1. Material can be bought at the market, either a craft market or a regular market (Banjul is highly recommended for selection; Serrekunda is a bit closer but the shops farther in between). Fabric is usually sold at a fixed price, though this is sometimes bargain-able, depending on how much or what you are buying. The best bet might be to ask if they can reduce the price for you, and they will usually be honest if it is a fixed price. Plain, solid, cotton is roughly $1.10 per meter. Linen fabrics are far cheaper than you would pay in the U.S., at about $3.60 per meter. Beware that many fabric shops sell pre-cut swatches of bright prints—six yards is standard, enough to make African style garments. If the fabric you want is flat and folded neatly, it would be a good idea to ask if they can cut it for you before you set your heart on it, or else you will have to buy all six yards. 2. Go to the tailor with your fabric and a clear idea of what style clothing you want, whether it be a dress, pants, shirt, skirt, or even suit jacket and pants. The tailor might sketch what he perceives as your request, which you can approve or make changes to. By far the easiest approach is to provide a tangible example from your existing wardrobe—bring in a pair of pants that can be a model for the pants to be. 3. The tailor will take your measurements. Agree on a price for the garment, and a time when you should retrieve it. 4. Return to pick it up with cash in hand. Though it won’t necessarily be ready on the specified day, as tailors work on Gambian time like everyone else. Try on the piece of clothing before leaving—the tailor can make any necessary adjustments for size.