Once upon a time, our parents taught us that Ankara was strictly a “Sunday best” material.

That’s why we always kept our Ankara materials under the box until it was time for owambes, family portraits, and special Sunday gatherings. But we’re no longer in that generation.

We’re seeing nearly everything change in the fashion world, including the Ankara tradition. Ankara has suddenly gotten a glow-up, and Gen Z is certainly behind the wheel.

We’re seeing an unprecedented shift from what Ankara used to be. Today, it’s bolder, cooler, and “younger.” Let’s look at all the ways our young champions are reviving traditional fashion using Ankara.

ALSO READ: 18 stunning Ankara outfit ideas for Easter Sunday

1. The Rise of Ankara Mix & Match

We’re seeing thrift shopping (a.k.a. “bend down select”) becoming popular among young people. Sellers and designers know this, so they’re trying everything to have options available for the young. This has given birth to the Ankara mix-and-match tradition. This is why you’ll see Ankara skirts paired with vintage tees and bomber jackets with Ankara linings. It’s fashion fusion, Nigerian edition.

This mash-up style screams: “I’m repping culture, but I’m doing it my way.”

2. Tailor Culture 2.0

Back in the day, your mum dragged you to the tailor for Christmas clothes. Now, you’re sliding into young designers’ DMs with Pinterest boards and mood inspirations.

Gen Z designers are ditching boring cuts for cropped tops, flared pants, patchwork shirts, and even puffer jackets – all made with Ankara. They’re changing the sewing culture to suit modern trends. It has become obvious that they want to tell stories with every cut, and they’re doing it just as well.

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3. The Rise of Ankara Streetwear Brands

A wave of fashion startups is using Ankara in non-traditional silhouettes. Think streetwear labels that make:

• Oversized hoodies with Ankara pockets

• Joggers with tribal prints

• Ankara canvas sneakers

• Reversible bucket hats

ALSO READ: How to slay in an owambe with your Ankara fit

You’ve seen them around. They’re becoming more popular these days, and we love the level of creativity they are coming with.

4. Genderless, Limitless Fashion

In the past, traditional Ankara was often boxed by gender. But Gen Z doesn’t care, and that’s why they’re redefining how it’s done. Men are rocking skirts. Women are wearing agbada. Everyone is wearing what feels good and looks fire.

This has caused us to see Ankara as a fabric of expression rather than the fabric of expectation it used to be.

5. Social Media = Style Playground

TikTok and Instagram Reels have become Gen Z’s digital runway. Young Nigerians are styling Ankara with sneakers, chains, sunglasses, and Gen Z confidence.

One viral video can turn a local tailor into a fashion influencer. Thanks to social media, Ankara is going global, getting likes from Lagos to London.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all cash award, thoughtful gestures can show you understand what motivates each individual. Personalized learning opportunities signal investment in career development. Wellness tools demonstrate care for physical and mental health.

Flexible time offers work life balance. Hobby stipends encourage creative pursuits that replenish energy. Shared experiences build stronger connections. Curated surprises maintain engagement throughout the year.

By selecting meaningful tokens of appreciation your organisation fosters loyalty, reinforces a culture of recognition and makes each team member feel truly valued.

• Customised professional development vouchers

  Each employee receives credit toward courses, workshops or conferences aligned with their ambitions. This might include specialised certifications in emerging technologies, leadership seminars or creative writing master classes. Providing these opportunities shows respect for individual career paths and enables workers to acquire new skills that benefit both their personal growth and organizational success.

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• Curated wellness and ergonomic packages

  A thoughtfully assembled wellness kit can include an adjustable laptop stand, ergonomic mouse and keyboard, a high quality water bottle and a subscription to a guided meditation app. Combining tools that improve posture with products that encourage hydration and stress relief demonstrates a holistic approach to employee health and well being.

• Flexible time off tokens

  Offer branded cards redeemable for a four hour break in the afternoon, a late start day or an extended lunch with no questions asked. Granting control over scheduling empowers employees to attend important life events, manage appointments or simply recharge when they need it most.

