Why Nigerian Fashion Brands Are So Expensive

Kilentar, a Nigerian luxury womenswear brand founded by British-Nigerian designer Michelle Adepoju, recently found itself at the center of a conversation on X (formerly  Twitter) after Nigerians questioned the prices of some of its pieces.

A Twitter user commented on their MIMI BEADED TANK TOP, which is sold for almost N1.6 million naira. She wrote, “Nigerian clothing brands are something else. Why should I buy this for 1.5m?”

Nigeria clothing brand are something else
Why should I buy this for 1.5m? pic.twitter.com/hIPpFhdnXo

— Anita baker 🧑‍🍳❤️ (@Anitadebaker) August 23, 2026

This is not the first time Nigerians have questioned the prices of local fashion brands. From N100,000 dresses to seven-figure sets, the price tag of some Nigerian fashion pieces can seem exorbitant. Kilentar, Hertunba, The Ladymaker, Rendoll, Kai Collective, and Riran are among Nigerian labels whose pieces can run into the hundreds of thousands or millions of naira.

Can you buy it?😭😭 pic.twitter.com/HQTINEZKuS

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) August 24, 2026

The minimum wage in Nigeria is presently N70,000 per month. This means that a N1.5 million garment costs more than 21 times the monthly minimum wage. This has led to frustration among Nigerians, as these prices put many clothes far out of reach. It has also led some to believe they are not the target audience for these brands, as some price their designs in foreign currencies like dollars, pounds, or euros.

The frustration is understandable. But behind these staggering price tags is a fashion industry dealing with its own set of challenges. From the rising costs of materials and skilled labor to production and logistics, there are several factors that can push the price of a Nigerian-made garment into six or even seven figures.

One of the biggest factors influencing…