53 Best Aso-oke Styles for Ladies 2024

Aso-oke

Aso-oke is a traditional handwoven textile native to the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa. Its origin dates back centuries, with the craft deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural heritage. The term “Aso-oke” translates to “top cloth” in English, emphasizing its significance as a fabric reserved for special occasions and ceremonies.

The production of Aso-oke involves a labor-intensive process, starting with the cultivation of locally sourced cotton and dyeing materials. Yoruba weavers, often skilled artisans from specialized families, then hand-spin the cotton into yarn before weaving it into strips. The strips are eventually joined together to create the final fabric.

Aso-oke comes in various patterns, colors, and designs, each conveying specific meanings and cultural symbols. It is commonly used for traditional attire during ceremonies like weddings, funerals, and festivals. Over time, Aso-oke has evolved, adapting to changing fashion trends while preserving its cultural significance.

Types of Aso-oke

Aso-oke comes in various types, each distinguished by its weaving pattern, design, and purpose. Each type holds unique meanings and is chosen based on the occasion, personal preferences, and cultural customs.

Here are some prominent types of Aso-oke:

Alaari Aso-oke

Known for its vibrant red hue, Alaari Aso-oke is often associated with celebrations and joyous occasions. It is a popular choice for weddings and is sometimes combined with other colors to create intricate designs.

Sanyan Aso-oke

Sanyan Aso-oke is characterized by its natural brown color, derived from the undyed silk or cotton used in its production. It is often chosen for its simplicity and is suitable for various events.

Etu Aso-oke

Etu Aso-oke is recognized by its deep indigo color, achieved through a dyeing process involving indigo leaves. This type of Aso-oke is commonly worn for events like funerals and signifies a sense of solemnity and tradition.

Buba and Soro Aso-oke

This type consists of two separate pieces: the Buba (blouse) and Soro (wrapper). These are typically worn together as a set, creating a coordinated and elegant traditional outfit.

Alari Aso-oke:

Alari Aso-oke is characterized by metallic threads interwoven into the fabric, giving it a shiny and luxurious appearance. This type is commonly chosen for high-profile events and celebrations.

Komole Aso-oke:

Komole Aso-oke is a modern adaptation that combines traditional Aso-oke with contemporary designs. This type often features innovative patterns and is popular for fashion-forward events.

53 Best Aso-oke styles for ladies

All images on this article were gotten from Pinterest

Alternate V-styled Aso-oke

This is not your common Aso-oke style. It has a deep V neckline which the coloured designs follow. The dress is generally an on-going alternation between the plain material and the patterned one. You could also try the beautiful black and white pattern of the second African beauty.

Lace Aso-oke

Merge your lace with Aso-oke like this beautiful design. Use the lace for your bodice and upper waist while Aso-oke takes care of your train.

Plain and decorated Aso-oke style

Use the plain Aso-oke as a background colour while the decorated Aso-oke serves as the design. The plain Aso-oke is used for the upper torso and head-gear while Aso-oke covers the hands and lower torso.

V neckline Aso-oke with attachments

Here, you use your plain Aso-oke to see the gown, then attach the multi-coloured one to desired places. Here, the model uses it for her sleeves and as an upswept design that covers the lower torso of her gown.

Iro and Buba Aso-oke

Let’s go for a more traditional style where we use the plain Aso-oke as a blouse (iro) and the multi-coloured one for the buba (wrapper). So, the coloured one is used for your head gear (gele) and your shoulder sash(iborun or ipele).

Iro and Buba Aso-oke with long tailored sleeves

Well, if no 5 doesn’t suit you, will you opt for this? Swap the free arms of the former model for longer, slimmer sleeves.

V neckline Aso-oke with parallel design

This design is similar to our first model. However, you will notice that this model used the decorated Aso-oke for her upper torso and opted for an alternate slash like design for her lower torso.

Plunging Aso-oke with Queen Anne neckline

Well, this outfit speaks for itself. If you want a more flamboyant Aso-oke design, this is for you!

Peplum Aso-oke

Although this material is not Aso-oke, out bears a resemblance to the real deal. So, we placed this here to inspire the fashion creatives.

Full sleeves Aso-oke

Dedicate your sleeves, shoulder slash and some areas of your lower torso to the multi-coloured Aso-oke. You could create a slit in front of your dress and cover it with the multi-coloured Aso-oke.

Embroidered Aso-oke

Do an embroidery design on the neckline and sleeves of your plain Aso-oke. Pair it with your multi-coloured Aso-oke and enjoy the admiration of many people.

Corset style Aso-oke and lace

Don’t throw that piece of lace material. You can combine your lace with Aso-oke for this beautiful design

Lace Aso-oke with boat neckline

If no 12 doesn’t work for you, why don’t you try this Aso-oke style. For your sleeves, pair your lace with your Aso-oke and get that elegant style.

