straight-leg trousers, the set creates a balanced and polished silhouette that enhances both comfort and style. Perfect for work, business meetings, formal events, dinners, and upscale occasions, this women’s two-piece set transitions effortlessly from day to evening wear. Key Features: * Two-piece set (jacket and trousers) * Structured, tailored fit * Collarless neckline with clean finish * Gold-tone button detailing * Straight-leg trousers * Premium, polished finish Designed for the woman who commands attention with effortless grace and confidence.
Sold by Craftedbyemmy • Lagos mainland/Lagos state
Fashion
The Lewa dress is an elegant women’s button-down maxi dress designed for effortless style and confidence. With its long, flattering silhouette and classic button-front design, this dress is perfect for occasions where you want to look polished, feminine, and beautifully put together. Available in UK sizes 6-28, the Lewa maxi dress is a versatile wardrobe piece that can be styled for daytime outings, dinners, celebrations, holidays, and special events. Its timeless shape makes it easy to dress up with heels and accessories or keep simple with flats for a relaxed yet classy look. A beautiful choice for women looking for a stylish maxi dress with comfort, elegance, and standout presence.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
Strapless black crepe mermaid gown with oversized white 3D rose appliques, handmade to your exact measurements. This floor length black evening dress is cut close through the bust, waist and hip, then flares into a dramatic mermaid train that sweeps behind you as you walk. The structured straight neckline holds its shape without straps, and the sculptural white fabric roses run from the hip down one side of the skirt, giving the silhouette its signature contrast. It is made in a mid weight crepe that drapes cleanly, resists creasing and photographs well under flash and studio lighting. A natural pick for prom night, a birthday photoshoot, a wedding reception or second dress, an engagement shoot, a gala or an awards dinner. Every piece is cut and sewn to order. Choose custom tailoring at checkout and send your bust, waist, hip, shoulder and length measurements so the fit is yours alone.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
Fitted black maxi dress with a high racer neck and a cascading white fringe skirt, made to your measurements. The bodice is cut close and sleeveless, with a high racer neckline that keeps the shoulders and arms clean and draws the eye up. From mid thigh the silhouette breaks into a full curtain of white fringe that moves as you walk, which is what gives a plain black column its whole personality. It is made in a structured crepe that holds a body skimming shape without clinging, in a two tone black and white palette that takes almost any accessory. Wear it to brunch, a gallery opening, a birthday dinner, a wedding guest slot, or to the office with a blazer over the top. Every piece is cut and sewn to order in your own measurements, so the bodice sits where it should and the fringe finishes at the right length for your height.
Sold by A.D.A couture &collections • Ogun
Fashion
The Naya set is a stylish women’s two-piece co-ord designed with a sleeveless top and matching shorts. Light, easy to style, and made for confident dressing, this set is perfect for warm days, holidays, casual outings, brunches, and relaxed day-to-evening looks. Wear the full set together for a polished matching outfit, or style each piece separately for more wardrobe options. The sleeveless top can be paired with jeans, skirts, or trousers, while the shorts can be styled with a simple blouse, vest, or statement top. With custom tailoring available, the Naya set is a great choice for women looking for a personalised fit, a stylish summer two-piece outfit, a handmade shorts set, or a versatile women’s co-ord.
