Textile business: “Tie and dye fabric (Adiré)” a business opportunity in Western Nigeria

Many people in Nigeria tend to look down on their own home produce but little do they know that it is appreciated in the developed countries. Just sew it well , design it using lovely colour palette.

Anytime I see someone going to Nigeria and they ask me, What do you want me to bring for you?

My reply now is Ankara( Wax print fabric) or tie and dye fabric (Adiré as it is popularly called in Nigeria).

Today our focus will be on Tie and dye (Adiré).

layered skirt and knitted sweater with buttonhole shoulder opening by anino ogunjobi ahudybery
Tie and dye layered skirt and knitted sweater with buttonhole shoulder opening by Anino Ogunjobi A Hudy Bery®
batik with tie and dye fabric
Photo credit: Brocade tie and dye fabric Anino Ogunjobi

tie and dye fabric 2

Tie and dye fabric in Nigeria is mostly produced in the western part of Nigeria- Ogun state and Lagos state. It is popular among the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria.

PRODUCTION: Fabric that accept dyes like cotton is a good product to work with.

  • Some people use Kolanut-(Yes the Kola they use for traditional ceremonies ) to make dyes. The kolanut dye is gotten from the Kolanut we eat. The kolanut technology involves using the kolanut waste or rotten kolanut to generate quality and harmless dyes. With Kolanut you rarely have reactions or allergy on your skin.
  • Indigo leaves: Some grind local indigo leaves and extract the juice to make dyes.
  • Fibre reactive dyes , caustic soda and others.

Many people have allergy and tends to turn away from such fabrics because of the reaction it  causes on their body like severe itching, redness and much more.

Fabrics used are mostly linen, voile, cotton and brocade fabric.

Many do add batik technique to their dyed fabric so as to make a variety.

I noticed that these tie and dye fabrics look great when combined with knitted cardigans or plain wears.

They make great summer wears in the western countries because most of them are colourful, light weight and made from cotton.

batik and adire fabric 1
Photo credit: Batik with tie and dye adiré fabric 1. Anino Ogunjobi
Adire or tie and dye peplum top by Adirelounge instagram image 2
Adire or tie and dye peplum top by Adirelounge instagram
Adire or tie and dye fascinators and head-wrap by Olekutraditions instagram
Adire or tie and dye fascinators and head-wrap by Olekutraditions instagram

 

MARKET: Many people in Nigeria tend to look down on their own home produce but little do they know that it is appreciated in the developed countries. Just sew it well , design it using lovely colour palette.

There is indeed a large market for this “tie and dye” fabric .

  • Clothing-tops/blouse, shirts , peplum tops, dresses, skirts, flared gown, flared skirts,T-shirts, etc.
  • Soft furnishing/ home decor -Cushions, quilts,table runners, wall hangings, etc.
  • Clutch bags
  • Footwear
  • Hair accessories- fascinators, headbands, scrunchies, hair bows, etc.
  • Much more.

 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

It creates employment for the

  • Designer,
  • Photographers,
  • Retailer
  • Manufacturer
  • Models

We will explain more on this later on (when we write on job opportunities).

Adire or tie and dye shirts by Easycouture instagram
Photo credit: Adire or tie and dye shirts by Easycouture instagram
Adire or tie and dye shirts by Easycouture instagram image 2
Photo credit: Adire or tie and dye shirts by Easycouture instagram
image 2
Adire or tie and dye totes by Highbeekayfabricart instagram
Adire or tie and dye shirts byAdirelounge instagram image 2
Adire or tie and dye shirts byAdirelounge instagram
 image
Adire or tie and dye fascinator, bag and top by Olekutraditions instagram

 

 

Photo credit: Tie and dye or adire fabrics in various colours. Anino Ogunjobi

We will be featuring some styles/ designs using tie and dye fabrics to also create an awareness while encouraging the country producing it.

6 Comments

    • That’s great. I don’t know much about this particular dry type of Tie and dye. I will find out more about it.

  1. Dear Sir,
    I am seeking permission to use one of your pictures for my research work. I am working on The Nigerian fashion industry for academic work and unfortunately, I got robbed of my pictures during field work. I would like to use one of your Adire pictures in my work and I will be sure to credit you.

    • You can use my pictures and give credit. You can also contact the various people(designers) on their Instagram page to seek permission.

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