Looking after the cloth.

Aso oke

Hand-woven on narrow looms in southwest Nigeria, aso oke holds its shape best with cool, dry storage and a gentle steam rather than ironing. For light marks, blot with a damp cloth and air-dry flat. Take heavily soiled pieces to a dry-cleaner familiar with West-African textiles.

Bazin riche

Bazin is calendered cotton with a distinctive sheen achieved by pounding. Avoid pressing directly with a hot iron, which can dull the lustre. Hand-wash in cold water with a mild detergent; do not wring. Hang to dry away from direct sunlight.

Kente

Traditional kente strips are silk or rayon woven on a four-heddle loom. Always dry-clean. Store folded with acid-free tissue in a breathable garment bag. Refold along a different line every six months to prevent permanent creases.

Mud cloth (bògòlanfini)

Hand-dyed with fermented mud over plant pigments. The pattern is permanent; the dye darkens slightly with age. Hand-wash in cold water, gentle detergent, no bleach. Lay flat to dry. Iron only on the reverse, on the cotton setting.

Leather (Marrakech & Lagos ateliers)

Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wear. Treat with a neutral leather cream every three to four months. Stuff bags with the included filler to retain shape. Keep away from sustained sunlight and radiators.

Hand-loomed cotton (Habesha, Maasai)

Cold hand-wash with a delicate detergent; or machine-wash on the wool/delicates cycle in a mesh bag. Reshape while damp. Avoid the tumble dryer. Light iron on the reverse if needed.