Nigerian Traditional Clothing and How to Dress in the Dry Zone | African Fashion Tips for the Desert Climate

When you hear the name "Nigeria," not many people may know exactly where the country is or what its climate is like. However, interest in the country has been growing recently, both good and bad, due to the African hometown issue and the fact that it has produced many national sports athletes.

So let's take a look at what kind of country Nigeria is actually.

The Reality of Nigeria, the Giant of Africa

In the previous article , we explained why Nigeria is called the "Giant of Africa" ​​and some basic statistics. With a population of over 200 million, it is certainly the most populous country in Africa. But what is the reality?

The reality seen from objective data

The first thing you should know is the security situation in Nigeria. The murder rate is around 15.75 per 100,000 people (2023 UNODC) , which is about 78 times higher than Japan, where the murder rate is only 0.23 per 100,000 people (2023 UNODC).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's Overseas Safety Information has issued danger information levels 2 to 4 for the whole of Nigeria , and it has been reported that kidnappings for ransom have increased significantly across the country. These should be taken as statistical facts.

However, these figures are national statistics and do not apply to all Nigerians, who number over 200 million. In fact, many Nigerians who are active overseas are characterized by being cheerful, sociable, family-oriented, and enthusiastic about education. In particular, the Igbo people, as mentioned in the previous article , are known for their enthusiasm for education and entrepreneurial spirit.

A rich culture nurtured by diverse climates

Despite this complex reality, Nigeria is notable for its rich culture that has been nurtured in its harsh natural environment. Located in West Africa, Nigeria has three distinct climate zones : a dry zone close to the Sahara Desert in the north, a savanna climate in the center, and a tropical rainforest climate in the south.

This diversity of climate is the source of the richness of Nigeria's national costumes. In the arid zone of the north, annual rainfall is less than 400 mm, there is a large difference in temperature between day and night (over 40°C during the day and below 20°C at night), and a dry wind called the "harmattan" blows, carrying dust from the Sahara Desert. Such harsh environments have given rise to practical and beautiful national costumes.

Northern Dry Zone: Desert Fashion of the Hausa People

The traditional clothing of the Hausa people, who live in harsh climates, is full of wisdom that can still be learned today. Let's take a look at the traditional men's clothing, the Baban Riga.

The relaxed, long robe style isn't just for design. The long sleeves and length improve ventilation, help regulate body temperature, and protect the skin from sand and dust. The lightweight cotton fabric also ensures moisture absorption.

There is also a deep reason behind the choice of color. Light colors such as white and beige are used as the base color because they reflect sunlight and have the effect of lowering the perceived temperature. They also have the practicality of making dust less noticeable. These ideas can be useful for us today when considering ways to deal with the summer heat.

Southern Tropics: Yoruba Dyeing Techniques and Functional Beauty

On the other hand, the Yoruba people who live in the tropical south have taken a different approach and created clothing to adapt to the climate. A prime example is the Adire, which we introduced in the previous article .

This indigo dyeing art is as functional as it is beautiful. The 100% cotton fabric is highly absorbent and breathable, and the indigo dye is said to have natural insect repellent properties. The relaxed fit reduces moisture buildup, making it ideal for hot, humid tropical climates.

Another interesting fabric is Aso Oke, a traditional fabric of the same Yoruba people. This beautiful handwoven striped fabric is worn on special occasions such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, and holds great significance as a symbol of family ties. It is not only functional, but also imbued with cultural value.

Traditions in the Modern Age: The Evolution of Ankara

Ankara is a symbol of modern Nigeria. As mentioned in the previous article , wax printing technology, which originally began in the Netherlands, has been independently developed in Nigeria.

Lightweight cotton fabrics are perfect for tropical climates, colorful colors are uplifting, and the fact that they are easy to wash is crucial in tropical climates where they need to be kept clean in hot and humid conditions.

Applying the wisdom of the arid zone to modern times

Let's take a look at the wisdom we can learn from these Nigerian traditional costumes and apply it to modern life in Japan. There are many points that can be used as reference, especially for dealing with the summer heat.

First, choose the material. Cotton has the best balance of absorbency and breathability, while polyester traps heat and should be avoided in the summer. This principle is based on wisdom cultivated in dry regions.

Next, choose the color. Light colors like white, beige, and light blue have the effect of lowering the perceived temperature. And a loose silhouette creates a layer of air between the body and the fabric, improving ventilation and increasing comfort.

How to Adopt Nigerian National Dress

Now that you understand this background, why not try incorporating Nigerian traditional clothing into modern fashion?

For beginners, we recommend starting with small items: Ankara scarves and headbands, sisal basket bags, and upcycled beaded accessories are easy to incorporate.

Once you get used to it, try adding accent items such as Ankara-patterned blouses and skirts, or Adire cardigans and scarves.

The trick to coordinating an outfit is to keep the rest of the outfit simple when a colorful item is the main focus, and to match the color tones when matching patterned items.

The value of sustainable fashion

Finally, I would like to explain why Nigerian traditional clothing is a must-have now. These clothing is the culmination of techniques passed down through generations, including dyeing techniques using natural materials, careful hand-weaving and hand-making, and practicality optimized for the local climate.

In this age of mass production and mass consumption, it is becoming increasingly important to cherish and use each item for a long time, respect the skills of artisans, and understand the cultural background behind the item before wearing it.

Nigeria certainly faces complex challenges. But at the same time, it is a country with wisdom and a beautiful culture that has been cultivated in a harsh natural environment. While it is important to know statistical facts, a deeper understanding can be gained by looking at the culture, history, and artisanal techniques behind them.

First, try picking up an item made from Nigerian fabric. You're sure to discover something new as you wear it and feel the wisdom and culture behind it.

Representative Kaoru Tsuji