10 Trendy Akwa Ibom Traditional Attire for Men and Women

The Akwa Ibom traditional attire is renowned for its exquisite style and has gained popularity as one of the trendiest traditional attires in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Located in the southern region of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State boasts a rich cultural heritage, and clothing holds a significant place within its traditions. The state is home to six major ethnic groups: Efik, Oron, Annang, Ibibio, Obolo, and Eket. Each ethnic group proudly embraces and wears the fashionable Akwa Ibom traditional attire.

These attires are adorned with intricate details, including ornate patterns and designs, and are accompanied by exquisite accessories. The combination of the attire and accessories adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to the wearer’s overall appearance. The Akwa Ibom traditional attire is worn with pride and reverence during various occasions and traditional functions.

Trendy Akwa Ibom Traditional Attire

Akwa Ibom traditional attire is worn depending on the occasion one wants to attend. In wearing any of the attires, the right accessories are to be worn to show the cultural heritage of the Akwa Ibom people. The following trendy Akwa Ibom traditional attire is categorized under the following:

Akwa Ibom Traditional Attire For Ladies

Ladies from Akwa Ibom State are known to follow the trend of great fashion. With their traditional attire, they have effortlessly stunned at various events. Below is the following Akwa Ibom traditional attire for ladies:

1. Onyonyo (Golden, Silver, and Black Combo)

The onyonyo is a long, elegant gown adorned with beads. It is usually worn by royalty, sophisticated ladies, brides, and any celebrant on loud occasions. Ladies from the Efik, Oron, Annang, Ibibio, Obolo, and Eket ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State usually steal the attention of the day with their attire. This intricate attire is made into an off-shoulder that ends in a long flow with a sequence material and a sateen george.

To stun in this attire, your hairdo should be the trending traditional hairstyle that will fit in with the Ibuot Abang (headgear) of your choice. The attire should be rocked with the right accessories like coral beads, an embroidered shawl, a set of gold or silver jewelries, the traditional rod, purse, and many more.

2. Maiden Ankara Attire

This traditional maiden attire is usually worn by single ladies for traditional ceremonies like weddings, coronations, and many more. The attire can be made into a blouse and three-step skirt or joined into a gown. To rock it better, make a stunning traditional hairstyle that will be adorned with beads and other hair accessories.

To accessorize the outfit, a coral bead that matches the color of the Ankara, a hand fan, waist bead, traditional rod, and leg beads can be worn. A matching flat slipper or sandal complements the outfit best.

3. Onyonyo (Purple and Silver Combo)

This well-detailed silver and purple combination is ideal for any occasion for any lady. The onyonyo is made with a combination of velvet and george material with a silver clothing accessory. It is made with elaborate hands and ended in a long flow. The outfit can be worn with silver jewelry, coral beads, a decorated native rod, Ibuot Abang, and any matching footwear of your choice.

4. Onyonyo (Straight Fitted)

This onyonyo is made into a stunning long body-fitted gown with lace and sateen material. The lace is made into a fabulous style with an off-hand and the other running into an elaborate sleeve. The sateen material was joined from the waistline into a side tail. This traditional attire can be worn by any woman for any event.

To add more sauce, a traditional hairstyle that will be adorned with beads or Ibuot Abang should be made. Other accessories like sets of gold or silver jewelry, coral beads, shawls, adorned traditional rods, matching purses, umbrella, hand fan, and other matching accessories can be rocked with the outfit.

5. Straight-Fitted Gown With Gele

This straight gown with gele is mainly worn by all the ladies of Akwa Ibom for any event. It is common among ladies from Ibibio, Oron, and Annang, though people from other ethnic groups wear it. The gown is made with a well-designed lace.

The style is made into a long sleeve that runs into a straight body fit with a side tail attached to it. An umbrella, hand fan, purse, coral beads, or set of gold or silver jewelry can be used to accessorize the attire.

Akwa Ibom Traditional Attire For Men

Men are not left out in the fashion trend of the Akwa Ibom people. The Akwa Ibom traditional attire for men has evolved over time. They usually wear white shirts decorated with okpomkomon, coral beads, with the usobo mainly made of george material, and a traditional cap. The attire is usually worn with footwear customized with beads, clothes, or embroidery materials.

6. White Shirt on Sky Blue Usobo

This white shirt on sky blue usobo is worn with a matching okpomkpomon tied around the neck. The outfit is mostly worn by grooms from Akwa Ibom State and for big events like chieftaincy coronation and more. The usobo is tied to flow down, resting on the feet.

It is usually worn with matching native caps and walking sticks to show cultural heritage. Other things that can be used to add more savor to your looks include matching footwear, hand fans, animal horns, men’s purse, horse tails, and many more.

7. White Shirt on Peach Usobo

This white shirt and usobo are rocked without the okpomkpomon; rather, a matching coral bead is used. This usobo is a piece of george material that is tied to stop below the knee level. A groom or anyone that wants to attend any event can come prepared in this outfit. A native cap, walking stick, matching footwear, and any other matching accessories can be used to dazzle in the outfit.

8. Brown Shirt on Golden George with Embroidered Jacket

This type of attire is usually worn by people from the Efik ethnic group, though men from other ethnic groups also steal the show with their attire. It makes a bold statement and can be worn to any event of your choice.

The brown shirt is worn with a matching okpomkpomon from the usobo. The usobo (george material) is tied to rest on the feet. An embroidered jacket that matches the cap and shoes is also used to rock the attire. A walking stick was also used to add more glamour to the outfit.

9. White Shirt on Blue Usobo

This attire is common among men from Ibibio and can be worn on any occasion. The white shirt is worn over a blue usobo that is tied to the end in a slanty way on the knee. The okpomkpomon is worn over the shirt with a matching cap, walking stick, and matching footwear.

10. White Shirt on White Usobo with Jacket

Men from Efik and other ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom stun effortlessly in this attire. This simple yet intricate attire can be worn to any event of your choice.

The white shirt is worn over a white usobo and is complimented with an embroidered black jacket. The usobo (george material) is tied to rest a bit above the feet. An embroidered cap, shoe, and walking stick designed with white handkerchiefs came in handy for the attire.