Everything You Need to Know about Ankara Prints in USA

In this guide, we'll show you the fascinating world of Ankara prints, including where they came from, how they've changed over time, and how they've affected fashion in the U.S. and worldwide. This article has everything you need to know about these beautiful fabrics, whether you're a fashion expert looking to add to your collection or a curious person interested in their cultural meaning.

History of Ankara Prints in USA

Ankara prints have been a part of American fashion for a long time because of their rich history and bold designs. Around the middle of the 20th century, waves of migration and cultural exchange brought these bright textiles to the United States.

As Africans moved to different parts of the country, they brought the tradition of Ankara prints. These prints added a lot of color and creativity to American fashion. Ankara prints were first popular in these communities as a way to stay connected to their roots. They quickly became popular with the rest of America, who were drawn to their unique look and cultural meaning.

Ankara prints went from being rare imports to everyday items that people all over the country wore on the red carpet, on the runway, and in their everyday closets. They became popular mainly thanks to fashion industry leaders who showed how versatile and classic they are to many people.

In modern times, Ankara prints are still trendy in American fashion. They are loved for their beauty, skill, and appreciation of African culture. From urban street style to high-end couture, these prints show how powerful cultural exchange can be and how tradition can still impact a constantly changing fashion world.

What Makes Ankara Prints Unique

Ankara prints are unique in fashion because they have unique qualities that make them stand out. People who want to make a fashion statement love these bright textiles because of their intense colors, intricate patterns, and cultural meaning.

• One thing that makes Ankara prints unique is that the fabric is usually 100% cotton. Because the material is light and airy, Ankara prints are easy to wear in various climates. They're also great for both casual and dressy events.
• Another thing that makes Ankara prints stand out is their designs, often based on traditional African patterns and symbols. Each print, which ranges from geometric shapes to floral designs, tells a story and shows the rich cultural history of Africa.
• One of the best things about Ankara prints is that they are versatile. They can be used in many different clothes and accessories. These prints add style to any outfit, whether wearing a bright Ankara dress, a trendy headwrap, or shoes that make a statement.

People love Ankara prints because they are beautiful, well-made, and a way to honor cultural diversity and heritage. With their undeniable charm and classic style, it's no surprise that Ankara prints have become a must-have for fashion-forward people worldwide.

How to Put on Ankara Prints

Putting on Ankara prints is about creativity and showing off your style. Here are some tips to help you rock Ankara prints with confidence, whether you're new to wearing these bright fabrics or have been a fashion fan for a long time:

1. Start with pieces that make a point: Pick one dress, skirt, or blazer that makes a statement to be the main piece of your Ankara outfit. To let the Ankara print stand out, keep the rest of your outfit simple and neutral.
2. Blend and match: It's okay to mix and match Ankara prints with other styles and patterns. Wear a bright Ankara top with jeans or a floral Ankara skirt with a striped blouse for a unique and eye-catching look.
3. Carefully choose your accessories. The right ones can take your Ankara print outfit to the next level. You could add a matching headwrap, a pair of statement earrings, or a necklace with beads to go with the colors and patterns on your Ankara piece.
4. Try out different shapes: Ankara prints come in many shapes, such as fitted dresses, flowy skirts, and tailored trousers. Try on a few different styles until you find one that looks good and makes you feel good about yourself.
5. Layer smartly: Adding layers to your Ankara print outfit can give it more depth and interest, especially when the seasons change. Wear an Ankara dress without sleeves with a denim jacket or a light scarf for extra warmth and style options.
6. Dress for the event: Consider what you're doing when deciding how to wear Ankara prints. For daytime activities, choose more laid-back and casual styles. Save your bolder and more structured clothes for events or nights out.

Ankara Prints Beyond Fashion

In addition to fashion, Ankara prints are used in many other areas of daily life. Their bright colors and cultural meaning make our world a better place.

• Decoration and design for the home: Ankara prints are increasingly used to give home decor a pop of color and personality. They can be used to update furniture, throw pillows, curtains, and even wall art. They can also show off a person's cultural background and personal tastes.
• Inspiration for art and craft projects: Ankara prints give artists and crafters ideas for adding an African touch to their work. Ankara prints can be used in many ways to express creativity and honor cultural diversity, such as painting, collage, and textile art.
• Cultural events and celebrations: Ankara prints are essential to cultural events and celebrations in African and diaspora communities. Ankara prints are often worn as a sign of pride and heritage at weddings, festivals, cultural shows, and performances. They bring people together and make them feel like they belong.
• Corporate branding: Ankara prints are increasingly used in corporate branding and marketing materials to celebrate cultural diversity and openness. They help businesses show they care about embracing different cultures and building community through company uniforms and branded goods.
• Social action and awareness: Ankara prints are also used to encourage people to care about and take action on critical social issues. Through fashion shows, art shows, and community events, Ankara prints create a space to talk about identity, representation, and cultural heritage. This leads to deep conversations that lead to positive change.

How to Take Care of and Maintain Ankara Print

If you take good care of your Ankara fabric, it will stay bright and beautiful for many years. Here are some easy things you can do to keep your Ankara pieces in good shape:

1. Always check the care label on your Ankara fabric to see how to wash it properly. You should often wash Ankara clothes by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on the fabric; they can damage the colors and patterns.
2. Be careful when handling your Ankara fabric so the print doesn't get stretched or distorted. When washing or drying the fabric, don't wring or twist it too much. This can damage the fibers and change the way the fabric looks.
3. After washing it, gently squeeze the extra water and lay it flat to dry naturally. Ankara pieces should not be hung in direct sunlight because the colors can fade if exposed for a long time. Also, don't use a dryer because the heat can damage or shrink the fabric.
4. If your Ankara fabric is wrinkled, iron it on a low heat setting while it's still damp. Cover the fabric with a thin cloth to protect the print. Slowly iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles. Do not use steam or a high heat setting because they can fade or bleed the colors.
5. Fold it up neatly and keep it somewhere cool and dry that isn't in direct sunlight. Do not hang Ankara clothes briefly, as this can cause the fabric to lose shape or stretch.