• Monthly creative stipends

  Allocate a monthly allowance for employees to explore personal passions. Whether they invest in painting supplies, baking equipment or photography classes, supporting hobbies outside of work rekindles creativity, reduces burnout and brings renewed energy to their professional roles.

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• Exclusive team building experiences

  Coordinate activities based on shared interests such as a private mixology workshop, an urban art tour or a guided kayaking excursion. These bespoke experiences foster collaboration in a relaxed environment and create memories that translate into stronger workplace relationships and improved communication.

• Personalised recognition artwork

  Commission a custom illustration featuring each team member’s key strengths, favorite projects or major achievements. Present this as a high quality print for their desk or home office. This unique piece serves as a daily reminder of their contributions and the company’s appreciation.

• Subscription based surprise boxes

  Arrange quarterly deliveries tailored to individual tastes, options might include artisanal coffee selections, curated book bundles or self care kits with bath salts and herbal teas. Regular surprises maintain a sense of being valued throughout the year rather than concentrating recognition in a single moment.

By choosing gifts that align with personal interests, well-being and professional aspirations, organizations can express gratitude in ways that resonate deeply and inspire long-term loyalty.

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If you’ve experienced Lagos’s busy lifestyle, you’ll know why many Lagosians are unconcerned about many things.

Let’s be real. You can’t be battling between waking up at 4 AM and staying hours in traffic and still have time to finesse your outfit. But with the sun at its hottest, there are some things you must do, and one of them is taking good care of your afro.

The Lagos heat doesn’t care how many hours you spend detangling and deep-conditioning. It just wants to shine, and it comes with sweat and all the humidity to turn your sleek hairstyle into a puffball.

But well, you can still survive all it throws at you, especially if you’re a fan of sweet-looking afros. Here are all the hacks that can help your afro survive the harsh Lagos heat.

ALSO READ:

ALSO READ: 5 signs your hair needs a break from braids, weaves or wigs

1. Shrinkage Is Not an Enemy – Don’t Lose Yourself Running Away From It

In the Lagos heat, shrinkage is inevitable. You can stretch your hair with threading, twist-outs, or African banding, but step into the sun for 10 minutes and boom – back to baby fro. The earlier you learn to embrace this reality, the better it’ll be for you. After all, shrinkage brings a unique kind of bounce, which can be a style of its own.

2. Moisture Is Gold

The heat is real, and so is dehydration for your hair, too. Dry hair leads to breakage, and no one wants a crunchy fro. Keep a water-based spritz bottle handy, mix in some leave-in conditioner, and seal with a light oil (hello, coconut or jojoba). Moisture is your best friend on hot, dusty Lagos days, so you really should learn the best way to moisturise your hair.

3. Protective Styles Will Save Your Sanity

Sometimes, your hair just wants a vacation, too. So, you’ve got to find the style that keeps it safe without needing constant retouching. When you think about this option, think of Box braids, Twists, Cornrows, and Bantu knots

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They help retain length, reduce manipulation, and give you a break from daily styling. Plus, they’re Lagos heat-proof.

4. Satin Everything

Lagos heat makes you sweat, and cotton pillows and scarves will soak up every drop of moisture from your hair, especially when you’re out in the sun. To maintain your hair’s moisture through all these, you must find a way not to soak it up. The easiest solutions that come to mind include satin bonnets, satin pillowcases, and satin-lined caps. They protect your hair and keep the moisture on the strands, where it belongs.

ALSO READ: Natural hair care tips for the Nigerian weather

5. Salons Can Be Hit or Miss

Not every salon knows how to handle natural hair with care. Some will yank, fry, or disrespect your curl pattern in ways that should be illegal.

Find your “naturalista-friendly” salon close by or wherever. Another option is to learn some basic DIY styles to keep you in control.

Conclusion 

The natural hair journey is never for the weak, but it’s worth the stress. Join me on this journey to rediscovery, and you’ll not regret every coming.