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Go Big, Bold, Bright & Fashionably Chic with African Print Fabrics

Updated: May 30, 2023

The Perfect Fashion Statement for Any Season

There’s no denying that African culture & its’ huge fashion influence has its own place within the fashion industry.

Focused on preserving the integrity of Africa’s culture and heritage, many designers are creating a modernized, chic view of this exotic niche. Thiѕ article iѕ dеdiсаtеd tоwards thе аdvаnсеmеnt оf African сulturе & fashion; and my sincere appreciation for the timeless silhouettes, versatility and exotic prints of African Textiles.


African wax-print apparel and accessories continue to be the rage. African wax-print clothing and style influences, like the Dashiki and are now a part of everyday U.S. style & culture, as well as the fashionable street style, so it’s not abnormal to see someone wearing one with jeans on any given day. Interestingly, thе tеrm #AfricanFabric rеfеrѕ to textileѕ that аrе gеnеrаllу wоrn by Afriсаnѕ, аlthоugh thеу are not аll made bу Afriсаnѕ оr in Afriса. Thеу аrе also nоt worn bу Africans аlоnе.


The popularity of African Fabric accessories is also becoming as common as camouflage — from handbags to hats to headwraps — these gorgeous pieces are everywhere. Even many of our favorite celebs have found ways to bring the prints and styles made from #WestAfricanAnkara and #NigerianBatik into the limelight.


Despite the popularity of this trend, the dresses seen from celebrities are custom-made, with a nice, hefty price tag. The upside is that because of the currency differences, the design options many celebrities are wearing are also available to us at a much more affordable cost. With a little digging, you can spice up our wardrobe with some of these gorgeous prints without breaking the bank.


Types of African Fabrics

  • Swiss Voile Lace textiles were traditionally made in Switzerland and continue to be produced in Switzerland and Austria. However, due to cost and efficiency considerations, production of these fabrics has expanded to different countries around the world.

  • One of the most popular types of African fabric, widely used in the United States, is Wax Print. Holland now dominates the production of this genre of African fabric. However, a significant amount is still produced in countries like Ghana, the Ivory Coast, and Nigeria, using traditional methods and techniques.


The Use of Bold Colors & Dеѕign

When you think of African Fabrics, most instantly refer to the use of the textile’s vibrant, bold colors, trendy patterns, and design. These attributes are really what have made African Ankara fabrics so popular and used around the world.


African Ankara Patterns & Prints gained awareness in the U.S. and throughout the world, as many migrated from western Africa bringing this fabulous fashion & style influence to western culture, gaining the attention and appreciation of many fashion designers and others.


Care & Maintenance of African Prints

The care & maintenance for African Fabica havw a string relationship with the nature of the fabrics utilized and the tehniques in theis production. Care should be taken to read and understand the labeling on the fabrics, especially the type and grade of cotton (a dominant content) in order to properly care for these textiles to ensure the viability of the pieces produced.


The Versatility of African Fabrics

One of the many reasons why I can appreciate African Fabrics is because there are no limitations on the types of fashions that can be produced from these beautiful textiles! From dresses to headwraps to pantsuits, the flexibility and versatility of African fabrics are limitless. African textiles offer flexibility in how they are worn – they can be dressed up or down and worn for any occasion.

  • Dresses: For me, African textile dresses are my favorite garment to wear and accessorize. They’re so comfortable and fit exceptionally well! Dresses made from African wax-prints are mainly Ankara fabrics, which come in an endless number of patterns and prints! The flexibility of the material makes for some of the edgiest, chic, and avant-garde silhouettes created for fashion.

Below are a few looks from my favorite pieces to inspire your

African Ankara Wax-Print Dress search:







  • Blouses, Shirts & Tops: From ruffled to fitted, to an off-the-shoulder crop top African Fabrics can transform any blouse, top or shirt into a piece to be envied. And, when paired with high-waisted fitted tights or jeans, these tops creates a gorgeous silhouette, with emphasis on the waist. Whether you choose to let your shoulders and clavicle glisten in the sunlight or for a sexier look - expose a tad more cleavage, any of these tops are great pieces to add to your wardrobe.

Below are a few looks from my favorite pieces to inspire your

African Ankara Wax-Print Shirt search:



















Below are a few of my favorite pieces to

inspire your African Ankara Wax-Print Skirt search:













  • Jumpsuits & Suits: Wearing suits and jumpsuits can be a chore to wear at times, given the fact that the suits of old are usually looked as being stuffy, business-like, and the jumpsuits are hard to put on. Today, however, we have many exciting options created with African Print Fabrics. These pieces are great ways to add a chic look, personality, and style to your wardrobe, whether for business or casual. Ensembles like these are great to wear for weddings as well!

Below are a few of my favorite pieces to

inspire your African Ankara Wax-Print Jumpsuit & Suit search:

















  • Accessories: When I can’t find anything in my size at any given store, I can always find solace within the sections devoted to accessories and purses. Finding unique options is a bit more challenging, however African Ankara Print accessories can take any ensemble from blah to jazzy!

Below are a few of my favorite pieces to

inspire your African Ankara Wax-Print Accessories search:























For all those who are yet to experience the beauty of these fabrics, it is time to do so. And for those who have, let's continue to embrace our cultural pride and always dare to be different when wearing these gorgeous, chic, and fashionable pieces.

Looking for a few great pieces to complete your summer wardrobe? Check out Haus Deco Chic - Fashion & Style Soul Collective Boutique for the latest designs and fashion-forward pieces. You can also check our great finds in Haus Deco Chic's Closet on Poshmark!


Disclaimer: Please note the links in this post are affiliate links and if you make a purchase through them I may earn a commission. Keep in mind, the links I've recommended through these companies are based solely on my opinion, as well as the quality and competitive pricing of these products. The decision is yours, and whether you decide to make a purchase is completely up to you.


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