The Best Places to Buy Dashikis in Lagos, Nigeria

Located in the heart of Lagos Island, Balogun Market is a hub where you can purchase different varieties of items, such as clothing, bags, shoes and jewellery, to mention a few. Dashikis are available in the market, for men and women, in many colours, sizes and designs. Shops selling dashikis can be found on the side of Marina Street, by UBA’s head office. To access the market, buses are available from most parts of the mainland to CMS, and visitors to the market should alight at ‘Market Bus Stop’.

Idumota Market, popularly called ‘Eko’ by Lagosians, is located at the Iganmu axis of Lagos Island, and is one of the largest markets in Nigeria. All sorts of clothing, houseware, electronic and food items are sold in the market. People from all over Nigeria and beyond come to buy wholesale goods from Idumota Market. Dashikis in different designs can be bought all around the market, especially for those interested in buying large quantities for reselling, as this is one place buyers can get a good bargain.

The Lekki Arts and Craft Market, also known as Oba Elegushi International Market or Jakande Art Market, is a great place to buy traditional African items such as carvings, jewellery, clothings, shoes, and bags etc. The market is located at the fifth Roundabout on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, where visitors are treated to a display of many interesting garments in eye-catching colours.

Located in the Yaba axis of Lagos, Tejuosho Market is one of the most sought-after places in Lagos when it comes to clothing. The market was rebuilt a few years ago, and many modern buildings were erected for shopping activities, and the site also features car park spaces, advert spaces, children’s area and food court. The market is good place to get bargains on dashikis as it serves a significant part of the Lagos population.

A high-end boutique, located in Victoria Island in Lagos, Alara is reputed to be a one-stop shop for exquisite designer wears and many other fashion items. The boutique sells clothing from both Western and African designers, including dresses by Italian-Haitian designer Stella Jean, futuristic glasses by Kenya’s Cyrus Kabiru, to the python bags made by Zainab Ashadu, who is behind the Zashadu brand. Alara resides in a four-storey building where patrons can purchase African fashion, design and art and a selection of work by Western designers. Alara also has a gourmet restaurant.

Tae Afrika is located in Ikoyi, Lagos and is the home of exquisite ready-to-wear African clothing. Tae Africa is the brain child of Bisola Edun, the 2007 winner of the British Council International Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year prize.