Am positive we all know the agbada outfit used to be a traditional outfit for a typical Yoruba man, but later became  an attire loved by all.This rich style used to be strictly man fashion trend says, ` what a man can do, a woman can surely do better.

The agbada trend is hotter than ever. Recently, I saw a lovely women in an agbada attire, she was looking totally amazing in her black and white agbada  with a golden embroidery which she paired with a black strap shoes.
There are a thousand and one way to pull off this agbada style, while some women pair their agbada with head gears, some go with fedora`s, others with the traditional male caps. The  options are simply limitless when it comes to styling for more feminine feel, it would be perfect to pair your agbada with heels, this gives it a chic  and refined feminine look.

Moreso, the famale fashion in Nigeria is at its best, hence creativity has never been this high and that`s what makes this trend so interesting. The agbada trend started late 2014 and when we thought the female danshiki was about to die, celebrities stepped out looking fabulous in their androgynous agbada style.
The agbada outfit is usually made of a monotone coloured fabric but some women also make it using colourful African print fabric. The outfit is usually compelled with shoes ranging from low to high-heeled sandals, pumps, and peep toes.

Finally, agabada is a Nigerian attire worn by men. But recently, Nigeria women have turned their attention to this attire and have made it stylish and trendy for women. Several Nigerian celebrities, socialites and fashionistas have been seen making a fashion statement with this attire that was exclusively worn by men.

Below are ladies who prove that agbada is not solely for men

It is worth mentioning that  the Agbada is not exclusive to the Yoruba,  as it is being found in other parts of Africa as well. It is known as Mbubb among the Senegambia and as Riga among the Hausa and Fulani of the west African Savannah from when the Yoruba adopted it.

The general consensus among scholars  is that the attire originated in the middle east and was introduced to Africa by Berber and Arab merchants from the Mediterranean coast.

By the early nineteenth century, the attire has been adopted by many non-Muslims in sub-Saharan Africa,  most especially kings,  chiefs,  and elites,  who not only modified it to reflect local dress aesthetics,  but also replace the turban with indigenous head gears. The bigger the robe and the more elaborate its embroidery,  the higher the prestige and authority associated with it.

Various Types Of Agbada

There are two major types of this attire among the Yoruba,  namely the casual and ceremonial outfit. The casual Agbada is smaller,  less voluminous,  and often made of light plain cotton.

The Sapara or the casual Agbada came into being in 1920s and is named after a Yoruba medical doctor,  Dr. Oguntola Sapara,  who felt uncomfortable in the traditional Sapara . He thus asked his tailor not only to reduce the volume and length of his Agbada,  but also to make it from imported,  lightweight cotton.

However,  the ceremonial Agbada on the other hand is bigger,  more ornate,  and frequently fashioned from expensive and heavier materials The largest and most elaborately embroidered is Agbada is the traditionally woven cloth popularly called Aso Ofi or Aso Oke.

The Modern Version Of Agbada

Since the beginning of the twentieth century,  new materials such as brocade,  damask,  and velvet has been used for this outfit. The traditional,  along with the embroidery is being modernized.

This big man`s outfit is worn by the king of the Yoruba town of Akure,  the late Oba Adesida is made of imported European velvet and partly embroidered with glass beads.

In case you are into men`s fashion, you will know that agbada has been   in existence for as long as we can remember. Back in the day, if you want to tell how rich a man is, you look at his clothing style and you automatically have an idea of how much money he makes.

As far as Nigerian fashion goes, there are so many men who have fantastic tastes in Agbada, its styles don`t come off as regular but daring. They are made in different designs colours and patterns. Agbada these days, are a must-have for men of style who need to look classy and different. This well tailored trendy, flowing and long robe for men is another men`s wardrobes. The length and style of buba and sokoto may change or vary, but this outfit will remain the same.

Agbada Can be worn to a Wedding

Nigerian men take so much pride in looking their best when it comes to weddings, so if they are not dressed in a classy suit and tie, it would most likely be a dashing traditional attire called Agbada.
This outfit has become some attire of pride in Nigeria and gone are the days that it was a look adorned by older men alone. These days, men, both young and old always love to steal the attention at an event or gathering wearing a very exotic piece of Agbada.

How The Body Is Ventilated When Agbada Is Worn

In spite of its voluminous appearance, this style of clothe is not as hot as it might seem to a non-Yoruba. Apart from the fact that some of the fabrics may have openwork patterns, the looseness of this outfit and frequent adjustment of its open sleeves ventilate the body.  This is particularly so when the body is in motion, or during a dance, when the sleeves are manipulated to emphasize body movements.
If you`re fashionable and you`re looking for a way to switch your Agbada styles, the pictures below should serve as a style of inspiration to you.