The Aso-ebi buying trend which started a few years back is here to stay. Aso-ebi which translates to ‘family cloth’ is a form of uniform worn on occasions in Nigeria e.g. weddings, birthdays, and burials.
Beyond the outfit, Aso-ebi is seen as a form of support to the celebrant of an occasion. However, celebrants have capitalized on this with some turning it into a money-making venture in which the buyer bears the brunt. Prices are often inflated with some going as high as six figures.
Picture this scenario for example. Some weeks ago, while I was trying to clear my desk and go home after a busy day at work, my colleague from another department hurriedly walked up to my desk dropped a bag containing lace fabric, and whispered in my ear ”that’s my aso ebi, it is just 70,000. my account details have been attached to the fabric, thanks in advance”.
Not only was I shocked, but the 70,000 she said kept echoing in my head till I got home. I thought to myself, how would someone who isn’t a close family member or a close friend expect me to buy her aso ebi at such a ridiculous price?
After weighing my options and seeing that I couldn’t afford it, I politely returned her fabric and told her I couldn’t afford it. She then told me of how another colleague took out of her savings for her master’s degree just to pay for the clothes, to say that I was shocked would be an understatement.
A lot of ladies do all sorts of things just so they can pay for Aso-ebi fabrics for their friends’ wedding not minding the cost.
Below are a few tips to tell you if your Aso-ebi buying custom is getting outrageous.
1. Borrowing money just to buy aso ebi
This is a no-no, if you can’t afford the fabric, politely tell the celebrant and wear what you already have for the occasion.
2. Using your savings
You intentionally deprived yourself of access to this money for a period of time, don’t divert it into buying a fabric you probably wear for only 5 hours. Be wise.
3. Collecting the fabric on credit
Some ladies collect the fabric, sew it, and wear it for the occasion and pay when they get their next bonus at work. That is ridiculous.
4. Selling personal items
Some ladies go as far as selling their old aso ebi just to buy new ones, some also sell their phones and other gadgets just to buy the aso ebi.
5. ‘One Good Turn Deserves Another’ Mentality
If you persuade people to buy your aso-ebi it is only normal for them to expect you to buy theirs’ too. Many ladies buy aso ebi in anticipation that others will buy theirs which is a wrong mentality.
So what do you think? Do you feel Aso-ebi’s are really necessary or just overrated?
Drop your comments in the comment section.