5 Things You MUST Do Before Buying Fabric (Unless You Enjoy Wasting Money)

1. Know the occasion - this is probably the most important step.

First things first: Where are you going? What's the occasion?

Read the invitation properly. Don't just glance at it.

I learned this lesson a long time ago after I attended an event a full month before it was supposed to happen.

I confidently sat through someone else's wedding reception, only to discover I was at the wrong wedding entirely. I was so embarrassed I couldn't even enjoy the small chops they served me.

Anyway, I digress.

Is there a dress code stated in the invite? Is there a color of the day? Is it black tie? Traditional? A garden party? A summer brunch? An evening wedding?

If you're not familiar with the dress code, do a quick Google search.

Look at the images and see how people typically style that type of event.

If it's a Nigerian party that requires Aso Ebi but you've decided not to buy the official fabric, bring a sample of the Aso Ebi with you when shopping.

This will help you choose a fabric in a similar color or tone, allowing you to complement the celebration while still respecting your host's wishes.

This is important because your fabric should suit the event - Imagine arriving at a summer party where everyone is wearing chiffon, organza, linen, and other light, breathable fabrics, while you're wrapped in heavy brocade that's trapping heat and making you sweat all day.

The right fabric should work with the occasion, not against it.

2. Think beyond the color.

Not every shade of a color suits everyone.

Take green, for example. There are over 350 variations of the color.

There’s emerald, green, forest green, olive green... and then there's the shade Nigerians jokingly call ugu green.

The point is this: don't buy a fabric simply because it's your favorite color.

Hold it against your skin. See what it does for your complexion.

A good color should brighten your face and make your skin glow like a baby girl, not make you look dull or washed out.

Sometimes, it's not the color that's wrong; it's simply the wrong shade.

3. Understand the fabric before you fall in love with it.

Ask questions.

What is it made of?

Is it breathable?

Will it wrinkle after one hug?

Is it lightweight or heavy?

Does it drape beautifully or stand stiff like cardboard?

How does it move?

How does it feel against your skin?

This matters because: two fabrics can look almost identical on the shelf but behave completely differently once they're sewn.

A structured fabric won't give you the same soft, flowing look as chiffon or crepe.

Likewise, a soft fabric won't magically hold the dramatic shape of a corset gown unless it's properly reinforced.

The beauty of an outfit starts with choosing a fabric whose characteristics match the design you have in mind.

Fabric isn't just about appearance, it's about performance.

4. Choose a fabric that suits the style you want.

Before you buy fabric, have an idea of what you're making.

Do you want something soft and flowy or structured and crisp?

Are you making a blazer? A scarf blouse? A boubou? A kaftan? A mermaid dress? A corset gown?

Knowing this helps you stay focused while shopping.

Even better, save inspiration photos on your phone and show them to the fabric seller.

Some fabrics simply aren't suitable for certain designs, no matter how much you hope they'll work.

If your fabric can't achieve the look you're imagining, you're setting both yourself and your tailor up for unnecessary frustration.

5. Ask. Ask. And keep asking.

Never think that asking questions makes you look inexperienced.

A good fabric seller expects questions. If a seller seems irritated because you're asking a lot of questions about a fabric you're about to buy, you might want to shop somewhere else.

Ask questions  like:

• Is this fabric suitable for my event?

  
  

• Will this look good with my skin tone?

  
  

• How should I care for it?

  
  

• Will it shrink after washing?

  
  

• Does it wrinkle easily?

  
  

• How many yards will I need?

  
  

• What type of lining works best?

  
  

• Will this fabric achieve the style I want?

  
  

• Why does this fabric cost more than the other one?

  
  

Yes, you can ask about why the price is expensive too.

You might learn something valuable about fabric quality that stays with you and helps you while shopping in the future.

A knowledgeable fabric seller should guide you honestly because the goal isn't simply to sell you fabric.

The goal is for you to wear your finished outfit and have people asking,

"Where did you get that made?"

Buying fabric is an investment. So buy with your eyes open - not simply because a beautiful colour called your name from across the shop.

Your wardrobe, and your wallet will thank you later.

Good luck!

Did you enjoy reading this post? Please leave us a comment below, share your experience, or tell us what you'd like to read next. We might just make it our next blog post. Thanks.