Sold by Azalia • Fct
Fashion
A cream, knee length A line shift dress with short cap sleeves, a round neckline and side pockets. This is the easy one. It hangs from the shoulders and flares out to the hem with no waist seam and nothing to fasten at the front, so it moves with you and does not cling. It has real side pockets, which is the thing people are glad of most in a dress. Cream is a warmer, softer colour than white and sits well with gold jewellery and tan or black sandals. It suits a day out, the office in summer or a smart casual lunch, and layers under a denim jacket or a cardigan when the weather turns. Sizes S to XXXL. Wash cool with similar colours and iron on a medium setting.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A loose Ankara bubu gown in yellow, green and pink with two fringed pockets. The gown is cut in three bold bands of colour, sunshine yellow across the shoulders, deep green through the middle and rich fuchsia pink at the hem, all printed with large white leaf motifs. It has a soft V neckline, wide elbow length sleeves and a relaxed, straight bubu silhouette that skims the body rather than clinging to it. On the model in the photographs it falls just below the knee. The statement detail is the pair of yellow patch pockets on the front, each finished with a long yellow fringe that moves as you walk. The fabric is listed by the maker as Ankara and Aso-oke. Wear it for holidays, brunch, social gatherings and easy everyday dressing, with flat sandals or heeled mules. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge (size 8 to 20), with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
Fashion
A hand crocheted oversized sweater in geometric colour blocks: burgundy, mustard gold, cobalt and powder blue, divided by pale pink and cream. Drop shoulder, made to measure. The blocks are not printed and not machine knitted. Each one is crocheted as its own panel and joined, which is why the borders sit slightly proud of the fields they divide and why the surface has depth you can see in the photographs rather than only feel. IcyHot is a fair description of what it does. Cobalt and powder blue down one side, burgundy and mustard down the other, meeting at the centre. It is the temperature contrast that carries the piece rather than any of the colours on their own. Cut oversized with a drop shoulder, so it hangs off the frame instead of following it. Ribbed crew neck, ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem pull the edges in, which is the thing that stops an oversized crochet piece from reading as shapeless. Made to your measurements. You send four numbers at checkout, chest, shoulder width, sleeve length and body length, and the sweater is crocheted to those rather than to a standard size. The oversized ease is built in for you, so send your body measurements and nothing extra. It works as the whole outfit. Over a plain polo neck and tights as photographed, over jeans, or as a dress on a shorter frame. Keep whatever is under it plain, because this one is not sharing the attention. Hand crocheted in non-pilling acrylic yarn with a gold cotton thread trim, in a heavyweight textured stitch. Dispatch runs two to four weeks, because a sweater at this size is thousands of stitches worked one at a time and there is no faster way to make one. Care: cold hand wash or a wool cycle inside a mesh bag, and never wring it out. Dry it flat rather than on a hanger, because the weight of wet crochet will pull the body out of shape. Do not tumble dry.
Sold by OhThreeOhOne • Nigeria
Fashion
A loose Ankara bubu dress in yellow, green and pink with two front patch pockets. The dress is cut in three bold bands of colour, sunshine yellow across the shoulders, deep green through the middle and fuchsia pink at the hem, all printed with large white leaf motifs. It has a soft V neckline, wide elbow length sleeves and a relaxed, straight bubu shape that skims the body rather than clinging to it. On the model in the photographs it falls just below the knee. Two big square yellow patch pockets sit on the green band at the front, roomy enough for a phone. If you would rather have pockets that move as you walk, Lummy Atelier also makes this dress as the Ankara Bubu Gown, Fringe Pockets. Wear it for holidays, social gatherings and easy everyday dressing, with flat sandals or heeled mules. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge, with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
African products
A men's Ghana smock in navy hand woven cotton with gold and orange stripes. Narrow woven strips, navy with pale blue blocks, are sewn together and flare into deep pleats below the chest, broken by wide bands of gold. The front is quilted with rows of white running stitch, and the keyhole neckline is outlined in white embroidery and lined with a green patterned cloth. The sleeves are short and wide. Wear it over jeans or dark trousers, or dress it up for a wedding, a naming ceremony or Independence Day. The same seller also has a navy smock with yellow stripes and a maroon one. It is one size, and the seller gives its measurements as 127 x 81 cm. Hand woven, 100% cotton.
