Sustainable Fashion in Nigeria: Brands to Support

The fashion industry in Lagos, vibrant, and globally influential. From Lagos Fashion Week to international runways, Nigerian designers have made their mark with creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. But as the world shifts towards environmental awareness, the Lagos sector is also embracing sustainability. With rising concerns about climate change, waste, pollution, and unethical production, sustainable fashion has become more than a trend it is a movement shaping the future of clothing in Nigeria.

Sustainable fashion refers to clothing and accessories produced with environmental responsibility, ethical labour practices, and long-lasting quality. It rejects fast fashion’s cycle of mass production and waste, instead promoting durability, eco-friendly materials, fair wages, local production, and conscious consumption. In Lagos brands are championing this movement, proving that style and sustainability can coexist beautifully.

One of the most notable sustainable brands in Nigeria is NKWO, founded by designer Nkwo Onwuka. The brand promotes waste reduction by using off-cuts, textile leftovers, and upcycled denim to create unique, handcrafted pieces. NKWO is famous for its “Dakotah” technique, which transforms shredded fabric into a new textile. The brand not only reduces waste but also supports local artisans who handcraft each piece. NKWO has gained global recognition for promoting African craftsmanship while being environmentally responsible.

Another pioneering brand is Orange Culture, led by designer Adebayo Oke-Lawal. While known for its bold, gender-fluid designs, Orange Culture is also deeply committed to sustainability. The brand uses locally sourced fabrics, partners with skilled Nigerian tailors, and avoids overproduction. By producing small batches and valuing craftsmanship, Orange Culture reduces waste and supports local industry. It prioritizes ethical labour practices, ensuring tailors are fairly paid and valued for their skill.

Lisa Folawiyo Studio is another brand pushing ethical luxury. The brand is known for its intricate beadwork and expertly tailored pieces made using locally sourced Ankara. Each garment is handcrafted by Lagos, with some pieces taking up to 240 hours to complete. By employing artisans and focusing on slow fashion, Lisa Folawiyo contributes to sustainable production and preserves traditional craftsmanship.

For casual and everyday wear, Maki Oh, founded by designer Amaka Osakwe, offers sustainably produced pieces rooted in African storytelling. The brand uses locally woven fabrics, eco-friendly dyeing techniques, and handcraft methods. Maki Oh has gained international acclaim, worn by global icons, yet remains committed to responsible production practices that highlight Nigerian artistry.

Another notable brand is WafflesNCream, Nigeria’s first skate and streetwear brand with a sustainability ethos. The brand encourages conscious living through community building, recycling initiatives, and supporting local youth. Their clothing is produced in small batches, often using recycled or locally sourced materials. They also run initiatives that educate the youth on waste reduction and environmental awareness.

Kkerele is another eco-conscious clothing brand focusing on ethical and slow fashion. The brand produces made-to-order clothing to avoid waste and overproduction. By using deadstock fabric and reworked materials, Kkerele helps reduce landfill waste while offering modern pieces for young, stylish Nigerians.

Beyond high-end labels, sustainable fashion is also growing in grassroots communities through thrift culture, popularly known as “okrika”. Although often overlooked, thrifting reduces waste by giving pre-loved clothing a second life. Lagos markets such as Yaba, Oshodi, Tejuosho, and Balogun have thriving thrift sections where shoppers can find stylish, affordable, and sustainable items. Thrifting supports circular fashion by keeping clothes longer in use and reducing demand for new garments.

Sustainable fashion in Lagos extends to accessories. Brands like Ethnik by Tunde Owolabi produce bags and footwear using traditional Aso-Oke fabric, leather scraps, and handcrafted techniques. Beads by Olachi, Zashadu, and O’eclat Designs create ethically made, durable pieces using local materials and artisanal methods. These accessory brands employ local artisans, promote fair labour, and preserve cultural heritage.

Consumers play a major role in supporting sustainable fashion. Lagos contribute by buying quality over quantity, choosing made-in-Nigeria brands, supporting ethical designers, repairing clothes instead of discarding them, and adopting mindful shopping habits. Investing in sustainable fashion not only supports the environment but strengthens the local economy and preserves craftsmanship

The growing awareness of sustainability is also influencing fashion events in Nigeria. Lagos Fashion Week has introduced Green Access, a platform dedicated to emerging designers committed to eco-conscious practices. Workshops and exhibitions now highlight recycling, upcycling, and innovative textile techniques. This push is helping shape the future of fashion in Nigeria, inspiring young designers to embrace sustainability from the start.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Sustainable production can be expensive, eco-friendly materials are limited, and consumer awareness is still growing. However, the Nigerian fashion industry is resilient, innovative, and deeply rooted in creativity. As more designers and consumers embrace sustainability, the movement will continue to grow stronger.

Sustainable fashion is not just a concept in Nigeria it is becoming a lifestyle, a movement, and a cultural shift. By supporting ethical brands like NKWO, Orange Culture, Lisa Folawiyo, Maki Oh, WafflesNCream, Kkerele, and others, Nigerians can champion environmental consciousness while celebrating style and craftsmanship. As awareness continues to rise, sustainable fashion will shape the future of Nigeria’s fashion industry stylish, responsible, and proudly African.