Wrappers are the cultural identity of Nigerian women and one of the main fashion styles in Africa. Every Nigerian woman, young or old grew up tying wrappers either for occasions or for everyday looks. For some reason, not every Nigerian girl or woman can tie wrappers. If you’re one of them, don’t worry, you’ll be able to tie wrapper yourself before you get to the end of this post. Some things are better learned from watching others do it, and tying wrappers is one of them. Don’t worry, it is not difficult. This post brings you video tutorials on the 3 different ways Nigerian women tie wrappers. Scroll or swipe down to watch them.
The first tutorial will show you how to tie Iro (or single wrapper) for Iro and Buba attire popular in Yoruba speaking regions. The second video will teach you how to tie the classic double-layered wrapper worn by Igbo and Eastern Nigerian women. The third video will show you the steps on how to tie the knot/ twist wrapper (which is a modern trendy way of tying wrappers to look like draped skirts). So, get your wrappers out and let’s get started. Watch the video tutorials below and ensure to practice along to tie wrapper by yourself. There are 3 videos below, watch them all or the one you’re interested in:
- How to tie the Tulip/ Knot-Style wrapper
- How to Tie Double-Wrapper/ Layered Wrappers
- How to Tie Iro-and-Buba style wrapper
#1. Tulip Wrapper: How to Tie Knot /Twist Wrapper Style
*Be sure to see the other videos down below – for how to tie the Igbo wrapper and how to tie the Yoruba Iro (wrapper).
#2. How to Tie Two Layered Wrappers (Igbo-Style Double Wrappers)
*Be sure to see the other video below – for how to tie the Yoruba Iro (wrapper) on Buba (blouse).
- ALSO: Latest Igbo Lace Blouses for Double Wrapper Attire
- Latest George Wrapper Designs and Matching Blouse Styles in Nigeria
- 19 Trending Igbo Traditional Wedding Attire for Brides
#3. How to Tie Yoruba Style Wrapper (Iro on Buba)
- ALSO: Trending Iro and Buba Styles (including Oleku & Tulip Wrapper Styles)
- Latest Aso-Oke Designs and Styles
Why Learn to Tie African Wrapper?
The wrapper is one of the most important and elegant bridal fashion statement in any Nigerian traditional wedding/engagement. And, beyond the traditional marriage day, a typical Nigerian married woman is expected to show up to plenty of occasions and events in a wrapper and a beautiful Gele head-tie and flawless makeup. Yet, many Nigerian brides-to-be who live abroad do not know how to properly tie wrappers for everyday or occasion wears.
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aderonke joel says
that is great keep it up
Stella Anokam says
Thanks.
my name is melody my wedding is coming up soon, my colour are gold pink n purple dose colour matches
Hello Melody. Those are a matching colour combination. Ride on.
Hi there,
Absolutely great to have these 3 tutorials joined together. Have a question though, how do you determine the size of a wrapper? Are there standards for it? I normally use a 2 yard piece of fabric but i cant make the twist knot look great with that. Any tips/ advice is highly appreciated.
Hello Nanda, thanks for your feedback. I’m happy to know that you like these ‘how to tie various African wrapper’ tutorials. To answer your questions: the standard size for a single wrapper is 2 yards. However, that is not very sufficient for some CURVY, BIG African/ Nigerian women – and they have to either cut their wrappers to about 2 and half yards or a little less; OR sew-in some more fabric to the inner side of the wrapper. So, if you find that your 2 yards fabric is not making a-looking nice knotted/ twisted wrapper, I suggest that you find a tailor to add more fabrics to it. And you may also want to be buying new wrappers in 2 and half yards or 2 yards and 1-quarter (of a yard). Have fun tying a perfect OLEKU twist-style wrapper.
The inner wrapper is usualy 2 yards while the outer one is 2 yards and 8 inches. Thats the standard. The excess of the six yards of the cloth is sewed on the top of the outer one. If you are very plus size or slim then you need to increase or reduce the standard length. Goodluck.
Wow! Thank you, Omolola, for stepping in there.
Hello stella, pls I can’t watch the tutorial video pls can u send it to my email? Tnks
Hi Bolanle, sorry about that. I just rechecked now and all the videos are working (playing) perfectly. The problem could be from your device (tab or phone or computer). So I suggest that you try watching from a different device – I am sure it will play.
Hello Stella,
Is it ok to wear george wrapper with buba . Pls I need ur answer urgently.
Hi Helen, I have never seen George fabric sewn as iro and buba. However, fashion is all about a trend-setter fashionista taking a risk to put her inner creativity out there – if you have the guts (and if it really looks great, others will follow you). So, you may want to try it – even if it’s not currently worn that way.
Hello Stella,
So nice to read from you. I have sent the pics.
Hiya Angel. So good to ‘se’ you again. Okay, I will check my email and reply you. Thanks a lot.
Hi Stella,
Happy New year to you, dear. I was able to perfectly tie the two wrappers during the Xmas period. Thanx for the awesome tutorial and even the head tie . How do I post the pictures?
Hey Angel! So happy to see you – happy new year oo. I am so glad that the video tutorials on our site helped you perfect your skills with tying two wrappers and Gele during the Christmas. You can email me the pictures via email.