THE FUNTUA PROJECT

The Funtua project began with a deep curiosity about Nigerian fabric, leading us to the heart of Katsina, where cotton has been grown and woven for decades. This journey unearthed the beauty of locally made cotton—soft, breathable, and steeped in history—and brought us to the centuries-old Kofar Mata dye pits in Kano, where the fabric is hand-dyed in natural indigo.

THE SIGNATURE "THIS IS FUNTUA" TEES

Our This is Funtua tees are a love letter to homegrown craftsmanship. Made from 100% locally grown cotton spun in Funtua and dyed with care in Kano, they are a modern reimagining of the classic T-shirt silhouette, drawing inspiration from the traditional danshiki, featuring a  bold screen-printed or embroidered text: "This is Funtua, Nigerian Made Cotton."

ORIGIN & CRAFTSMANSHIP

Funtua cotton is a long-staple cotton (30-40mm) known for its breathability, softness, and loose, gauze-like weave. The journey from cotton plant to fabric happens within a 52-mile radius, involving farmers, ginneries, and a textile mill built during Nigeria’s cotton boom in the 1970s. This mill, a collaboration between Katsina’s government and a Chinese manufacturer, proudly employs 90% local staff.

At the Kofar Mata dye pits—operational since 1498—the fabric is dyed in natural indigo through a meticulous process. Depending on the desired shade, ranging from bright to deep indigo, the fabric is repeatedly dipped in and out of natural indigo dye for up to 8 hours. The result is a rich, lasting dye that deepens with each wear—a testament to the meticulous care and time devoted to every piece.

UNIFORM WEAR

Inspired by the workers in our mills, dye pits, and workshops, the Uniform Wear collection offers essentials designed for life in motion. From long-sleeve shirts to kaftans and shorts, each piece reflects our commitment to comfort, utility, and style.

A SHARED JOURNEY

What began as a search for fabric has grown into a movement. Today, 99% of our products are made from Funtua cotton, a fabric that supports local communities and redefines what Nigerian-made can be.

Staying true to our ethos of low waste, we repurpose leftover fabric into revived tees, patchwork designs, and custom merchandise like Funtua totes.

  • The 2017 tee.

  • The Flag tee (2019).

  • The Omo Funtua tee (2021).

Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. Funtua is not just ours—it belongs to all of us—this is more than fabric. It’s a story of people, craft, and heritage—a celebration of what it means to be Nigerian.

 Together, we’re keeping this craft alive and sharing it with the world.

Explore our latest collections and join us in celebrating the beauty of Funtua.

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