Gele is one of the oldest fashion accessories. It is popular among the ancient Yoruba people in western Nigeria. It is loved in the rest of Africa for how it sets people apart at special occasions. While gele is not yet popular among Europeans, nearly every African woman has it in her wardrobe. In fact, many own different colours to match their outfits for various events.
Although gele has been around for centuries in Africa, it has gone through several evolutions, largely because many people find it difficult to tie. Sometimes, people even hire professional head-tie stylists to help them. We will cover part of that in this guide. We will look at how gele is tied and also consider its origin. But before we proceed, what is gele?
Gele: What Is It?
Gele is an African headgear worn by women in Africa. For several generations, gele has remained an important dressing accessory in African culture. This piece of headgear is predominantly worn at traditional ceremonies such as weddings and festivals. Do not get it wrong. The African gele can be dynamically tied. It all depends on the country and the culture of the people.
For example, in Ghana, the headgear is usually small and petite. However, the gele used in Nigeria is often very large, to the extent that there are satellite-type geles. It is a headgear made for special occasions like festivals. The gele is not just for special occasions and ceremonies. It is also worn by many to religious places of worship, and it is safe to say that it has now become an accessory worn for everyday events.
There are different types of gele, and each has its unique way of tying it. It is not just an ordinary piece for head covering. The way you tie your gele can indicate whether you are going to an important place or not. In fact, in some areas in Nigeria, many even say that your gele can reveal your wealth status in the community.
How Can I Rock My Gele?
You can rock your gele in different styles. It all depends on where you are wearing it to. Events like festivals or ceremonies may call for elaborate or large geles. On the other hand, taking a large gele to your place of worship or a corporate outing may not be a good idea. This is because it might distract those behind you.
So, the first tip is to know which gele fits where you are going. As a way of helping, you can ask a friend what gele suits a particular event. Now to the tying stage. Some geles may be big and may cover the head and ears. However, depending on the size of the gele, you can choose to either allow it to cover the ears or not. Since gele is a light piece of fabric, make sure you tie it to your head very well.
If you are still finding it hard to tie gele, you can meet a professional to help out. Better still, you can surf the internet for instructional videos. Thanks for reading. Do well to check out other pieces on our blog.
Materials, fabric choice, and fitting a gele
Tying a good gele starts before the first fold. The right materials reduce stress and improve the final shape. You need a quality gele fabric that can hold structure, a wide-tooth comb to smooth it, pins and bobby pins for support, hair ties, hair gel, a scarf for your base, and a mirror. Confidence matters too. It shows in your posture and finish.
Fabric choice alos matters as much as the tieing skill. The most exotic fabric type for African gele is the Aso-Oke Fabrics such as sanyan, Alaari, onjwawu, they are considered due to their thickness uniquess in colour for bold, ceremonial styles. Other popular gele fabrics are jubilee and Damask, these are softer, easier to control, and still formal. Ankara is lighter and works for casual or flexible looks.
Tying your Gele
Tying the gele is not all, fitting is key. Pack your hair neatly, place the gele at the centre of your forehead, and balance both sides. Secure firmly, not tightly. Check the mirror, adjust gently, and you are done.
Opting for an Autogele
Autogele is a pre-styled headgear designed for those who struggle to fit their gele perfectly. It is easy to wear, saves time, removes the stress of trying to get the perfect tie or knot for your headwrap, and delivers a clutter-free and balanced outlook. Autogele is ideal for busy events, beginners, or anyone who wants consistency without professional help, and it is slowly replacing the traditional system of manual gele tying.