Embroidered Mermaid Aso-oke

Embroidery the upper torso of your Aso-oke while you create a mermaid like design for your lower torso.

Embroidered Sash Aso-oke

Instead of using 2 different Aso-oke designs, pick a plain Aso-oke and create this beautiful design.

Aso-oke with a sweetheart neckline

Create a visual effect with your Aso-oke. Like no 15, you only use one Aso-oke for the design, the multi-coloured one. Use the material to create this upswept angular design and you are good to go.

Plain Aso-oke with Corset and V neckline

Aso-oke designs have been very adventurous lately. Do you have a plain Aso-oke that you don’t know what to use it for? Then, consider the style above

Iro and Buba with Multi-coloured Aso-oke

I admit that Aso-oke designs with contrasting materials has its appeal but there are also benefits when we use only one material. Fully represent your heritage with this multi-coloured iro and Buba Aso-oke.

Multi-coloured Aso-oke; Iro and Buba with wide boat neckline

You could opt for wider neckline and fuller sleeves

V patterned Aso-oke with sweetheart neckline

Create a beautiful V themed design with your Aso-oke like this model.

Lace Aso-oke gown with flanking sleeves

The Lace and Aso-oke pairing has never looked better.

George material and Aso-oke gown

Well, this is definitely the best of two worlds. If you and your spouse are from Southwest and Southeastern Nigeria, then you have the perfect style to represent both your cultures.

Aso-oke gown

This is a simple but elegant style that you can use for your Aso-oke.

Simple Aso-oke gown with Bishop sleeves

In the world of fashion, less is more and this elegant style confirms it

Simple Merged Aso-oke gown

Create wonderful patterned designs with your Aso-oke like the model above

Long Aso-oke gown with corset

Off shoulder Aso-oke gown

Let your shoulders breathe! This is a beautiful design that still allows you celebrate your cultural heritage. Don’t forget to try the spectral lines

Off shoulder V neckline Aso-oke gown with short sleeves

This gown incorporates the old and new perfectly. Opt for a shorter sleeve and off shoulder neckline instead of the traditional choices

Off shoulder neckline with falling sleeves Aso-oke gown

The new Aso-oke designs have come to stay! Try this upswept Aso-oke style with its interesting sleeves.

Different sleeves Aso-oke gown

Adunni Ade definitely killed this look. I dare you, replicate this style.

High collar neckline Aso-oke with triangle design.

Instead of worrying about necklace and other accessories for your neckline, opt for this style. Your neckline is covered and you have a triangular design on your bodice.

Fulani Aso-oke style

Who said only the Yoruba tribe wear Aso-oke, try this beautiful gown design today.

Fulani Aso-oke gown

If option A doesn’t work, try option B. Choose this Fulani Aso-oke gown with a sweetheart neckline.

Detailed Aso-oke gown with Square neckline

Queen Anne neckline Aso-oke with flanking sleeves

For you to get the desired effect, don’t forget to use your corset.

Plain and multi-coloured Aso-oke gown with slight off-shoulder and v neckline

Like most designs, the model uses the plain Aso-oke for her upper torso but embellished it with some designs.

Modern Aso-oke gown

Plain and multi-coloured Aso-oke gown with ruffles

Attach your ruffles to the lower torso of your gown and there you have it! A beautiful ruffled Aso-oke

Aso-oke gown with plunging V neckline and corset

Paired Aso-oke gown with altered Bishop sleeves

Angular boat neckline with Aso-oke

This material is not really Aso-oke but you can’t dispute that this will make a beautiful Aso-oke style.

Protective off shoulder Aso-oke with lace

Shiny Aso-oke with flanked sleeves

Beautiful Aso-oke gown with wide V neckline

Well, plain material mean dull. This bride knew the assignment and she delivered

Wrap style Aso-oke with triangular bodice

The front of the gown looks like a wrapper giving the style a touch of the traditional

Net Aso-oke gown

Wrap style Aso-oke with open shoulders

Lace and Aso-oke gown with front slit

Queen Anne neckline Aso-oke with skin net

The beadwork on this outfit is giving!

Christmas Aso-oke

Long Aso-oke gown with sweetheart neckline

Off shoulder Aso-oke with skin net

The skin net covers the shoulders so, the viewer thinks the gown is off shoulder from afar.

Aso-oke gown with bead work

Conclusion

The art of Aso-oke weaving has served as both a means of livelihood for weavers and a symbol of Yoruba identity. While the traditional methods persist, contemporary adaptations and innovations have emerged, ensuring the continued relevance of Aso-oke in both cultural and fashion contexts.