Styles through Aso-Oke………ladies, Gentlemen

Spicy & Trendy

With Adetutu Adetule

Aso oke is a handwoven cloth from Nigeria that translates to “top cloth” or “cloth from the highlands”, the English translation of Aso-Oke is “top cloth”, another name for Aso-Oke is ‘aso off’.

Aso-oke’s origins can be traced back to the 15th century when it was created by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. The town of Iseyin in Oyo State, Nigeria, is widely believed to be the birthplace of Aso-oke. The town is home to a large number of weavers, and the cloth has been produced there for centuries.

It is a hand-loomed cotton fabric from Nigeria that is traditionally worn by the Yoruba people. It’s a prestigious fabric that’s worn for special occasions and is a symbol of Yoruba identity and culture.

Types of Aso Oke 

Sanyan: Tan wild silk

Alaari: Magenta imported silk

Etu: Indigo cotton

In the olden days, the making of the aso-oke was usually done by older people especially the weaving aspect, which was usually transferred from generation to generation. In a family, a father can be a weaver and then transfer the skill to their children. The business of making Aso-Oke was done within a family where the father, mother, and children would work together because it’s not something one person can do all by themselves. But now, we can see people of all ages, with this passion, making and producing Aso-oke fabrics in different colours and styles.

Aso-oke was not so common in 2015, Aso-oke was not worn by everybody, it was worn only by brides, older people, royal families, and others.

I beg to differ. Aso-oke is not becoming unfashionable to the younger generation; instead, Aso-oke has come to stay. If we look around, designers have used their creative prowess to change the narrative.

We now use Aso Oke to make jackets, trousers, skirts, dresses, kiddies outfits, shoes, bags, purses, and even a wedding dress.

It is now used by both old and young people, male and female, and also people of different tribes. This is why you see a lot of designers now learning how to sew and design Aso Oke unlike before when you could only get a few designers in this area.

I am aware that China’s investment in the production of traditional attires is causing a threat to indigenous fashion designers. The type of Aso Oke China produces can never be compared to what Nigeria produces because this is a product of our culture. It is locally woven. We are the originators of Aso-oke so China cannot produce exactly what we do. Based on comparison, Nigerians still prefer the quality of what is made locally to what China imports.

This gele style is a real show stopper sure to get the Yoruba aunties looking in your direction. It’s best to use an aso-oke or any other thick fabric to achieve consistency.

This style is a remixed version of the infinity pleated gele. It’s a nice option if you’re attending an owambe with several mummies and want to stand out from them.

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