Sold by GOLDEN HERITAGE AFRICA GALLERY • Cape Coast
Fashion
A sleeveless black and white polka dot satin dress with a round neckline, a small notch at the front and a flounced tier at the hem. The flounce is what sets it apart. The dress falls loose and swinging from the shoulders into a gathered tier just above the knee, so it has movement without a fitted waist, and the sheen of the satin makes a classic spot print look dressier than cotton would. It suits a daytime party, a wedding guest outfit with a jacket, or brunch with flat sandals. If you want something plainer for every day, the Ivory Breeze shift from the same store is the quieter choice. The spots are evenly spaced black dots on an off white ground, front and back. Sizes S to XXXL. Wash cool and gently, and iron on a low setting on the reverse, as satin marks easily with heat.
Sold by Alpha Threads Fashions • NAIROBI
Fashion
A black chiffon bubu gown, sold with a matching scarf and a black inner. The gown is scattered with small pink and white flowers, with a wider band of larger pink blooms at the hem and down the sleeves. The yoke is a black eyelet panel set with small silver studs and finished with soft white fringe along each shoulder, around a slit V neck. Below it the chiffon falls wide and loose to the floor, with deep batwing sleeves that move as you walk, which you can see in the seller's video. The chiffon is sheer, so the inner is what you wear underneath; it is shown folded on the hanger in photo 2 with the printed scarf. Wear it to an owambe, a naming ceremony or a church thanksgiving, or anywhere you want one easy piece that looks dressed up. If you want something warmer for the evening, the store's black bubu with gold rope embroidery is lined. Care: hand wash cool and dry flat; cool iron on the reverse, away from the studs and fringe.
Sold by d clairealex design • United Kingdom
Fashion
A black bubu gown in lined scuba net, embroidered with gold rope. The gold marine rope is stitched in loose loops around the V neckline, down to a small tie at the chest, and around the wide cuffs of the batwing sleeves. The gown falls straight and loose to the floor, with a front pocket you can see the maker's hand resting in. It is cut as one free size, so it drapes rather than fits, and the lining means the net is not see through. The set comes with a matching scarf and an inner, which you can see under the V neck. Wear it to an owambe, a church thanksgiving or a creative evening out, or simply as the easiest dressed up outfit in your wardrobe: one piece, no fitting worries. Care: hand wash cool or dry clean, and keep the rope embroidery away from a hot iron.
Sold by d clairealex design • United Kingdom
Fashion
A loose, sheer pink bubu gown in a light striped mesh fabric. The gown is cut wide and straight with a V neckline and deep batwing sleeves, and falls to around the ankle on the dress form in the photographs. The fabric is a see through pink with fine woven stripes running down its length, so it catches the light as you move. Because it is sheer, wear it over a slip, a fitted dress or swimwear. It is one free size, cut loose to suit a wide range of figures. Photo 1 shows the front and photo 2 the back. Wear it as a beach or pool cover up, over a plain dress for an evening out, or at home on a warm day. Handmade in Nigeria by Lushy Losh Concepts. There is one gown available.
Sold by Lushy Losh Concepts • Nigeria
Fashion
A loose, floor length bubu gown with a white lace yoke and lace sleeves. The body of the gown is a bold resist style print, falling straight and wide from a white dry lace yoke that sits across the chest and shoulders and runs into short, wide lace sleeves. The neckline is a soft V edged in the lace. On the model in the photographs it falls to the floor and skims the body rather than clinging to it. Choose your colour in the picker: sunny yellow with a dark brown print, or royal blue with a deeper blue print. Each colour is shown in one photograph. The fabric is listed by the maker as Adire, Ankara and dry lace. Wear it for celebrations, church, weekend outings or easy everyday dressing at home, and dress it up or down with your accessories. Sizes run from Small to XXLarge, with bust, waist and hip measurements for each size shown in the size picker, so check yours before you order. If you love both colours, ask Lummy Atelier about taking the pair together. Designed and made in Nigeria by Lummy Atelier.
