Best Markets to Buy Clothes in Lagos (New, Native & Thrift)

Lagos is a clothes-shopping city. From brand-new ready-to-wear to native attire and second-hand bargains, there's a market for every budget. Here are the best markets to buy clothes in Lagos and what each is best for.

Tejuosho Market, Yaba: best all-rounder

Best for: ready-to-wear dresses, office wear, native attire, fabric for tailoring, shoes, bags and accessories in one trip.

The Main Tejuosho Shopping Complex is a modern multi-storey market with numbered shops, which makes it easier to shop and find traders again. It's a strong choice if you want new clothes at market prices without the chaos of open-air markets. Read the Tejuosho shopping guide and how to get there.

Balogun Market, Lagos Island: best for variety and wholesale

Best for: fabrics, lace, clothing in bulk, and the widest choice in Lagos.

Balogun is vast and busy. Go early, know what you want, and keep your belongings close.

Trade Fair, Ojo: best for wholesale fashion

Best for: traders and resellers buying clothes, shoes and bags in quantity.

Yaba and the thrift markets: best for okrika

Best for: second-hand ("okrika") clothes at very low prices.

Yaba, Katangowa and other areas are known for thrift clothing. See our full okrika and thrift markets guide.

Oshodi: best for quick, cheap everyday wear

Best for: budget clothing and shoes near a major transport hub.

What to buy where

• Office wear: Tejuosho and Balogun boutiques; bring style pictures.
• Native wear: buy fabric (Tejuosho, Balogun) and use a tailor, or buy ready-made kaftans, senators and bubu gowns.
• Party wear and aso-ebi: see where to buy lace and aso-ebi.
• Children's clothes: Tejuosho for retail; Balogun and Trade Fair for wholesale.
• Shoes and bags to match: Tejuosho has many shoe and bag shops in the same complex.

Buying clothes for resale

• Tell traders you're buying for resale and ask for bulk prices per dozen or per bale.
• Check sizes and stitching on every piece before paying.
• Build relationships with two or three reliable suppliers so you can reorder on WhatsApp.

How to get the best price

• Compare three or four shops before buying.
• Shop on weekday mornings when traders have more time.
• Buy several items from one shop for a better deal.
• Use our bargaining guide.

Shopping from abroad? See buying from Lagos traders while abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Which market is cheapest for clothes in Lagos?

For the lowest prices, second-hand (okrika) markets and wholesale sections of big markets like Balogun and Trade Fair are usually cheapest. For new clothes at good prices with an easier shopping experience, Tejuosho in Yaba is popular.

Where can I buy wholesale clothes in Lagos?

Balogun on Lagos Island and Trade Fair in Ojo are well known for wholesale clothing. Many traders in Tejuosho and other markets also sell in bulk if you ask.

Where can I buy children's clothes in bulk in Lagos?

Big markets such as Balogun and Trade Fair have wholesale children's clothing sections, and traders in Tejuosho also sell children's wear and will quote bulk prices.