Fabrics & Fashion
How Many Yards of Fabric? Nigerian Styles Guide
How many yards of Ankara or lace do you need for a gown, buba and iro, skirt and blouse, kaftan, senator or agbada? A practical guide for buying fabric in Lagos or from abroad.
One of the most common questions at Lagos fabric shops, and from people ordering from abroad, is "how many yards do I need?" The honest answer is "ask your tailor", because size, height and style all matter. But a rough guide helps you budget and avoid the nightmare of running short after the colour batch has sold out.
How fabric is sold in Lagos markets
- Ankara: commonly sold in 6-yard pieces; some traders sell 3-yard half pieces.
- Lace: commonly sold in 5-yard pieces.
- George: often sold as wrapper sets.
- Aso-oke: sold by the piece for gele, fila or full outfits.
- Plain fabrics and linen: often cut by the yard.
Rough guide for women's styles
These are typical ranges for an average adult; tall, plus-size or very full styles need more.
- Simple fitted gown: about one piece (5–6 yards).
- Flared or long-train gown: often more than one piece.
- Skirt and blouse: about one piece.
- Buba and iro (blouse and wrapper): about one piece, plus a gele.
- Two-piece trouser set: about one piece.
- Bubu / kaftan dress: about one piece, depending on length and width.
Rough guide for men's styles
- Kaftan or senator with trousers: often around one piece of plain fabric; ask your tailor.
- Buba and sokoto: similar to a senator.
- Agbada (three-piece): needs much more fabric because of the wide outer robe. Confirm exact yardage with your tailor before buying.
Children's outfits
Children's styles often need a half piece or less, and leftover fabric from adult outfits is often enough for a matching child's outfit. Tell the trader you want "mummy and me" sets and they may cut accordingly.
Why it pays to buy a little extra
- Dye batches vary, so the same colour bought later can look different.
- Patterned fabrics may need extra for matching prints at seams.
- Leftovers make matching caps, gele, bags, face masks or children's outfits.
Ordering from abroad?
Get your tailor's yardage before you message a Lagos trader, then order everything in one go. See how to buy aso-ebi from abroad and shipping options.
Not sure which fabric to pick? Read Nigerian fabrics explained and types of lace.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards is a piece of Ankara?
Ankara is commonly sold in 6-yard pieces, though some traders also sell half pieces (3 yards) or cut by the yard.
How many yards is a piece of lace?
Lace is commonly sold in 5-yard pieces.
Is one piece of fabric enough for a gown?
For most women's gowns, one piece (5 yards of lace or 6 yards of Ankara) is enough, but very full, long or flared styles and taller wearers may need more. Always confirm with your tailor.
