The rise and slow fade of the backless dera craze

By now, it feels like everyone and their aunty owns a backless dera, myself included, no shame in my game. And honestly, it earned its moment. It’s cute without trying, feminine without fuss, the kind of throw-on piece that says, “I woke up like this,” even when you absolutely did not. What started as easy, stay-at-home loungewear quietly slipped out the front door and into brunch tables, baby showers and weekend errands, dressed up with sandals and confidence. The dera didn’t just show up, it took over. But like every fast-burning trend, the heat is easing. The once-unstoppable craze now feels like it’s catching its breath.

Traditional deras have been around for ages, especially among Coastal communities, where they were loved for their modesty, comfort and that easy, flowing silhouette that lets you breathe and move without ceremony. For years, the dera belonged firmly to home life and casual settings. Then designers stepped in and began giving it a gentle facelift. From clinched waists, to lighter fabrics and softer cuts; small tweaks that slowly transformed the dera into a fashion statement. And then came the bold twist, the open back. Just like that, the humble dera crossed over from comfort wear to full-on fashion.

But how did this become a trend? Social media played a significant role in fuelling this fire. Influencers and fashion girlies started posting photos and videos in beautifully styled backless deras, often paired with sleek buns and layered jewellery. The aesthetic caught on almost instantly. The look struck a balance: modest in the front, dramatic at the back. It accentuated the feminine silhouette in a beautiful and modest way, and I know most men will agree with this.

Just as everyone was trying to get their hands on these pieces, designers decided to push the concept even further. Backless jumpsuits and different two-piece sets designed using the same dera fabric entered the market, amplifying the trend even further

However, as with many viral trends, overexposure fatigue followed. What once looked fresh and trendy was now everywhere on TikTok and Instagram. You couldn’t scroll through your timeline before coming across a backless dera post. The market became saturated and nearly every boutique stocked a version.

Can we also talk about how some shops started overpricing them. You’d get backless deras retailing for as low as Ksh.500 in Eastleigh and see the same dera being sold for up to Ksh.2,500 elsewhere. The inconsistencies left many questioning the markup.

Trends often follow a predictable pattern: they rise, peak and eventually settle into everyday wardrobes. The truth is, people do not necessarily dislike backless deras. Rather, the initial hype has faded. And like many trends before it, it may just be waiting for its next reinvention.