Monogramming is also fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most profitable trends in the menswear market, integrating tradition, status, and personalization into a thriving fashion trend. The practice of embroidering initials or insignias on fabric has become a money-making venture for designers and entrepreneurs across West Africa.
From politicians and top executives to grooms and young professionals, style-conscious Nigerian men are taking up personalised monograms on traditional Agbada sleeves, starched shirt cuffs, jackets, caps, and loungewear. The embellishments have become symbols of identity, class, and good taste.
According to Mr. Taiwo Olaleye, Managing Director of Taye Dates Fashion, monograms have moved beyond an elite luxury.
“From Kano weddings to Lagos boardrooms, monograms are now mainstream personal branding,” he noted.
The heightened demand has spawned various business opportunities. While some businessmen and women work with freelance professional designers to handle custom orders, others put money in specialized monogram studios that utilize professional embroidery machines. Though start-up capital can be heavy, the margins are often substantial as well.
Olaleye also opined that monogramming could be a standalone business or a value addition at the high end for fashion brands that can allow them to charge more due to the value addition. Ready-made monogrammed products such as caps, bags, and polos with fashionable initials also promise the potential of quick sales and wider market acceptance.
Financial Outlook
New entrants must be aware of the financial commitments. Hand or machine embroidery training requires ₦50,000 to ₦200,000. Monthly operational expenses of threads, stabilisers, and other consumables can reach ₦100,000 to ₦200,000. Good planning and market positioning will render monogramming both creatively fulfilling and lucrative in Nigeria’s burgeoning fashion industry.