Taking these steps to care for and maintain your Ankara fabric will ensure it stays bright and beautiful for many years. You can then enjoy its unique patterns and colors with confidence.

Frequently asked questions about Ankara print in the USA

Where did the Ankara print come from?

Ankara prints, also known as African wax prints or Dutch wax prints, were first made in Indonesia. In the 1800s, Dutch colonists brought them to West Africa. However, Ankara prints as we know them today are linked to West African culture, especially that of Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Even though they come from Indonesia, Ankara prints have much to do with African identity and heritage. They are a sign of cultural pride and expression throughout Africa and beyond.

Which type of Ankara is the best?

Which Ankara fabric is "best" is a matter of opinion and depends on the person and what they plan to use the fabric for. When picking out Ankara fabric, some things to think about are:

• Check that the Ankara fabric is made from suitable materials and has a tight weave. A better quality Ankara fabric will usually last longer and keep its color and vibrancy longer.
• Ankara fabrics have a lot of different prints and patterns, from modern patterns to traditional ones. You should pick a print that goes with your style and the way you plan to use the fabric, like for crafts, clothes, or home decor.
• Ensure the Ankara fabric has good color fastness, which means the colors won't fade or run when washed. This will keep your Ankara pieces bright and lovely for a long time.
• If the fabric is worn as clothing, consider how comfortable it is. You will wear Ankara clothes for a long time, so look for a soft, breathable fabric that feels good against your skin.

That being said, the "best" Ankara fabric is the one that fits your needs and tastes, whether you care about quality, style, comfort, or morality. Try out different Ankara fabrics until you find the ones that are right for you and help you express your creativity and style.

What's the difference between Ankara and Adire?

Adire and Ankara are both types of African textile prints, but they come from different parts of Africa and differ in their appearance.

Origin and technique

• Adire is a traditional type of Yoruba textile art from Nigeria, especially from the Yoruba people living in the country's southwest. The fabric was made in a way called "tie and dye," which is what the word "Adire" suggests. In adire, fabric is tied or stitched into complicated patterns and dyed with indigo or other natural dyes. With variations like Adire Eleko (starch resist) and Adire Oniko (tied resist), this process makes one-of-a-kind patterns and often needs to be more straight.
• Ankara, also called African wax prints or Dutch wax prints, was first made in Indonesia but became popular in West Africa when it was a colony. Ankara prints are created using a wax-resist dyeing method. To resist the dye, wax is applied to the fabric in certain patterns. The fabric is dyed repeatedly, making bright, colorful designs with unique motifs and patterns. People love Ankara prints because they have bright colors, complicated patterns, and dyed areas that need to be dyed that stand out a lot.

Styles and patterns

• The patterns on Adire fabrics are often organic and abstract, often based on nature, traditional symbols, or cultural meaning. Adire's tie-dyeing process makes patterns that are one-of-a-kind and not straight, with changes in shading and intensity. "Alabere" (broken plate), "Olokun" (water ripples), and "Eleko" (hand-painted) are all common Adire patterns.
• Ankara prints have big geometric shapes and patterns that are often the same, like flowers, animals, or cultural symbols. They come in many different patterns and colors, from traditional patterns to modern and abstract ones. People love these prints because they have bright colors, lots of contrast, and many small details.

Which country produces Ankara fabric?

Ankara fabric is primarily made in the Netherlands and a few West African countries. It is also called African wax prints or Dutch wax prints. Dutch textile companies made the fabric in the Netherlands and sent it to West Africa during the colonial era. Ankara fabric was first made in Nigeria, but it spread to West African countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast over time.

Today, many African countries have textile industries and production facilities making Ankara fabric. These fabrics are mostly made by local textile mills or businesses that produce bright and colorful wax prints for markets in the United States and other countries. While the Netherlands is still a major producer of Ankara fabric, West African countries have become major hubs for making and distributing these unique fabrics, meeting the needs and tastes of customers all over the world.

How much does Ankara cost in the US?

In the United States, the price of Ankara fabric can change based on several factors, such as the length of the fabric, the quality of the fabric, and the difficulty of the design. Ankara fabric costs between $5 and $15 per yard in the United States on average. Ankara fabrics that are high-end or designed by a designer and fabrics with unique prints or limited edition collections can have higher prices.

Also, keep in mind that prices can change based on where you buy Ankara fabric, how much it costs, and any other costs, like shipping fees, if you buy it online. Sales, discounts, or special offers from stores can also change the final price of Ankara fabric.

Shoppers can find Ankara fabric at various price points to fit their needs and budgets. They can find these fabrics online and in fabric stores across the USA.

Conclusion

As a reliable online fabric store in the USA, we're happy to offer you a wide range of Ankara fabrics that celebrate culture, creativity, and individuality. Our Ankara collection has a range of styles and colors, from bright prints to bold patterns.

Now is a great time to look through our collection of Ankara fabrics and get creative. Our Ankara fabrics can help you make your ideas come to life, whether making a one-of-a-kind outfit for a special occasion, adding a splash of color to your home decor, or making one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.