My friend Iniola went to Tejuosho Market in Yaba yesterday to price native outfits for her cousin's wedding this weekend.
What she found surprised her.
She said a tailor in Lekki quoted ₦40,000 to sew a Black Agbada, while a tailor in Yaba quoted ₦15,000 for a similar style using the same type of fabric.
That is a big price difference.
So, why can tailoring prices be so different in Lagos? Iniola decided to check more styles and ended up pricing four outfits — two for men and two for women.
If you have an Owambe or wedding this weekend, these styles may give you an idea of what to show your tailor.
1. Black Agbada with Red Coral Beads – For Groom or Groomsmen
Black Agbada is a classic choice for men attending traditional weddings. Adding a red fila cap and coral beads gives the outfit a strong traditional look.
It can work well for a groom, groomsman or wedding guest who wants a clean and traditional appearance.
Iniola said the tailor she checked in Lekki quoted ₦40,000 to sew a similar Agbada, while the tailor she visited in Yaba quoted about ₦15,000.
Best for: Grooms, groomsmen and traditional wedding guests.
2. Navy Blue Senator Wear – For Wedding Guests
If you like simple native wear, a navy blue Senator outfit is a good option.
This style does not need heavy embroidery to look smart. A clean cut, good fabric and proper fitting can make the outfit stand out.
It can also work for introductions, Friday outings and some office settings.
Best for: Wedding guests, introductions and smart Friday outfits.
3. Champagne Gold Lace with Red Gele – For a Bride's Friend
For women, champagne gold lace with a bold red gele gives a rich traditional look.
The fitted gown and puff sleeves can make the outfit stand out without needing too many extra details.
It is a good choice for a bride's friend, Aso Ebi or a guest attending a traditional wedding.
Best for: Wedding guests, Aso Ebi and the bride's friends.
4. Gold Lace with Coral Beads – For an Introduction or Owambe
The second women's style Iniola liked was a gold embroidered lace outfit styled with coral beads.
The coral necklace adds a traditional touch, making the outfit suitable for an introduction, traditional marriage or Owambe.
Iniola said this was her favourite of the two women's styles.
Best for: Introductions, traditional weddings and Owambe events.
Why Are Tailoring Prices So Different in Lagos?
Iniola's experience shows that the same type of outfit can have very different sewing prices depending on where you go.
Her price checks were roughly:
- Yaba / Tejuosho Market: ₦12,000 – ₦15,000
- Surulere / Bode Thomas: ₦20,000 – ₦25,000
- Lekki / Ajah / Sangotedo: ₦35,000 – ₦40,000
These are not fixed Lagos-wide prices. They are the prices Iniola said she was quoted when checking these styles.
Tailoring prices can change depending on the tailor, location, design, finishing, fabric, workload and how quickly you need the outfit.
So, it is worth checking with more than one tailor before you pay.
Where Did Iniola Sew Her Outfits?
Iniola said she sewed her outfits around Tejuosho Market in Yaba.
She mentioned a tailor she knows as Baba Emeka, who she said quoted about ₦15,000 for the Agbada and about ₦10,000 for a lace gown.
She also said the tailor told her he could deliver within three days.
Important: Tailoring prices and delivery times can change. If you want to use a tailor mentioned in this article, confirm the current price, delivery date, fabric requirements and finishing before making payment.
Things to Ask Your Tailor Before Sewing
- How much is the sewing charge?
- Is embroidery included in the price?
- Do I need to provide the fabric myself?
- How long will the outfit take?
- How many fittings are included?
- Will alterations cost extra?
- What happens if the outfit is not ready on the agreed date?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sew native wear in Lagos?
There is no single fixed price. In Iniola's price check, she was quoted about ₦12,000–₦15,000 in Yaba, ₦20,000–₦25,000 in Surulere and ₦35,000–₦40,000 around Lekki. Prices can change depending on the style, tailor, fabric, finishing and location.
Is Yaba cheaper for tailoring?
Yaba can have lower sewing prices for some styles, but it is still important to compare the tailor's work, finishing, delivery time and total cost before choosing.
How much does it cost to sew an Agbada?
The price depends on the Agbada design, embroidery, fabric, finishing and tailor. Iniola said she was quoted ₦15,000 in Yaba and ₦40,000 for a similar style in Lekki.
How early should I give my tailor my wedding outfit?
It is better to give your tailor enough time for sewing and possible adjustments. If you have a wedding this weekend, confirm the delivery date before paying and ask whether there will be time for fitting and corrections.
Should I choose a tailor based only on price?
No. A cheaper tailor is not always the right choice. Check previous work, fitting, finishing, delivery time and customer reviews as well as the price.
Final Thoughts
Iniola's trip to Yaba shows why it can be useful to compare tailoring prices before sewing a wedding outfit.
The difference between the prices she received in Yaba, Surulere and Lekki was quite large, but the price of a particular outfit can vary for many reasons.
For her wedding this weekend, Iniola picked the Navy Blue Senator for her fiancé and the Champagne Gold Lace for herself.
Which one would you choose?
1, 2, 3 or 4?
Tell us in the comments and save this article so you can show your favourite style to your tailor.
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