Agbada is an oversize clothing worn on a top (buba) and trouser (sokoto). It can be described as a flowing robe which could be folded by the arms in another style. It can also be described as an oversize danshiki; another African wears. This dressing is adorned by the men even though it has become unisex in recent times. It is worn by chiefs and kings in Yoruba land.
Most times, the size of your attire determines the size of your pocket (money). Kings have bigger flowing robes than their chiefs. The bigger the money you have under your robes, the longer your outstretched arms. This attire also comes with designs running from the neck region to the chest called ‘embroidery’. Embroideries add style and glamour to this native attire.
There is a popular saying that ’The way you dress is the way you are addressed’. I’ll like to add to the cliché ‘If you are dressed in a robe, they would ask for your addresses’. Nigeria is rich in culture and tradition, so is there dressing. From the east, west, north to the south, there is a unique style among the various ethnic groups. The easterners adorn a dashing top called ‘Isiagu’.Northerners adorn babariga, jalabiyaand kaftan. The southerners; Niger-Deltans are the originators of the trendy ‘Senator Wears’ and the Georgian wrapper for women. The westerners are popular with the agbadaattire.
In the early days, this Yoruba attire is only worn during special occasions. Yoruba men wear buba and sokoto to their farms and hunting ground. Robes are often worn ceremoniously by the people, so it is termed ‘Isale-Apoti’literally meaning best outfit kept. The kings adorn this regularly because of their worth. The number of beads worn distinguishes them from others in a special occasion. Nowadays, this Yoruba attire is worn for occasion such as wedding, naming, burial and chieftaincy ceremonies.
A well-tailored flowing robe will make you to be unique in a gathering. It gives more respect as it dignifies a king. Children, women and men have been seen in stylishly styled robes these days. ‘Agbada gang’is a trendy movement in fashion in recent times. People just want to stand out because the way they are dressed would get them a good address. Get a good flowing robe now and let us feel good together.
