Unisex fashion works best when it is more than a label. The strongest pieces are designed around proportion, movement, adjustable fit and styling flexibility, so they can sit naturally in different wardrobes without feeling like conventional menswear or womenswear that has simply been renamed.

Across ADJOAA’s current selection, several African designers are approaching unisex clothing in distinct ways: TUG through relaxed tailoring and androgynous silhouettes, EK-AN-TIK through functional Tanzanian workwear, KAYADUA through easy co-ords and drawstring shapes, and OLOOH through hand-dyed linen, batik and convertible design.

What does unisex fashion mean in practice?

Unisex clothing does not require every garment to fit every body in exactly the same way. In practice, designers often use wider legs, relaxed shoulders, drawstrings, elasticated waists, oversized shirts, robes, work jackets and adaptable layers because these shapes create more room for individual styling.

Fit still matters. Always check the current size chart, garment measurements and product notes before buying. The point of unisex design is greater flexibility, not the disappearance of sizing altogether.

1. TUG: relaxed tailoring and androgynous essentials from Kenya

TUG has one of the clearest unisex directions in ADJOAA’s active catalogue. The Kenyan label has already been explored in our feature on TUG’s androgynous approach to African fashion, and its current products show how that idea translates into wearable staples.

The TUG Unisex Black Pleated Trouser is a strong example. Its wide-leg silhouette uses pleats to create volume while keeping a tailored line, making it easy to style with a fitted vest, loose shirt, blazer, cropped jacket or oversized knit.

For a softer direction, the TUG Unisex Robe and Short Set uses a loose robe, detachable belt, wide sleeves and relaxed shorts. It works as loungewear, but the robe can also be separated and layered over a tank, shirt or trousers.

Even accessories can follow the same principle. The TUG Rafa Tote Bag is explicitly tagged as a unisex bag and uses a straightforward leather tote shape that works across work, travel and everyday wardrobes.

2. EK-AN-TIK: Tanzanian workwear designed beyond rigid categories

EK-AN-TIK approaches unisex fashion from a more utilitarian angle. Instead of relying mainly on oversized basics, the Tanzanian label uses workwear references, practical pockets and adjustable details.

The Universal Work Jacket is handmade in Dar es Salaam and uses locally sourced natural dyes. Its regular fit, five-button front and multiple patch pockets give it the functional clarity of classic workwear while leaving plenty of room for styling across different wardrobes.

The From TZ With Love Jacket is more graphic. Raglan sleeves, a zip front, adjustable hem and khanga-inspired print are combined with a bold TANZANIA graphic across the back. It shows how a unisex piece can still carry strong cultural and visual identity.

3. KAYADUA: relaxed Ghanaian co-ords and adjustable trousers

KAYADUA brings a lighter, warm-weather perspective to unisex dressing. The brand’s current unisex pieces use relaxed shirts, shorts and wide-leg trousers rather than rigid tailoring. You can read more about the label in our KAYADUA designer profile.

The KAYADUA Mofla Set in Colour pairs a relaxed button-front shirt with drawstring shorts in a vibrant multicoloured fabric. It can be worn as a full co-ord or split into separates, which is useful when you want unisex clothing to earn more than one role in a wardrobe.

The KAYADUA Deliy Drawstring Pants take a more minimal route. The wide leg and adjustable waistband make them easy to style with fitted tops, oversized shirts, knitwear or matching separates.

4. OLOOH: Ivorian linen, cultural references and convertible design

OLOOH has one of the broadest unisex selections in the current store, spanning linen shirts, trousers, batik, bazin, denim and convertible pieces. The brand’s approach is rooted in Ivorian craft and contemporary tailoring; for more background, see our OLOOH Concept profile.

The Mustard Yellow Linen Overshirt is hand-dyed, finished with bronze buttons and cut in a relaxed shape that works either as a shirt or a lightweight jacket.

The White Linen Shirt with Kiliwé Mask Print adds cultural imagery to a classic relaxed shirt silhouette. The motif is inspired by Sénoufo culture, while bronze buttons and pure linen keep the piece refined enough to wear with trousers, shorts or layered tailoring.

For a more experimental option, the OLOOH Convertible Linen Jumpsuit / Parka is designed to function in two ways. Its relaxed heavyweight-linen construction and bronze-button detailing make adaptability part of the garment itself rather than simply a styling suggestion.

How to build a unisex wardrobe without making it feel uniform

Unisex dressing does not have to mean a wardrobe made entirely from oversized black basics. The current African designer pieces above show several ways to keep personality in the mix.

• Use proportion: pair a wide trouser with a fitted top, or an oversized shirt with a straighter bottom.
• Use adjustable features: drawstrings, belts and elasticated waists give you more control over the silhouette.
• Mix tailoring and ease: a pleated trouser can work with a relaxed tee; a robe can layer over structured trousers.
• Let colour and textile carry identity: unisex does not mean neutral. Khanga-inspired prints, hand-dyed linen and bold co-ords can all remain flexible across wardrobes.
• Check measurements: “unisex” is a design category, not a substitute for understanding how a garment will sit on your body.

Unisex African fashion FAQs

Is unisex fashion the same as oversized fashion?

No. Oversized silhouettes are common because they offer flexibility, but unisex clothing can also be tailored, cropped, pleated or structured. The TUG pleated trouser and OLOOH convertible jumpsuit show that unisex design can use deliberate shape rather than simply adding volume.

Can adults build an everyday wardrobe from unisex clothing?

Yes. Shirts, trousers, jackets, co-ords, robes and bags are especially easy categories to integrate into an adult wardrobe because they can move between casual, work, travel and occasion dressing depending on styling.

Which African designers on ADJOAA currently offer unisex pieces?

The active catalogue currently includes unisex-labelled pieces from designers such as TUG, EK-AN-TIK, KAYADUA and OLOOH, among others. Availability changes, so check the current product page for sizes and stock.

Where can I shop unisex African fashion online?

Browse the current Buy Unisex Fashion collection on ADJOAA for active clothing and accessories designed to work across wardrobes.

A broader way to think about African fashion

The value of unisex African fashion is not that it erases personal style. It does the opposite: it gives the wearer more room to decide how a piece should sit, layer and function.

From TUG’s pleated tailoring to EK-AN-TIK’s work jackets, KAYADUA’s relaxed co-ords and OLOOH’s linen and convertible garments, these designers show that gender-inclusive clothing can still be specific, culturally grounded and visually distinctive.