Sold by LUMMY ATELIER • Nigeri
Fashion
A purple and blush floral maxi shirt dress, cut wide like a bubu, with lace trimmed sleeves. The maker lists it as silk and lace. The fabric has a satin sheen and a large print of pale pink leaves and flowers on deep purple. It has a small band collar and buttons down the front, and the wide batwing sleeves are edged with deep cream lace. The dress falls loose and straight to the floor, and the seller's video shows the back, which carries the same print. It is an easy dressed up piece for a wedding guest, a birthday lunch or a church service, and the button front makes it simple to put on. If you prefer black, the store's chiffon bubu comes with its own scarf. Care: hand wash cool or dry clean, and iron cool on the reverse, avoiding the lace.
Sold by d clairealex design • United Kingdom
Fashion
A navy, grey and white floral maxi shirt dress, cut wide like a bubu, with lace trimmed sleeves. The maker lists it as silk and lace. The fabric has a soft sheen and a large print of navy and grey leaves and flowers on white. It has a small band collar and buttons all the way down the front, and the wide sleeves finish in deep white lace. The dress falls loose and straight to the floor, and the second photo and the seller's video show the back, which carries the same print. The cool navy and white palette makes it the easiest of the store's bubus to wear by day, to a lunch, a christening or a church service, and the button front makes it simple to put on. If you prefer a richer colour, the store's purple floral bubu shirt dress is the same cut. Care: hand wash cool or dry clean, and iron cool on the reverse, avoiding the lace.
Sold by d clairealex design • United Kingdom
African products
A short, loose bubu dress in handwoven aso oke, with two front pockets and a fringed hem. The dress in the photographs is the purple colourway: wide purple panels down the front and two purple patch pockets, set against stripes of orange, red, black, grey and cream, with the fringe left loose all along the hem. The cut is wide and free with broad open sleeves, so it sits easily on the body and moves with you, and on the model it falls above the knee. The seller describes the cloth as 100% handwoven aso oke, lightweight and breathable, made to wear to brunch, a casual day out or an owambe. It also comes in brown, orange, burnt orange, pink, red and gold. Only purple is pictured, so message the seller to see a colour before you order. Dress it up with heels or keep it easy with flat slides. One free size, which the seller says fits UK 8 to 16.
Sold by BheyusApparels • Nigeria
Guide d'achat
The dresses here range from everyday pieces to full occasion wear. At the relaxed end are bubu gowns, the loose, floor length kaftan shape worn across West Africa, which flatter almost any figure and need little sizing guesswork. At the dressy end are fitted Ankara gowns, beaded and peplum maxi dresses and evening pieces cut for weddings, owambe parties and church.
Look at how each dress is made before you look at the size. Some are ready to wear in standard sizes; others are made to measure, cut to the measurements you give when you order. Made to measure takes longer to arrive but fits the way a tailored dress should, which matters most for fitted styles like mermaid and blazer dresses.
Ankara wax print is cotton, so it breathes well, holds a structured shape and keeps its colour if washed cool and dried out of direct sun. Embellished pieces with stones or beadwork are best hand washed or spot cleaned.
Lire le guide complet
Questions fréquentes
Sokofa (sokofa.com) sells African dresses made by independent designers, mostly in Nigeria: Ankara gowns, bubu and kaftan maxi dresses, and occasion wear. Prices are in pounds, the delivery cost to your address is shown at checkout, and every listing is reviewed before it goes live.
A bubu (also spelt boubou) is a loose, flowing, floor length gown with wide sleeves, worn across West Africa for both everyday wear and celebrations. Because it is cut generously, one size fits a wide range of figures, which makes it the easiest African dress to buy online.
Ready to wear ships sooner and suits loose shapes like bubu gowns and kaftans. Made to measure is worth the wait for fitted styles, because the designer cuts the dress to your own measurements. Each product page says which it is.
Guests usually wear bright, structured Ankara or lace outfits, often matched to the family's chosen colours (aso ebi), with a gele head wrap for women. A fitted Ankara gown or an embellished bubu are both safe, celebratory choices.
